District Court 50th Anniversary Event Wrap Up

1970 – 2020

A Sparkling Affair for the District Court 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Saturday, 27 February 2021, was a night to remember as the Law Society of Western Australia in association with the District Court of Western Australia held the much-anticipated District Court 50th Anniversary Black Tie Gala Dinner at Crown Towers.

This rescheduled event was worth the wait, with the air simply buzzing. The atmosphere and tone of the evening was set by those eager to catch up, celebrate for the first time in a while, dress to the nines and be part of this significant milestone.

Over 600 guests gathered to reflect, socialise and enjoy the entertainment.

Dr Richard Walley OAM and son Olman Walley opened the evening with a powerful Welcome to Country. The sounds of two didgeridoos filling the room in ceremonial counterpoint brought the room together in an emotional silence.

The evening was threaded together brilliantly by Retired Judge His Honour Stephen Scott, who introduced many of the VIP speakers including Law Society President, Jocelyne Boujos and Chief Judge of the District Court, Chief Judge Julie Wager who reflected on the important milestone and achievements of the District Court. The room was treated to a trip down memory lane with a special video created by the Department of Justice to honour the 50th anniversary of the District Court which showcased footage of the development of the Court, interviews with key figures, the rise of female judges and the importance of the Court’s connection with Indigenous stakeholders. As was apt for the occasion, a toast to the Judges of the District Court was delivered by Sam Vandongen SC, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers followed by a toast to the profession on behalf of the Judges of the District Court delivered by His Honour Senior Judge Andrew Stavrianou, District Court of Western Australia. The photo wall and professional photographer were a big hit, with the red carpet busy all night as guests posed and gathered for photos with friends and colleagues. The night concluded with stunning vocals and upbeat tunes from seven-piece band Eclipse, performing old and new hits which ensured the dance floor was never empty. Thank you to all who came and supported the event and a big thanks to those that kept their tickets from when the event was postponed in 2020. A special thanks to our valued platinum sponsor The College of Law Australia and the support received from the Department of Justice.

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1. Aaron McDonald, Pragma Lawyers; Amanda Gregson; Hayley Cormann,

Quayside Chambers; Kathleen McNally of McNally Litigation; and Craig

Gregson, Gregson & Associates 2. His Honour Judge Laurie Levy, The District Court of Western Australia; Loreta

Murphy; Catherine Fletcher, Information Commissioner; Mark Fletcher 3. Jocelyne Boujos, President of the Law Society of Western Australia 4. VIPs from the District Court of Western Australia 5. Alison Gaines, Chapter Board Chair, The College of Law 6. Her Honour Judge Belinda Lonsdale, The District Court of Western Australia;

John Quigley MLA, Attorney General; Her Honour Judge Julie Wager, Chief

Judge of The District Court of Western Australia; Richard Bayly, Helen

Sleight, His Honour Kevin Sleight 7. Catherine Stokes and John Poulsen from The The College of Law 8. His Honour Stephen Scott, Retired Judge, The District Court of Western

Australia 9. Lesleigh Bower, Irdi Legal and Cham Madondo, District Court of Western

Australia 10. Hannah Flynn, the Honourable Justices Jennifer Hill and Bruno Fiannaca of the

Supreme Court of Western Australia

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