A live auction featuring unique artwork, an island experience and dinner and entertainment package will help raise funds for the Sea Turtle Alliance at the Milbi Gala Ball.
To be held on Saturday 6 November, the inaugural ball will celebrate all things Milbi as part of the program for the Bundaberg Regional Council festival.
Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said in addition to live entertainment, a delicious locally crafted menu and vibrant decorations, the ball would include an auction with the chance to bid for some fantastic items from the region and beyond.
“We have been so lucky to have many generous local businesses come on board to support the auction as part of the Milbi Gala Ball,” he said.
“All proceeds raised will go to the Sea Turtle Alliance, a volunteer organisation dedicated to the protection of our sea turtles.”
Auction items include a “become a brewer experience” with Ballistic Bargara, a day trip for two to Lady Elliott Island valued at $930 by Seair Pacific and an onstage catered experience for 10 guests with entertainment valued at $2500, donated by Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Original artwork by contemporary Indigenous artists Brooke and Chern’ee Sutton, valued at $2999, will also be available for bidding.
The Sutton sisters said they worked together over two weeks to create the piece, which symbolised the life cycle of turtles in the region.
“The painting is about the turtle, how it hatches, grows and comes back here to lay its eggs again,” Brooke said.
“It also symbolises the importance of looking after the turtles because they are such an important and beautiful part of the Bundaberg Region.”
Chern’ee said there were a range of techniques used to create the unique piece.
“We used acrylic paints and textured acrylics, a lot of blending, dots and swirls – it is very vibrant and colourful,” she said.
“I think the vibrancy is quintessential of the Bundaberg Region and the seaside as well.”
Cr Learmonth said along with the auction, there would be plenty of entertainment, raffles and activities for ball attendees to enjoy on the night.
He said people would be transported to an underwater oasis as soon as they stepped into the Bundaberg Multiplex function.
“The underwater theme will be like nothing anyone has seen before- as people walk in, they will feel like they are under the sea,” he said.
“There will also be a beautiful opening by Robert McLellan, Council’s Trevor Green and a local dance school which will be interactive and incorporate beautiful Indigenous contemporary dance.
“The Milbi Gala Ball will be a wonderful opportunity to dress up and to experience something a little bit different so if you haven’t secured tickets yet, get in now because time is running out!”
The Milbi Gala Ball will be held on Saturday, 6 November at the Bundaberg Mutliplex from 7pm.
Tickets cost $150 per person and include canapes, a two-course meal and drinks package and can be purchased until noon on Friday 29 October.
Book your ticket here.
