The Illawarra Police Charity Ball Committee presented cheques for more than $25,000 to two charities today, showing their service extends well beyond law enforcement.
In July 2025, more than 250 community members, police and business leaders gathered at The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow, for the annual Illawarra Police Charity Ball.
Today (Wednesday 10 September 2025), the Illawarra Police Charity Ball committee handed over two cheques to the McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director Tracy Bevan and NSW Police Legacy Chief Operations Officer Sharyn Frawley, totalling $26,000.
The major charity beneficiary, The McGrath Foundation, was donated $20,800 to fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, who provide expert clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to people and their families experiencing cancer.
A cheque was also presented to the NSW Police Legacy for $5,200. Each year a portion of the fundraising efforts is donated to the charity, which provides care and ongoing support to the families of police officers who have suffered a loss.
Major sponsor Nikolovski Lawyers generously donated $10,000 towards the fundraising total this year.
Silent auction and live auction items including a behind the scenes tour of the POL Air headquarters and two-person helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour were among the major fundraising items on the night. Other major prizes included a ride in the Marine Area Command police boat and a signed Glenn McGrath bat, donated by the McGrath Foundation.
Illawarra Police Charity Ball President Chief Superintendent John Klepczarek welcomed the highest fundraising record in recent years.
"We really want to thank the local community and our broader policing family for supporting this very special event," Mr Klepczarek said.
"It is very fitting that former Wollongong police officer Bev Lawson started the charity ball back in 1985 to provide further medical treatment locally for patients in the Illawarra and the event has come full circle – this year, raising money for the McGrath Cancer care nurses to provide assistance for people battling cancer.
"This event is so much more than a charity ball; it allows us to continue the strong relationship we have with our local community and help the local community when they are in need."
McGrath Foundation Director and Ambassador Tracy Bevan has welcomed the fundraising efforts of the Ball Committee.
"The McGrath Foundation is so grateful for the incredible fundraising effort from the Illawarra Police Charity Ball Committee. Your support will help us continue to fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses right across Australia, providing vital care and comfort to individuals and families going through cancer. Since expanding our support to all cancers in January 2025, we need community support more than ever we thank the Illawarra community generosity, helping us ensure that no one goes through cancer without care," Mrs Bevan said.
Since 1985, the Illawarra Police Charity Ball (IPCB) has raised more than $500,000 dollars for Illawarra and South Coast charities – with assistance from the local community and businesses – making it one of the longest running police charity balls in the state.
