Renowned mental health advocate and author Craig Hamilton has been secured as the keynote speaker for The Race Against Suicide Raceday Official Luncheon on Saturday, 20th June 2026.
The Novocastrian will be sharing his experience navigating mental illness, which started in 2000 at the height of his sports broadcasting career. On the eve of the Sydney Olympics, which was to be his most significant assignment, he suffered a public breakdown. He spent 12 days in hospital, missed the Olympics, and was diagnosed with depression, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety. From then, Craig made it his life’s work to create awareness and challenge perceptions about people with mental health conditions. He has written two books, had his story turned into a documentary titled The Promise, and travels Australia sharing insights and offering hope to others.
The Race Against Suicide Official Luncheon sold out last year, so to accommodate more guests it has been moved from The A.J. “Bert” Lillye Lounge to Level One which comprises of both The Dining Room and Grandstand Bistro. i98FM’s Bella and Christian will return as hosts.
Tickets are $170 and include:
- Racecourse entry and reserved seating on Level One
- Shared antipasto platters on arrival
- Alternate serve plated main and dessert
- Afternoon tea including party pies and sausage rolls
- 5-hour house beverage package
- Entertainment, raffles, auctions, and giveaways
On the Public Lawn local mental health support services will have pop-up marquees where racegoers can learn about the resources available, collect information, and chat to representatives about their needs. There will also be food trucks, bars, a DJ all day, and other entertainment.
The Race Against Suicide Raceday was launched in 2025 to create awareness about mental health conditions and raise funds to help reduce the impact of suicide in the Illawarra. More than $50,000 was raised in the first year which was shared between a young family devastated by suicide and four local mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
All tickets for The Race Against Suicide Raceday are on sale now via Moshtix. General admission starts at $10.
