First Nations lawyers, law students, family, colleagues and friends all gathered for a deadly night of celebration on Gadigal Country last Thursday, for the 3rd annual Ngalaya Ball and First Nations Law Awards at Doltone House Hyde Park.
Mark Holden, long-term Director of Ngalaya since 2012, emceed the evening with his signature style and wit. Ngalaya's Executive Director, Jason O'Neil, spoke briefly about the importance of the Ngalaya Ball as an opportunity for First Nations lawyers and law students to gather and connect. He also spoke on the importance of the growing number of Indigenous lawyers and the role we play in advocating for a more just society.
Keynote speech: Danielle Captain-Webb
Our keynote speaker for the night was Danielle Captain-Webb, Wiradjuri & Gomeroi woman, mother of five, and staunch advocate for First Nations justice and equality. She reflected on her path to the law, her legal career, and the importance of the Indigenous trailblazers who supported her along the way.
First Nations Law Awards 2024
The 3rd annual First Nations Law Awards were once again the highlight of the night, as an opportunity to recognise the strong contributions made by Indigenous lawyers, legal advocates, researchers, and law students to our profession and communities. The winners of the 2024 awards were:
First Nations Lawyer of the Year: Emma Hudson-Buhagiar
First Nations Legal Researcher of the Year: Peta MacGillivray
First Nations Senior Law Student of the Year: Oliver Williams
First Nations Junior Law Student of the Year: Kristiana Brown
Thanks to Herbert Smith Freehills for sponsoring the Junior & Senior Law Student of the Year awards.
Ngalaya Ball 2024 Sponsors
Ngalaya wishes to sincerely thank our sponsors and supporters of the 2024 Ngalaya Ball, for helping us to make the event a success and accessible to everyone.
