The Quill Club’s annual charity lunch in Melbourne raised $40,000 for the Commando Welfare Trust.

The event at Docklands venue Peninsula A was attended by just under 500 people and included auctions, raffles and speakers who highlighted the trust’s work and issues faced by soldiers and their families.

The sum raised includes a $10,000 donation from the Steadfast Foundation.

A ceremonial hand-crafted commando dagger was auctioned for $3000, with the buyer becoming only the third civilian to own one.

The Commando Welfare Trust was represented by Executive Officer Selena Clancy and a serving senior commando.

Adventurer and former soldier Brian Freeman, who campaigns on behalf of veterans, was guest speaker.

The trust was established in 2010 to provide financial relief and support for Special Operations Command soldiers and families.

The Quill Club, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in October, is a group of insurance professionals “dedicated to the cause of the development of relationships through social liaison”.

It meets for lunches and other events every second Friday at locations around Melbourne. The charity luncheon is its major annual event.