It was a night of glamour and important discussions at the annual major fundraiser for WA’s leading parental support and child development organisation.

Ngala hosted a glamourous ball inside The Maali at Perth Zoo for an evening of cocktails, a live auction and live music.

A panel discussion on the importance of the first 1000 days of childhood development also took place facilitated by MC Fiona Cornelisse.

Speakers included commissioner for children and young people Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Australian Community Father of the Year 2024 Shaun Chandran and Ngala chief executive Michelle Dillon.

Despite multiple challenges facing WA parents, the importance of building the foundations of healthy development, mental health, and resilience are grounded in kids early years and impacted by the strength of attachment to caregivers.

Funds raised as part of the event will be used to support services delivered from Ngala’s Residential Hospital in Kensington, which offers overnight and four day on-site stays for families experiencing difficulty with children aged 0-6 years.

Support is offered on topics ranging from sleep and settling, feeding, behaviour and, increasingly, parental and infant mental health.