Perth's NAIDOC Ball has been marred with violence after an attendee was allegedly assaulted at Saturday's event at Perth's Crown Ballroom.
Aidan Collard, an Indigenous man originally from Geraldton, was allegedly "set upon" by a group of men shortly before the conclusion of the event, resulting in a physical confrontation.
Mr Collard sustained injuries from the incident including a broken jaw and multiple spine fractures, seeing him admitted to Royal Perth Hospital's trauma unit.
Mr Collard, a father of five was attending Boorloo's NAIDOC ball alongside his partner, before the alleged assault occurred.
After beginning the night in suit and tie alongside his partner, Mr Collard ended it in a neck brace, unable to move.
Mr Collard's mother wrote about the assault on social media and named two brothers and their sons as the alleged assailants.
"Oh my god! I remember seeing brother Aidan and he was looking all nice with Tegan and sisters.. what a horrible way to end the night. Hope for full recovery," one respondent said.
"This is sad news!! Brother Aidan doesn't deserve this at all! Hope he makes a quick and easy recovery.," said another.
Mr Collard's mother Delys Ring wrote that she felt "very emotional and saddened" writing the status update.
"My family and I travelled to Perth on Friday to attend the Perth 2023 NAIDOC ball... it was awesome to see everyone who attended celebrating with pride and acknowledging our elders," she began.
"Unfortunately as the ball was near on closing our son Aidan was set upon... which left Aidan with serious injuries, a broken jaw and 2 fractures to his spine, admitted into Royal Perth hospital's trauma unit."
She shared two pictures.
"This is a photo of Aidan and his partner Tegan looking amazing at the start of the night full of pride, the other photo is of Aidan laying on his back unable to move in neck brace. Waiting to see if he has any long term injuries that may impact him, Tegan, and their 5 children's future," she wrote.
It is unclear whether Police were involved in the incident, or whether any charges have been laid as yet.
It is understood Elders present at the event expressed dismay at the incident which overshadowed an otherwise excellent evening.
More to come.
