Gala celebrates 30 years of service by CareFlight

CareFlight Director Ian Badham addressing the crowd. Photo by Mark Roy

It was a night of all nights at the inaugural Kakadu Gala Ball on Saturday evening, with over $14,000 raised to support CareFlight NT.

Deemed as a pinnacle event to celebrate 30 years of service by Careflight to the community, the evening raised vital funds for the territory’s emergency service search and rescue helicopter.

Approximately 60 people attended the event held at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel with silent auction items, great food and entertainment held throughout the evening.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel General Manager Richard McArthur said the event was a big success.

“We received a really good result and we did set the target amount high because it is such an important cause,” he said.

“So many people in the community have been affected or have had to utilise the CareFlight service, so we really wanted to make as big a contribution as possible.”

“We wanted to host the event to show our support for what is a great cause and very relevant when you’re situated in a remote area and surrounded by challenging terrain such as we have in Kakadu.”

Event organiser Brooke Te Huia of the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel said the Gala was a huge success and she could not be more pleased with how the event went.

“The Arafura Wind Ensemble were amazing on the evening and really added to the atmosphere we were trying to create. Our Chef Duane Hateley and his kitchen brigade created a bespoke 5 course degustation menu which showcased local produce and flavours and was well enjoyed by all.”

With the success of the Kakadu Gala Ball, Richard said there are hopes to hold a similar event in the future.

“It was our first fundraising event for CareFlight and we have built a great relationship with them. We hope to make further contributions.”

Brooke Best, Leona Katzer, Pete and Sue Smiley. Photo by Mark Roy