There aren’t many nights that genuinely take your breath away—but this year’s Kollosche People’s Ball was one of them.
Held at The Star on the Gold Coast, it wasn’t just the lights, the suits, the sparkles, or even the music (though Ricki-Lee and Tobiahs absolutely brought the house down). It was the feeling in the room—the purpose, the unity, and the pure generosity on show—that hit me hardest.
More than $1.1 million was raised on the night, all going straight to Serving Our People (SOP). That number’s big—but the impact is even bigger. Those funds mean food for families, clothes for kids, and real help delivered straight into the hands of Aussies doing it tough. That’s why we back SOP. That’s why we show up.
Proud Brother Moment
Now, I’ve worn a lot of hats in my time—founder of Ringers Western, station hand, cattleman, horse breeder, builder—but nothing makes me prouder than being a brother. And watching my sister Emma step up on that stage? That was a moment I won’t forget.
Emma spoke with power, with heart, and with all the conviction of someone who knows that community isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we do. She spoke about our values at Ringers, the mateship we were raised on, and the responsibility we all carry to give back. And she nailed it.
I was sitting there with my other sister Anika, our brother Matteo, and a bunch of our nearest and dearest. And as Emma spoke, I couldn’t help but think about Mum and Dad, and the way they raised us—to stand up, show up, and always lend a hand.
Why SOP Matters
Serving Our People is one of those charities that gets straight to the point. No fluff, no ego—just action. They’re out there making sure no one gets left behind. And they do it right here in our own backyard, which means the world to us.
At Ringers Western, we’ve always believed in backing the people who are out there doing the hard work. That’s why we supply SOP cafés with our branded coffee cups. It’s a small touch—but every cup is a reminder that someone’s thinking of you. That someone gives a damn.
So when we were invited to co-sponsor the People’s Ball again this year, the answer was always going to be yes. Events like this remind you what real generosity looks like. And they bring together people from all walks of life who want to leave things better than they found them.
Family, Community, and the Road Ahead
Being in that ballroom, surrounded by family, friends, legends like Michael Kollosche and Yas Matbouly, and a thousand people who turned up ready to give—it filled my cup. Not just as a business owner, but as a bloke who cares about where we’re heading as a community.
We talk a lot at Ringers about stickin’ together. It’s not just branding—it’s who we are. Whether we’re raising cattle, running a business, handing out coffee cups, or helping families through a rough patch, we do it as a team.
That night was a perfect reminder that when you mix generosity with grit, and heart with hustle, anything’s possible.
To SOP, Kollosche, and every guest who showed up: thank you. And to Emma—sis, you absolutely crushed it.
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James Salerno
Founder, Ringers Western
Proud Brother. Proud Aussie. Proud to Stick Together.