Join us at the historic Melbourne Town Hall as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, bringing the community together with a drinks reception, a 3-course meal, entertainment and a silent auction.

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the community response to HIV in Australia and the establishment of the LGBTIQ community controlled health sector. To mark its 40th Anniversary, Thorne Harbour Health is celebrating with the Ruby Red Ball.

Why Ruby Red?

Ruby is the stone that celebrates 40-year anniversaries, and the colour red has been critical to the HIV/AIDS movement – associated with blood and health. Our ball will focus on the history of Thorne Harbour Health (formerly known as the Victorian AIDS Council). We want to remember the courageous community that over the years has united over the HIV epidemic leading to the advocacy we fight for today for the LGBTQ+ community across Victoria.

Remembering our history

We will be encouraging all attendees to wear colourful red outfits to pay respect to the Red Ribbon as a symbol of awareness and support for the PLWHIV community. Tables will be marked with a milestone from our organisations history, which has helped us progress to where we are today.

A moment for reflection, celebration and looking forward

This evening of celebration and reflection will be a tribute to the immense strides Thorne Harbour Health has made in advancing health and wellbeing services for our LGBTIQ communities and people living with HIV.

The evening will include a cocktail reception, 3 course meal, live entertainment from 100% Kylie, Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus, Mama Alto and speeches from key figures in our organisation's history.

Our ball will be hosted by the fabulous Australian Comedian Rachel Berger.

Community Ticket Ballot

To ensure our Ruby Red Ball is accessible for our community to attend, we have allocated community tickets that will be free for those experiencing financial hardship. To enter the ballot please fill in our form at https://thorneharbour.typeform...
The ballot will close Friday 23rd at midday. We will be in touch about your submission to the ballot by Tuesday 27th June.

Become a Ball Supporter

If you would like to provide community members with seats at the Ball and contribute towards our celebrations, we are offering an option to become a ball supporter. Supporter funds go directly towards funding community members to attend the event and support those living with HIV through our David Williams Fund and other vital health services for the LGBTQ+ community in Victoria.

Contribute to our Silent Auction

If you would like to donate an item for our silent auction we would love to hear from you. Items/services can be donated at https://thorneharbour.typeform...
Please email 40thanniversary@thorneharbour.org for more details.

Accessibility

Thorne Harbour Health is committed to ensuring the Ruby Red Gala is accessible to everyone and ensuring any individual needs are supported throughout the event. Upon registering, attendees will be asked if they have any accessibility needs such as travel, venue access, seating and interpreting services.

Dress code

Queer, fabulous, any colour of the rainbow, glittering glamour, ruby red. We want to see you looking and feeling your absolute best.

F&Qs

1. I booked a table/multiple tickets and don't know everyone's dietaries yet.

We do collect dietary requirements information upon registration however you can later update this through your ticket confirmation email or by emailing us with the name and dietary info. The deadline for providing dietary information is Wednesday 28th June, at midday.

2. Can I request to sit by a friend or be at a table with my organisation or group?

Yes you can, please just list who you want to be sat by and the organisation by emailing 40th@thorneharbour.org. The cut-off point to do this is Wednesday 28th June, at midday. We may not be able to accommodate all requests but we will try out best, the earlier the request the better.

3. I registered for the community ballot, when do I find out?

We respond to most applications within a fortnight with a decision and the process to acquire your ticket.

4. Can I cancel and get a refund?

In most circumstances, we won't be able to refund your booking but do name /dietary changes so someone else can attend the ball an enjoy the evening.

5. What's the programme for the evening?

We will release this closer to the time to all attendees. Doors to the Town Hall (Main Hall) will open at 6 pm and the event will run until 11 pm.

6. What if I'm coming from a regional area , how can I get home?

We have organised a shuttle bus to take people back to Daylesford, Castlemaine and Bendigo after the event finishes. These tickets can be purchased on the page under Bus Shuttle tickets. Limited spaces available.

Photo Description Below: Adam Carr (right) and Alison Thorne (left) at an Homosexual Law Reform Coalition (HLRC) rally, GPO, Melbourne, 1980. Photo by James Spence, Courtesy Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.