Third Southern Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC Ball to be held in July to celebrate Indigenous achievements

Pride, resilience and the enduring spirit of Indigenous people will be at the heart of next month’s 2024 Southern Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC Ball, hosted at the Albany Entertainment Centre. Now in its third year, the ball held on July 20 will follow the 2024 NAIDOC week theme “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud, and proud!” and be presided over by MC Laurence Riley, assistant ombudsman for Aboriginal engagement and collaboration. As well as a three-course meal, musical acts and dance performances, guests will enjoy an awards presentation ceremony. Four awards will be presented on the night: elder of the year, young person of the year, community services excellence award, and a special award based on the 2024 NAIDOC theme. SAC chief executive Asha Bhat said the ball spotlights the hard work done by the community. “This local NAIDOC awards ceremony recognises the outstanding contributions that Indigenous Australians make to improve the lives of Indigenous people in their communities and beyond, as well as to promote Indigenous issues in the wider community,” she said. “The theme . . . resonates deeply as it celebrates vibrant culture and the ongoing commitment to our First Nations peoples’ growth and wellbeing.” The 2023 event saw more than 100 community members attending, dancing and dining the night away. Tickets can be purchased on the Humanitix website.