NSWCCL Annual Dinner 2026

Posted by 52sc on July 23, 2026
Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Venue: Sky Phoenix Restaurant, Level 6, Westfield Plaza, 188 Pitt St, Sydney

About the Event

In our 64th year, the fully independent advocacy provided by the NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) remains absolutely vital as Australians face intrusive digital surveillance, and growing threats to free speech, journalism, and multiculturalism.

This Annual Dinner is our primary fundraising event of the year and because NSWCCL accepts no government funding. our independent advocacy is entirely powered by the generosity of our closest community allies. Your ticket purchase directly funds our work and the frontline defense of human rights, free speech, and civil liberties in the year ahead. 

The evening will also feature our annual Excellence in Civil Liberties Journalism Awards. A free, independent press is our strongest shield against the weaponisation of populist rhetoric that seeks to erode our rights and fracture our society. By celebrating journalists who anchor public debate in objective facts and human rights, we reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive democracy that resists division.

Alongside these critical discussions, the evening will feature live musical performances, great food, and opportunities to connect with NSW's top law firms, legal minds, and Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum. 

Ticket Prices

Scroll to the bottom to Purchase your Tickets. Early bird and student allocations are strictly limited.
     
Student Member Ticket $90 Valid student ID and NSWCCL membership required.
Early Bird Ticket $160 Limited tickets. Available until sold out.
Member Ticket $180 Current NSWCCL members.
Non-Member Ticket $200 General public admission.
Donate a Ticket $180 Sponsor a seat for a student, volunteer, or activist.
Table of 10 $1,800 Full table booking for corporate, firm, or group seating.
 

2026 Keynote Speaker: Lizzie O’Shea

We are thrilled to welcome author, lawyer, and human rights advocate Lizzie O’Shea as our keynote speaker. Lizzie is the co-founder and chair of Digital Rights Watch and a formidable voice against corporate and state digital overreach. Her acclaimed book, Future Histories, analyses past progressive movements to find a democratic, human-centric roadmap for our technological future. As AI powered surveillance increasingly and misinformation campaigns encroach on personal autonomy, Lizzie’s keynote will outline a vital strategy for defending digital rights and civic freedoms in this automated world.

Evening Program

  • Formal Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country
  • A briefing from NSWCCL President on NSWCCL’s active campaigns, media interventions, and legal scrutiny.
  • Lizzie O'Shea's Keynote Address
  • The Excellence in Civil Liberties Journalism Awards: Celebrating courageous public-interest media.
  • Raffle & Silent Auction: An opportunity to bid on exclusive prizes to directly fund our 2027 campaigns.
  • Networking & Dinner Reception: Premium multi-course banquet dinner accompanied by music.
WHEN
October 01, 2026 at 6:00pm - 9pm
WHERE
Sky Phoenix, Level 6 Westfield, 188 Pitt St, Sydney
Shop 6001(Level 6/Westfield)/188 Pitt St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Hash Palaparthy ·

Will you come?

$1,800.00 Table of 10
Full table booking for corporate, firm, or group seating.
$200.00 General Public
$180.00 Donate a Ticket
Pay it forward to sponsor a student or a volunteer.
$180.00 NSWCCL Member
$160.00 Early Bird
Limited tickets. Available until sold out.
$90.00 Student Member
Valid student ID and NSWCCL Membership required at entry.

NSWCCL acknowledges that the land on which we operate and function is the traditional land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.

We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present and acknowledge the Youth, the future leaders, in whose hands we hold our hope for a reconciled future.

Always was, always will be.

 

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