“I didn’t know I was so beautiful”

Lives were changed forever when Afford joined the 2026 Bus Stop Ball. This special evening celebrated inclusion and the power of storytelling in film. The event brought together people with disability, industry partners and supporters who share a commitment to making the screen industry more accessible for all.

Clearly, it was going to be a spectacular event. But nobody predicted just how much it would mean to our client Jodie who, thanks to the generous support of a group of selfless strangers, saw herself as beautiful for what night have been the first time ever.

A night to remember for Jodie

Jodie attended as a guest of Afford. But she was supported by a community. Firstly, was supported by The Formal Project Bloom Inc. This Sydney-based charity provides formalwear and styling assistance to those who may not be able to afford such things themselves.

Thanks to their generosity, Jodie was dressed in super chic formalwear and arrived at the gala feeling confident, celebrated and ready to enjoy the evening in full.

It was a simple act of kindness that made a profound difference.

The power of collaboration

Events such as the Bus Stop Films Gala remind us that inclusion doesn’t happen in isolation. It is built through collaboration between organisations, community groups, charities and individuals, who all play a part in creating opportunity and dignity.

“It was an honour to be a small part of such a big adventure for Jodie,” said Sam Oakes, President of The Formal Project.

“To see her face light up certainly warmed our hearts. We were humbled to be a part of making this happen. And excited for Jodie.”

More than a night out

The Gala was a single evening, but like we said earlier, its impact goes much further. Experiences such as this build confidence, strengthen social connections and reinforce the importance of community inclusion in everyday life.

We’re proud to support opportunities that enable clients such as Jodie to participate fully in their communities. And not just as attendees, but as valued and celebrated individuals.

And the impact is real.

A delighted Jodie, 49, was glowing when she was fitted in a gorgeous, glittering pantsuit by staff at The Formal Project. She was even more excited when Afford support workers generously created a beautiful hair and makeup look for her on the night.

“I didn’t know I was so beautiful,” Jodie said when she saw the results.

It’s a statement that will stay with us forever.

Thank you

We extend our sincere thanks to Bus Stop Films for hosting such a meaningful event, and to The Formal Project Bloom Inc for their generosity and support. We thank also our support workers who went out of their way to make Jodie feel like a princess.

Most importantly, we celebrate Jodie – and the joy, confidence and presence she brought to the evening.

It is moments like these that remind us what inclusion truly looks like in practice: people, organisations and communities coming together to create something better, together.

To learn more about Bus Stop Films, go here.

To get involved with The Formal Project, go here.

To learn more about Afford accommodation offerings such as the home in which Jodie lives, click here.

Scroll down for more pics from this amazing night.