Lionel performs at first NAIDOC Ball

Drouin resident Lionel Rose Jnr helped provide live music at the first ever NAIDOC Ball for Inner Gippsland.
More than 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members attended the ball on Boonwurrung/Bunurong Country held at Silverwater Resort in San Remo.
During the ball, a wide range of awards were presented, with a favourite being the Elders Award for acknowledgement of commitment and dedication to the community.
Sarah Prescott was voted Mrs NAIDOC for her work with the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency and dedication to community.
Millowl (Phillip Island) local Steve Ulula Parker won Mr NAIDOC. A descendent of the Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta and Erub people, Steve's community involvement and contribution spans across surfing, art and dance.
The awards were followed by live music by Fonzie (Paul) Patten, Lionel Rose Jnr and legendary band "No Fixed Address".
Hosted by Aboriginal-led partnership Dhelk Dja, event organiser Paul Patten hoped the ball would be the first of many held.
"We were honoured to host this event for NAIDOC with the theme of Blak, Loud and Proud," Mr Patten said. "Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where our stories, traditions and achievements are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living creature in the world."