2026 SMART PUPS FUNDRAISER LUNCHEON

With national treasure and Olympian Dawn Fraser (AC, MBE) as a patron, rugby league immortal Wally Lewis, and lots of cute puppies to cuddle, the annual Paddo Tavern Smart Pups Fundraiser luncheon is a highlight on the Australian hospitality calendar.

Smart Pups are a not-for-profit charity organisation based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, specialising in providing trained service dogs to assist children with special needs. Their goal is to improve the quality of life of children with special needs by training assistance dogs in task-specific skills.

Organiser Criag Harley, IGT/Everi National Director, along with the who’s who of the entire industry, were in attendance this year. The annual luncheon is well supported by representatives from all segments of the industry, with clubs, hotels, casinos, gaming manufacturers, breweries, beverage companies, industry professionals, industry peak bodies, the QLD government & public service all attending with one common goal…to raise desperately needed funds for this amazing not-for-profit organisation.

Queensland Attorney General, the Hon. Deb Frecklington announced a donation of $200,000 on behalf of the Queensland Government to help Smart Pups continue their life-changing work.

The audience of 500 were entertained by Australia’s number one bush poet, Murray Hartin, inspirational speaker David Foster OAM, 186-time world woodchopping champion (via AV), and Queensland pub music legend, Tuffy.

This year an incredible $478,681 was raised at Queensland’s most loved charity event.

See the 2-minute video of the day here >>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gsatoG08IzeM-9YwCV46HokqAOqskr1d/view?usp=sharing