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The Press Gallery Midwinter Ball

The Press Gallery Midwinter Ball was modeled loosely on the White House Press Corps ball held in Washington D.C. each year – a night of glamour and irreverence attended by the nation’s leaders and those who scrutinise them.

The Australian version has rapidly become an institution, bringing together members of the Press Gallery with those in the senior ranks of all parliamentary parties, including the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition. They’re joined by other key participants in the political debate – the business leaders and consultants from across Australia who inform and influence policy.

With the help of generous corporate support, the ball has become a unique gathering with the twin objectives of being both a hugely entertaining networking night and a significant charity fundraising effort.

It’s one of the rare occasions when the Parliamentary Press Gallery shifts from fierce competition to cooperation for a cause. The Ball’s committee selects a different collection of recipient organisations each year, with one earmarked for the major donation, usually in the vicinity of $100,000.

Now in its ninth year, the Midwinter Ball has firmly fixed itself on the political and corporate calendar. Numbers are restricted to 620 guests in the Great Hall of Parliament House and although the limited capacity can be a source of frustration for both organisers and those who can’t get in, it ensures the tickets are highly prized.

Entertainment is always first class. Those who have performed at the ball include The Tap Dogs, David Campbell, Bjorn Again, Mental as Anything, Marcia Hines, and The Stiff Gins. The legendary Roy and HG have filled the pivotal MC’s role twice, likewise comedienne Jean Kittson. We have also showcased the talents of the irrepressible “Effie” [Mary Coustas], as well as Shaun Micallef and Peter Berner.

While the fun is always guaranteed, the Midwinter Ball takes its fundraising objectives very seriously. We are proud that in only eight years, the event has raised more than $850,000 for a variety of organisations including Lifeline Australia, Open Family Australia, The Newborn Intensive Care Foundation, the Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program, the Canberra Bushfire Recovery Appeal, Reconciliation Australia, The Lingiari Foundation, Frontier Services, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Surfaid International and Burn Foundation Australia.

Suggestions for worthy future recipients are gratefully received and may be forwarded to members of the organising committee, details below. Other queries should be addressed to Lisa McClelland at BDW Special Events Management.

Malcolm Farr, The Daily Telegraph
Steve Lewis, News Ltd
Stephanie Peatling, The Sydney Morning Herald
Karen Middleton, SBS Television

Thank you for your interest.

Karen Middleton
(President, Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery)