MADALAH Ball 2021
Client | Madalah
Location | Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
The 2021 MADALAH Ball on August 7th was a true celebration of the deadly work MADALAH do for Indigenous youth across Western Australia. Standing as a leading not-for-profit organisation, MADALAH’s mission is to empower and transform the lives of Indigenous people through education and training. This is made possible through giving Indigenous students from remote and regional communities of WA access to Secondary and Tertiary education scholarships to leading WA boarding schools and Australian universities.
Known Associates Australia worked alongside MADALAH’s CEO in planning the 2021 ball, coupled with on-site, talent, auction and production management, to ensure their vision was brought to life seamlessly.
The KAA team greeted MADALAH’s 750+ guests as drinks flowed and roaming Wesley College Moorditj Mob entertained. With the snap of a picture and clink of a champagne flute, doors opened and the fifth MADALAH Ball was underway.
The evening began with a powerful Welcome to Country by Shaun Nannup set amongst tranquil blue tones bathing Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom. Mr Nannup was joined by rapper Flewnt and Hale students, weaving through guests for a show-stopping performance of “Black Boy”.
MADALAH alumni MCs Yarlalu Thomas and Brianna Ozzies captured the room from the very beginning, sharing personal stories of the organisation and their achievements since graduating with MADALAH scholarships. Both in the medical field, the pair are a walking testament to the incredible opportunities the organisation creates.
Throughout the night, guests were treated to inspiring stories from a range of current and alumni MADALAH scholarship recipients, whilst enjoying a decedent Australian-inspired three course menu. Proceedings were interspersed with a variety of heart-warming student performances stage managed by KAA.
Working with the plethora of nervous but brave school students over the course of rehearsals, to backstage, to lights up was an absolute joy for the Known Associates team. The various emotional vocal performances from; Lavinia McKenna, Isaiah McKenna with Dallmyn Kelly on keys, and the Guildford Grammar Students created a moving atmosphere within the ballroom leaving KAA, teachers, students and supporters close to tears.
Between performances, guests explored the dance floor adorned with unique items that made up the live and silent auctions. The items ranged from one of a kind Indigenous artwork to sporting memorabilia, VIP experiences and luxury holidays. One of the more sought out items was the incredible art piece by Kevin Bynder, painted live throughout the night raising a whopping $12,500 for MADALAH.
With Yarlalu and Briana’s final messages, up and coming band South Summit, followed by WA leading rock band Broken Tides to close off the night in style, celebrating not only the incredible achievements of MADALAH, but also the undeniable generosity of supporters in the room.
ALL IMAGERY BY COLE BAXTER 2021
