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Indigenous Gala

About the Indigenous Gala

Bond University’s Indigenous Gala, Kumai Karulbo is a signature event in the University’s calendar. It serves as a major fundraiser and a platform to promote and celebrate Indigenous culture within the wider community.  Drawing close to 500 corporate and community attendees from across Australia, this event has been instrumental in raising over $6 million for scholarships, grants and bursaries since its inception in 2010.

Held each two years, the event is a spectacular celebration of Indigenous culture, showcasing the talents and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, entertainers, and both past and present Indigenous students.  

We deeply appreciate the support of all who attend or join us remotely, through the Live Auction, Silent Auction, raffle, and donations. 

Your generosity directly supports Bond University’s commitment to providing at least eight scholarships for Indigenous students to access a tertiary education with Bond University. 

In 2026, we are delighted to host the event once again on our beautiful campus.

Date: Friday 18 September 2026

Time: 6pm pre-dinner drinks, 7pm start

Venue:  Sports Hall, Bond University

What to expect

Join us for one of the largest Indigenous fundraising events hosted in Queensland and enjoy a 3-course Indigenous-inspired meal, live entertainment from The Jacks Band, plus the opportunity to bid for items in our live and silent auctions.

Tickets

  • $375 individuals
  • $3,500 Table of 10

Book tickets now

Guest speaker

Wayne Blair

Acclaimed Australian film and television director, writer and actor.

He may be considered one of our country's leading actors, writers and directors, having received what's widely referred to as an 'Australian Oscar' for hit film The Sapphire's, but Wayne Blair has none of the tropes associated with Hollywood.

Growing up in Rockhampton, Wayne Blair discovered filmmaking while working night shifts at local video stores. After studying at Queensland University of Technology, he began acting in Sydney, eventually producing short films with Metro Screen and mentoring from industry professionals.

Blair has since built a remarkable career, including work on Redfern Now, Total Control, and the hit TV mini-series Goolagong about Evonne Goolagong's life. His direction of the hit film The Sapphires, about four Indigenous women performing for troops in Vietnam, won him the 2012 AACTA Award for Best Direction.

Further Information

We look forward to hosting the next Kumai Karulbo in 2026.

For further information, please contact our Development Team.

2026 Indigenous Program partners

Patron
Dr Patrick Corrigan AM

Platinum partners  
Clarence Property 
Adam Knight & Adam Knight Fine Art
The Optical Superstore

Gold partners
Compnow  
Habitat Security & MSS Security
Minter Ellison

A look inside past Indigenous Gala's