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2021 AMA (WA) Gala Ball: a night of elegance, celebration & recognition of our finest
Thursday July 1, 2021
The AMA (WA)’s inaugural Gala Ball was one of the highlights of MEDCON21 with 600 doctors and corporate guests gathering at the Bellevue Ballroom, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 June 2021.
Held in aid of the AMA (WA) Foundation’s Dr YES program, the event was emceed by renowned broadcaster Karen Tighe from the ABC, in her first major compering role since a rare encephalitis illness.
The evening saw guests don their finest threads for a night of elegance, a lavish three-course dining experience and beautiful music by Dolce Strings.
The formalities commenced with a heartfelt speech from the newly appointed AMA (WA) President, Dr Mark Duncan-Smith, who warmly acknowledged his predecessor Dr Andrew Miller and his unwavering commitment to the post in such unprecedented times. He also thanked his family for their encouragement and AMA (WA) members for his appointment.
A particular high point during the night was the presentation of the prestigious AMA (WA) Awards with four doctors acknowledged for their dedication, commitment and excellence in their respective fields:
- Professor Meredith Borland – Hippocrates Award
- Professor Mark Khangure – Hippocrates Award
- Dr Norman Swan – President’s Award
- Dr Dean Choong – Junior Doctor of the Year (Dr Camille Michener Legacy Award)
The formalities then wound up with speeches by AMA (WA) CEO Dr Bennie Ng and outgoing president Dr Miller, who acknowledged the work of the entire AMA (WA) team and the sacrifices made by his family.
Following the formalities, the real party started when a grand pop-up cocktail bar was revealed, featuring an array of delicious concoctions. One of Perth’s leading party bands, Proof, then took to the stage with guests flooding the dancefloor within minutes.
Thank you to all attendees for making the Gala Ball such a success, as well as some very special guests including:
- Libby Mettam MLA, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party; Shadow Minister for Health; Mental Health; Disability Services; Prevention of Family & Domestic Violence, Member for Vasse;
- Dr Jags Krishnan MLA, Member for Riverton;
- Humanitarian lawyer Rabia Siddique, who opened MeDCon21 with a powerful presentation that moved many in the audience to tears; and
- Dr Omar Khorshid, Federal AMA President.
Special thanks goes to the Gala Ball sponsors for supporting the evening, as well as all the MEDCON21 sponsors & exhibitors for making this inaugural conference possible.
The full photo gallery can be viewed HERE.
