Welcome Message
The Press Gallery Midwinter Ball
The Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Midwinter Ball celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009.
The ball is the premier social event on the political calendar. It uniquely brings 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 players in the political debate – the business leaders and consultants who inform and influence policy.
It is a night of glamour and irreverence, networking and entertainment, but the good fun is also for a good cause.
With the help of generous corporate support and an online auction, the ball has raised more than $1 million for charity since its inception in 2000. And we’re not done yet!
The Ball’s organising committee selects a different collection of recipient organisations each year. In past years we have raised money 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, Burn Foundation Australia and The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Just like the White House Pres Corps ball held in Washington DC, on which it is loosely modelled, the Midwinter Ball has become a firm fixture. 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, Gerry Conolly, Peter Berner and Bob Downe.
Suggestions for worthy future charity 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.
Thank you for your interest.
Phillip Hudson
(President, Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery)
Malcolm Farr, The Daily Telegraph
Steve Lewis, News Ltd
Stephanie Peatling, The Sydney Morning Herald
Karen Middleton, SBS Television
Phillip Hudson, Herald Sun
