Madalah scholars have spoken on the non-for-profit's impact on their schooling careers at the annual Madalah Ball, which was held in in Boorloo / Perth earlier this month.

Established in 2016, the Ball — which has grown to become the largest First Nations focused fundraising event in the state — is held annually to raise much-needed funds support additional educational opportunities for First Nations students in Western Australia.

A First Nations-led non-for-profit, Madalah provides secondary and tertiary education scholarships for Indigenous students from regional and remote Western Australian and Northern Territory communities.

At the event, Madalah head girl, Jada, highlighted the education charity's impact.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to everybody who contributes to such an amazing organisation like Madalah," Jada told National Indigenous Times.

"Without you guys, none of this would be possible. Us kids wouldn't have the education or the support. All your contributions go far beyond what can be measured.

"It just, it shows in the love of the students and our friendships and everything."

Madalah head boy, William, said the Madalah Ball is an important showcase of the organisation's impact on young mob.

"The Madalah Ball means a lot to me," William said. "It's an opportunity for us to give back to Madalah and show the sponsors why it's so important to fund us.

"Because it's more than an education; it's an opportunity for us young black kids to thrive and survive."

Also at the Ball was Madalah alumni, Tertiary Scholar and Mentor Dallmyn Kelly.

The Noongar man and University of Melbourne undergraduate told National Indigenous Times about the importance of the Madalah Ball.

"Balls like this at Madalah are incredibly important, giving [Madalah] an opportunity for sponsoring and getting more funding for students," he said.

Mr Kelly said the success of the Ball has a significant impact on supporting Madalah scholars.

"The empowering moment is being able to share culture as well as being supported to go to school and get a high education," he said.

"It's beautiful in the sense that Madalah continues to enforce help, and it helps me a lot because I'm studying and through Madalah Scholarship as well.

"I feel empowered in all aspects as well as seeing these young students perform for Madalah itself."

Madalah scholar, Alyssa, said being educated with the support of Madalah has helped her grow.

"So, education has allowed me to reach multiple opportunities," Alyssa said. "It has opened so many doors for me that wouldn't be available if I were still in my hometown, Carnarvon.

"Thanks to all these sponsors and thanks to Madalah, I'm able to get all these opportunities and an advanced future and a higher education."

Another student, Siena, told National Indigenous Times she feels "so supported" as a Madalah scholar.

You get so many opportunities," Siena said. "I wish I was part of this community when I was younger, because it's helped me build so much more confidence and resilience.

"I think that's really helped build my character."

Madalah scholar, Finn, said being supported by the charity was "a massive thing" for him.

"It allows me to connect with people, connect with my culture, and better yet, get an education where I can learn and grow to my full potential," Finn said.

Madalah CEO Casey Jo Drummond told Ball attendees she's proud to be witnessing a generation of change for First Nations people by First Nations people.

"We all know it takes a village to raise a child, and what you see here tonight is exactly that," Ms Drummond said.

"It's a village made up of families, educators, corporate partners, volunteers, and a community of people who show up every single day.

"It's our collective responsibility to drive this change in First Nations education, and when you combine high expectations, a culturally safe learning environment, and the unwavering support of a village, that's where our young people achieve true self-determination."

Madalah Ball attendees also heard from Noongar cultural practitioner, Jayden Boundary, who paid tribute to the impact of respected First Nations Elder, Nana Roma Winmar, on the Madalah community.

"Nana Roma has done so much for education, educating a lot of our young people and continuing to, still to this day," Mr Boundary said.

"Without her, I can't stand here. I can't speak my language. I can't be the teacher that I am.

"She's a pioneer that has led our families, our moort, our community, for a very, very long time.

"So, it's a big thank you to Nan and your brother... because without them we wouldn't be able to be in this situation."

The 2026 Madalah Ball was made possible with the support of Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, Muntulgura Guruma, BHP, Leedal Pty Ltd, Northern Star Resources Limited, Benang, Gold Fields, KCU, Kooya, LML Insurance Group, Woollahra Group, Wrapped Creations, and National Indigenous Times.

Mr Boundary also thanked Madalah supporters for their generosity.

"I appreciate you coming here tonight to be able to improve the education of our community, our young people," Mr Boundary told attendees.

"The more we educate within the education system, to be able to build up our young people.

"Because education is a lot. Education is everything."

Donations to Madalah can be made online.