Night Off-Night Out is not going ahead in 2010.  PANDA is very busy planning for the expansion of the national helpline in July 2010.  We are all keen for Night Off-Night Out to re-appear in 2011.  Watch this space!!!

About Night Off Night Out

In 2000 three women met at antenatal exercise classes when they were all pregnant with their first child. After getting together on a monthly basis to catch up they realised that raising a young child and trying to keep up with friends on a regular basis was more difficult than they had originally anticipated. This led to the idea of a "night out" for friends and their mother's groups - given the overwhelming changes that a child can bring to a family and limited opportunities for "social" time.

They agreed that whilst they were lucky not have suffered depression from becoming a mother they all knew women who had. They decided to host an event to raise money for an organisation that assisted women and chose to try and assist the Post and Antenatal Depression Association ("PANDA") by organising a fundraising dinner for women.

The first Night Off-Night Out event took place in 2003 and it gave 180 ladies a "night off" from their everyday life as well as a "night out" with girlfriends. A fantastic night was had by all that attended and $4,580.00 was raised and donated to PANDA.

Since that date Night Off-Night Out has been PANDA's annual fundraiser. Each year the attendees have increased and the event has become a much anticipated event Melbourne ladies. To date $80,000.00 has been donated to PANDA, funds that have helped PANDA continue to provide a unique service to women and their families throughout Victoria. Over the years Night Off-Night Out has been privileged to have entertainers such as Denise Drysdale, Brigitte Duclos, Matt Tilley, Lisa Edwards, Catherine Deveny and Nelly Thomas support the event.

In 2008 PANDA employed Amanda Driscoll, founder of Night Off-Night Out as their Events Coordinator. With the blessing of past Night Off-Night Out Committee members Night Off-Night Out has now become one of PANDA’s major events.  The aim of Night Off-Night Out remains the same - to have a fun night out whilst raising much needed funds for PANDA.

2009 was our 7^th annual Night Off-Night Out, held at the Powerhouse in Albert Park.    Over 340 women attended and were kept in stitches by MC Catherine Deveny and Comedian Nellie Thomas.  Many fantastic prizes were donated by a variety of business and individuals – you can take the time to check out these amazing 2009 Sponsors.  Without the support and generosity of the following companies, groups and individuals Night Off-Night Out 2009 could not be such a success so please support those that have supported us.