WITH IMMENSE AND HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO ALL THOSE WHO ATTENDED THIS EXTRAORDINARY EVENT
An Afternoon of Literary Elegance, Enchantment, and Hope
Once upon a time, within the hallowed and whispered halls of Old Parliament House, Canberra’s historic treasure, the former home of Australia’s democracy, and a place known to hold a hint of haunting charm, doors will open to a realm where stories awaken, imagination flourishes, and moments are savoured like the finest passages of a cherished book. You are invited to join us for an afternoon that celebrates the joy of storytelling, the elegance of a classic tea, and the extraordinary power of generosity.
When: Saturday, 13th June 2026
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
We encourage guests to arrive a little early as this enchanted experience will begin promptly at 2:00 pm
Where: Old Parliament House, back entrance on Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the spacious lot on Queen Victoria Terrace with a convenient drop-off point at the circular driveway outside the back entrance
Dress: Step into the pages of your favourite story and bring your beloved character to life. Whether whimsical, daring, or elegant, dressing up is your invitation to enter this enchanted world and let imagination guide the afternoon. Classic tea party elegance is also warmly welcomed
An Afternoon of Literary Delights:
- A sparkling welcome drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, to toast the beginning of your journey
- An exquisite High Tea with delicate treats and elegant fare crafted for both adults and children
- Gentle acoustic melodies softly weaving familiar classic hits that will drift through the air and create a warm and magical family-friendly atmosphere
- Raffle, lucky door prizes, and a silent auction filled with treasures to delight and inspire
Tables: Gather at a table for 2, 4, or 6 guests. Multiple tables may be arranged to accommodate your party with pricing per person allowing a blend of adults and children
Cost: $100 per adult and $50 per child (12 years and under)
For an afternoon where every detail from the sparkling welcome drink to the elegant High Tea and entertainment is included. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a truly magical experience that is accessible for families and carries a purpose far beyond the tea.
Every dollar raised will go directly to vital research programs to support children in Canberra and across Australia diagnosed with brain cancer. This celebration honours Dainere’s extraordinary and selfless legacy and ensures her spirit continues to inspire courage, hope, and generosity in every child’s story yet to be told
Be part of a story that you will remember and that change the future for children with brain cancer across Australia.
The beautiful Members’ Dining Rooms at Old Parliament were designed by renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin and constructed in 1927. Griffin’s vision was to create a space that reflected the Australian identity, and he incorporated elements of the bush and native flora into the design. The Members’ Dining Rooms have served as a venue for politicians, dignitaries, and other important figures to gather and socialize for over a century. They offer a glimpse into Australia’s political past and continue to be a valued part of the nation’s heritage.
Restaurant Associates, with their decade of experience at Old Parliament House, invites you to step into a world of culinary excellence. Their passionate team is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments through exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Adult’s High Tea – $100
- Freshly baked warm scones with whipped cream and Berenberg strawberry jam
- Mini homemade sausage rolls
- Quiches with tangy tomato chutney
A Selection of Finger Sandwiches
- Poached chicken with herbs,
- Smoked salmon with cream cheese,
- Fresh garden cucumber
A Selection of Petite Desserts
- Turkish Delight Panna Cotta – Inspired by The Lion , The Witch and The Wardrobe
- Traditional French Macaron Caramel Slice – Inspired by Dainere
- Butter Beer Tatta Tart – Inspired by Harry Potter
Beverages
- A selection of teas and filter coffee
- A glass of sparkling wine on arrival or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Children’s High Tea – $50.00 (12 years and under)
- Freshly baked warm scones with whipped cream and Berenberg strawberry jam
- Mini homemade sausage rolls
A Selection of Finger Sandwiches
- Vegemite Sandwiches
- Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Trio Of Mini Desserts
- Turkish Delight Panna Cotta – Inspired by The Lion , The Witch and The Wardrobe
- Traditional French Macaron Caramel Slice – Inspired by Dainere
- Butter Beer Tatta Tart – Inspired by Harry Potter
Beverages
- Orange juice or apple juice included (Other soft drinks available for an extra charge)
Our Community Partners give with rare generosity, offering goods, services, and experiences that bring the Book Character High Tea to life. Through your thoughtful contributions, you create moments of joy and enable meaningful fundraising. Your generosity is a quiet yet powerful expression of human kindness, and we are deeply grateful for the care and community spirit you so graciously share.
