WFTN Cocktails for Charity Raises a Record $40,000 for Zephyr Education
28th September 2026
By Women in Forests & Timber Network QLD
The Women in Forests & Timber Network (WFTN) Queensland Cocktails for Charity event was an outstanding success, bringing together more than 120 industry members, colleagues, and supporters for an afternoon of connection, generosity, and fundraising in support of Zephyr Education. Thanks to the incredible support of attendees, donors, prize contributors and sponsors, the event raised a record-breaking $40,000, the highest amount achieved in the event's history. These funds will help Zephyr Education continue its vital work supporting children whose education has been disrupted by domestic and family violence.
The generosity of the timber, forestry and broader industry community was on full display throughout the afternoon. Guests enthusiastically supported the cause through donations, raffle ticket sales, and the live charity auction, helping drive this remarkable fundraising result.
A particular highlight of the event was the highly anticipated auctions, which generated significant interest, friendly competition, and plenty of excitement among the crowd. Auction items included framed and signed State of Origin jerseys from both the men's and women's teams, complete with certificates of authenticity, along with a luxurious Emporium South Bank Staycation and High Tea experience. These sought-after prizes attracted strong bidding and contributed significantly to the fundraising success of the day. The raffle prizes were equally well received, with attendees embracing the opportunity to support Zephyr Education while vying for an impressive range of generously donated prizes. The enthusiasm shown throughout the raffle and auction demonstrated the commitment of our industry to making a meaningful difference.
“As a proud Women in Forests and Timber Network QLD Committee member for the past 13 years, I continue to be humbled by the generosity and commitment of our industry.
This year's Cocktails for Charity was our most successful yet, raising a record $40,000 for Zephyr Education Inc. The result belongs to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, attendee, and supporter who contributed.
No matter what hat you wear in our sector, thank you for always getting behind this cause.The benchmark for 2027 has been set. Let's see what we can achieve together next year.” Jacinta Colley, Committee member for WFTN QLD.
WFTN Queensland extends its sincere thanks to all attendees, donors, auction bidders, raffle participants, and prize contributors. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our valued Platinum Sponsor - Woodhouse, Gold Sponsors – ITI Australia, James Hardie, Porta, Bretts, FWPA, Silver – Langs, Parkside Timber, SmartFrame by Tilling, Weathertex, Vida, Bronze Sponsors – FTMA, Megabeam, AKD, Wilson Timebrs, NTHA, HQ Plantations + donation sponsors for raffle prizes combined with our Annual Partner Wesbeam, whose generous support played a critical role in making the event possible and ensuring its success. Raising a record $40,000 for Zephyr Education is an achievement that everyone involved should be incredibly proud of. Together, more than 120 attendees helped create a memorable event that will have a lasting impact on the children and families supported by Zephyr Education.
The success of Cocktails for Charity is also a reflection of the passion and commitment of the dedicated WFTN Queensland Committee members who volunteer their time to bring this event to life each year. A special thank you to Tahlia Bellotti (NTHA), Jenni Day (Versace Timbers), Jacinta Colley (Vida Wood), Dee Atkinson (Wesbeam), Casey Holmes (Dindas) and Alicia Langfield (NTHA), whose hard work, energy, and dedication were instrumental in delivering another outstanding event. We also acknowledge and thank their employers for supporting their involvement and contribution. Events such as these are a testament to the commitment these women have to the timber and forestry sector, their colleagues, and the broader community. Through their leadership and enthusiasm, they continue to strengthen industry connections while helping create meaningful outcomes for worthy causes such as Zephyr Education. Thank you to everyone who supported WFTN Queensland's Cocktails for Charity 2026 and helped make this year's event our most successful yet.
