.

This event was started as a New Year party by a group of Brisbane friends in 1992 on a wharf in Balmoral owned by the Hilton family.  It gradually grew into a committee system raising money over the years for various charities such as the Royal Children’s Hospital, Australian Red Cross, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy, and more recently the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland.

The first Ball at City Hall was in 1994 oranised by Colin jackson, Paul Kirkwood, Lee Swindell, Tony Van Der Ark and assisted with ideas from Gary and Tricia Stickley who were involved with the Rocky New Year. It has never really been a 3 course, crystal glass affair but the buffet style food and drink menu has always been very comprehensive. Patrons have been encouraged to mix and meet. Couples as well as singles are catered for. Beer, wine, champagne, and spirits has always been included in the price. There are a number of different styles of party entertainment available throughout the venue.

Dress has always been Black tie formal with the option of dressing in the theme of the night. Themes over the years have been Black, White and Gold, Masquerade, Hollywood, Gangster and Glamour , and a Titanic theme/1912 before City Hall started on a 3 year renovation.

This year the Committee is looking forward to the challenge of creating a great atmosphere in the Avenues and adjoining Pavilions at the RNA Showgrounds. The Pavilions reminded some of the Committee of the Universal Studios in America so we have gone for a Hollywood theme.