Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly at the NAIDOC Boorloo Perth Ball
By PENNY BAKER
On Saturday evening, the Crown Perth Ballroom welcomed hundreds of guests for one of Western Australia’s premier NAIDOC Week celebrations, the NAIDOC Perth Boorloo Ball 2026.
Celebrating this year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, the evening honoured five decades of culture, resilience, leadership and achievement, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, organisations, government representatives, allies and supporters from across the State.
The evening commenced with Welcome to Country by Uncle Nick Abraham, setting the tone for a night of celebration, reflection and community and Chairperson Address by Aunty Glenda Kickett.
Hosted by Karla Hart and Fabian Woods, the program featured performances by Wadumbah, Thomas Doodjar and The Struggling Kings, alongside the presentations of Mr and Miss NAIDOC, and the 2026 NAIDOC Perth Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across a range of fields.
Guests also heard addresses from Chevron Australia President Balaji Krishnamurthy and the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Hon. Chris Dawson AC APM, both acknowledging the significance of NAIDOC Week and recognising the enduring strength, resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Featured: Wadumbah
The sold-out event reflected the importance of NAIDOC Week in Western Australia, bringing together community members, leaders, organisations and supporters to celebrate culture, acknowledge achievement and strengthen connections.
Behind the event is the amazing NAIDOC Perth Committee, a volunteer-led organisation whose members dedicate countless hours throughout the year to deliver a calendar of events celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture across Boorloo. Their commitment was evident throughout the evening and continues to play an important role in fostering community connection and recognition.
As NAIDOC Week marks 50 Years of Deadly, the Perth Ball served as a reminder of the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the achievements of communities over the past five decades, and the ongoing importance of recognising and celebrating First Nations’ leadership.
The NAIDOC Perth Ball remains one of Western Australia’s most significant NAIDOC Week events, bringing people together each year to honour culture, community and shared achievement.
