IN PICTURES: Southern Aboriginal Corporation hosts the 2024 NAIDOC Ball at Albany Entertainment Centre

Members of the Great Southern’s Indigenous community were dressed to the nines at the annual NAIDOC Ball on Saturday night. Hosted by the Southern Aboriginal Corporation at the Albany Entertainment Centre on July 20, over 100 well-dressed attendees enjoyed a night of fine-dining, musical and dance performances and socialising. Distinguished guests included Minister for Education and Indigenous Affairs Tony Buti, City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks, SAC chief executive Asha Bhat and local elders with Aboriginal ombudsman Laurence Riley MC for the event. Four awards were presented on the night, highlighting outstanding members of the Indigenous community. Young person of the year, sponsored by Headspace Albany, was won by Keira Yorkshire who had her father Brad Yorkshire accept it on her behalf. Sponsored by the Great Southern Development Commission, the winner of the special award for the 2024 NAIDOC theme was Shirley Williams. The City of Albany-sponsored Elder of the Year Award was won by 91-year-old Irene “Winnie” Larsen, who was unable to attend, with Aboriginal Health manager Charlotte Munro accepting it on her behalf. Joyce Ugle won the community services excellence award, sponsored by NAB.