Dianne Calvert
Anne and David Gledhill
Emma and Joe Ingster
Nalani Kilby
Sam Kilby
John Mikita
Mikita Family
Toni Rice
Michael Bower has been a Marriage and Funeral Celebrant for over 10 years, and has been a professional MC for over 40 years.
He loves what he does whether meeting a newly engaged couple to help them make their Wedding Day exactly what they want, helping a family plan a Celebration of Life or working as MC at an Awards Night, Charity Fundraiser or a Wedding Reception, it never feels like work!
Red Fox Photography is owned and operated by photographer Corinne Read, whose passion for capturing authentic connections and meaningful moments shines through every image she creates.
Specialising in weddings, families, and events, Corinne is known for her warm, relaxed approach and her ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Her photography focuses on genuine emotion, natural light, and storytelling. Creating timeless images that families will treasure for generations.
As a proud supporter of local communities, Red Fox Photography is honoured to be involved in events that make a positive difference. Through her lens, Corinne not only captures beautiful photographs but also preserves the memories, connections, and moments that matter most.
“Hot Keys” is a solo cocktail piano performer, providing subtle, interactive entertainment to tastefully accompany our high tea event this year.
With more than two decades of experience performing solo, as a member of dozens of touring bands, and as a DJ at more than 800 events, Hot Keys (AKA Alex Carder) is experienced at reading a room and providing the right mood for an event.
Hot Keys’ expertise is playing songs by ear.
To contribute to fundraising for Dainere’s Rainbow this year, you can request your favourite tune on the day for a donation, and experience a unique rendition of the song come to life right before your eyes.
Website: https://djalexcarder.com
Bookings: info@djalexcarder.com
Facebook/Instagram: “DJ Alex Carder”
Kirsty Budding
Kirsty Budding is a Canberra-based writer, producer and actress. She is the founder of Budding Entertainment, a theatre company and talent agency.
Kirsty has won multiple awards for her stage writing, including the Canberra Area Theatre Award for Best Original Work and the Short+Sweet Festival Best Script Award. Her debut anthology, Paper Cuts: Comedic and Satirical Monologues for Audition or Performance, won the 2018 ACT Writing and Publishing Award for Fiction.
Her screenwriting has received international recognition, including awards and finalist placements at festivals such as the Dallas International Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Sherman Oaks Film Festival, and Houston Comedy Film Festival. She was also named a 2022 Screenwriter to Watch by Event Horizon Films and was inducted into the Australian Writers’ Guild Pathways Showcase.
Alongside writing, Kirsty acts in independent film productions and supports emerging filmmakers through festival sponsorship, mentoring and judging.
Budding Entertainment
Budding Entertainment is a Canberra-based theatre company and talent agency. The company offers semester-long theatre programs and school holiday workshops for children and teenagers, with a focus on building confidence, creativity and performance skills through production-based courses. Budding Entertainment stages original plays and adaptations of classic stories, while also providing scriptwriting services and talent representation for film, television and advertising.
The wonderful Deirdre and Grace bring face painting, balloon twisting, giant bubbles, magic, games and costume, hostess. Creating Memories Smiles and Giggles.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Graceful-Rose-Parties-100063591295445/
Photographs by Red Fox Photography (From Decades Gala Dinner 2024)
How to Book
Booking Form
We warmly invite you to download and complete the official booking form in full.
Submission
Please return your completed form via email to:
daineresrainbow@gmail.com
Payment
To ensure guests are not subject to booking fees or additional charges, the following payment options are available:
EFT or Cash (cash payments may be made by prior arrangement — please contact us to organise).
Payment details are on the booking form. Payment must be received within seven (7) days of submitting your form to secure your place.
For EFT payments: kindly include your company name or surname in the payment description to assist with confirmation.
Confirmation of Attendance
Once your completed booking form and payment have been received, you will receive an acknowledgement of payment confirming your attendance.
Terms and Conditions of Booking
Event Cancellation
In the unlikely event that the Book Character High Tea is cancelled by the organisers, all payments will be refunded in full.
Transfer of Booking
Should you be unable to attend, we kindly ask that you:
- Arrange for another guest to attend in your place
- Organise reimbursement of the ticket cost directly with that guest
- Advise the event organisers of the updated guest name/s and any dietary requirements no later than two (2) weeks prior to the event
As a courtesy to the venue and other guests, refunds cannot be offered for cancellations by guests or guest non-attendance.
Book Character High Tea Booking Form
Book Character High Tea Community Partnership Form
