Canberra Midwinter Ball photo gallery
Political pair Josh Burns and Georgie Purcell put their love on show at Canberra’s Midwinter Ball but they weren’t the only ones to raise eyebrows, with Lidia Thorpe’s gown designed to shock.
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Love was in the air as political duo Josh Burns and Georgie Purcell hard-launched their relationship at Canberra’s famous Midwinter Ball.
The pair dazzled on the red carpet alongside other federal politicians, members of the media and other influential guests.
The annual Midwinter Ball, held in the Great Hall at Parliament House on Wednesday night, is the social event of the year in Canberra, raising more than $360,000 for charity last year.
Purcell, a Victorian Animal Justice Party MP, turned heads in a cruelty free and vegan number.
Mr Burns, Labor MP for Macnamara, also wore a hint of purple – Ms Purcell’s signature colour.
But the unlikely pairing wasn’t the only talk-about at the highly-anticipated annual event.
Outspoken Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe again courted controversy, arriving at the ball in a dress brandishing the contentious motto “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.
The phrase has been condemned as anti-Semitic and blamed for undermining bipartisan support for a two-state solution.
Senator Thorpe’s shock-factor gown was by REMUSE designs’ Tamara Leacock.
Ms Leacock said her assignment for the gala outfit was the prompt: “Design a white dress that says explicitly ‘From the River to the Sea Palestine Will be Free’ dipped in watermelon red.”
She was also asked to incorporate ethical, sustainable materials.
R E M U S E is an “Afro futurist, ethical and sustainable” fashion label based in Melbourne, which claims to be “inspired by biomimicry and the natural environment, rooted in resilience and reimagining new futures for adornment for contemporary bodies”.
Meanwhile, Mr Burns said the midwinter ball was “a light hearted event” that raised funds for important causes.
Mr Burns, who is Jewish, and Ms Purcell, a pro-Palestine activist, have known each other for years, and their union has surprised many because of their opposing stance on the conflict in the Middle East.
Despite their differences, they were pictured arm-in-arm, with Ms Purcell wearing a strapless black gown — and tatts on show — and Mr Burns in a classic black suit, white shirt and black bow tie.
Other high profile politicians also lit up the red carpet with their partners, donning black tie gowns created by Australian designers.
Attendees can bid on multiple items at the event, including a dinner with the PM and Ms Haydon, with the highest bid sitting at $25,432 on Wednesday afternoon.
“A rare opportunity to share a meal with the nation’s ‘first couple’ – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon – at The Lodge or Kirribilli House. Generous hospitality is guaranteed for up to four guests,” the bidding website reads.
A dinner with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton went for $12,000.
“A wonderful opportunity to be at the dining table with the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton together with 2 of his colleagues,” the website says.
“The prize, for 3 people, will be located in one of Canberra’s finest restaurants.”
Originally published as Canberra Midwinter Ball photo gallery
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