Credit: BAA
The Brisbane Advertising Association gathered more than 650 people for its annual Christmas Lunch at The Star Brisbane, raising more than $12,000 for The Pyjama Foundation.
The event, themed BAAnival, brought together the city’s advertising and media community to support children in foster care through UnLtd. A tribute to Kat Droulers was included in the program.
Emily McDonald, president of the Brisbane Advertising Association, said the day showed the strength of the local industry.
“BAA is proud to bring our community together in such a meaningful way each year,” she said.
“BAAnival captured the energy and creativity of our industry, a celebration with purpose, reminding us of the power we have when we come together.”
UnLtd’s Queensland GM, Emma Davis, said the support remained significant.
“The support from the Brisbane advertising community continues to amaze us,” she said. “The funds raised from this event, and our ongoing partnership with BAA, will directly impact The Pyjama Foundation, helping create brighter futures for children in out-of-home care.”
Pyjama Foundation founder and CEO Bronwyn Sheehan said the partnership helped boost volunteer recruitment and awareness.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Brisbane Advertising Association this year as the industry’s chosen charity partner,” she said.
“The Christmas Lunch donation of over $12,000 will help us recruit, train, and match even more Pyjama Angels in 2026.”
Ten companies sponsored the event, with additional partner contributions across activations, prizes and charity support.
David Jones’ Nick Smithwick said the activation work resonated with attendees.
“Being part of BAAnival this year was incredibly valuable for our team,” he said.
“Seeing everyone light up at the David Jones Amplify x Channel Factory Glam Bot activation was a real highlight, it created so much energy, connection and pure fun.”
SCA’s Carla Mathisen said the day remained a key moment for the community.
“We sponsor BAA to give back to the industry that supports us and to showcase LiSTNR to a truly engaged Brisbane audience,” she said.
Vevo’s Blair Kelly said BAA reflected Brisbane’s close-knit market.
“BAA distills the essence of the unique community-orientated Brisbane media market,” Kelly said.
SBS Media’s Brad Roberts said the association played an important role.
“SBS is extremely proud of our association with BAA, and we value the special uniqueness that the organisation delivers to the Brisbane advertising community,” he said.
AOSco’s Jesse McIntyre said the event stood out for its energy.
“BAAnival was a vibrant, full-colour sensory overload this year,” McIntyre said.
The lunch remains a fixture on the Queensland industry calendar, combining celebration, networking and fundraising.
Sponsors of the event included David Jones Amplify, Channel Factory, Val Morgan, Blis, SBS, Spotify, News Corp, Vevo, LiSTNR, Beyond and AOSco. Partner contributions came from UnLtd, Klyp, Spot, Charity, Ridefree, Noosa Heads and Oyster Bay.
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