The Queens Ball, organised by Brisbane Pride, will return on June 20, 2026 for its 65th edition, reaffirming the event’s place in local and global LGBTQIA+ history. What began as a small gathering on Mt Tamborine in 1962 has evolved into a formal gala at Brisbane City Hall, now recognised as the longest-running continuous LGBTQIA+ celebration of its kind in the world. The organisers have announced the event will honour the extraordinary contribution of Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke as part of a program that blends awards, performances and community recognition.
Brisbane Pride also acknowledged the recent death of Laurie Deane, a foundational figure and longtime organiser who worked for many years to sustain the Queen’s Birthday Ball tradition. Described by the organisation as a community trailblazer and visionary, Deane’s passing after a struggle with Parkinson’s disease has shaped this year’s tone of remembrance and celebration. The 65th Queens Ball will therefore be both a festival of achievement and an occasion to reflect on the organisers, volunteers and artists who have sustained the event across six decades.
History and significance of the Queens Ball
The Ball’s origin on Mt Tamborine in 1962 places it among the earliest regular LGBTQIA+ gatherings in Australia, and its uninterrupted run has made the ceremony a touchstone for community continuity. The Queens Ball started modestly but steadily grew in scale and cultural importance, moving from rural settings to the city and eventually into the civic grandeur of Brisbane City Hall. Over time it developed into an annual gala awards ceremony that recognises activists, performers and organisations advancing LGBTQIA+ life across Queensland and beyond.
Why the continuity matters
Maintaining an event for 65 consecutive years requires sustained volunteer effort, institutional memory and adaptability. The Ball serves as a living archive of local activism: its awards and performances trace shifts in community priorities, while the event’s continuing popularity demonstrates the enduring value of public celebration. The ceremony’s longevity has made it an important symbol of resilience and intergenerational solidarity within the Queensland LGBTQIA+ community.
Honouring legacy and recent losses
This iteration of the Queens Ball emphasises tribute. Brisbane Pride has stated that it will honour Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke for her role in founding and shaping the event, and will also acknowledge the life of Laurie Deane, who was a founding member and later a principal organiser. Organisers say these recognitions are intended to highlight how individual dedication can create lasting communal institutions. The tone of the evening will mix celebration with remembrance, acknowledging both progress and the personal histories behind it.
Community response and official words
Brisbane Pride’s public message described Deane as a figure who helped build and sustain community life, calling his contribution instrumental to the Ball’s survival and growth. President James McCarthy framed this year’s event around the theme United Colours Of Pride, explaining that unity and visibility remain essential. He invited people across the spectrum of the rainbow community to participate, stressing that the awards recognise the many individuals and groups that strengthen civic and cultural ties.
Event details, participation and how to get involved
Practical information for attendees and supporters is available via the official Brisbane Pride website, where nominations for awards and ticket sales are already open. The Ball’s awards will continue to acknowledge contributions from community advocates, performers and organisations, providing a platform for emerging talent and long-standing service. The chosen theme, United Colours of Pride, signals a program designed to highlight solidarity and shared celebration, promising a night of joy, reflection and recognition at Brisbane City Hall.
Whether you are nominating an advocate, planning to attend the ceremony, or simply following the stories that emerge from the evening, the 65th Queens Ball represents an opportunity to connect with a six-decade tradition of activism and artistry. For those seeking ongoing coverage of LGBTQIA+ community news, reviews and features in Australia, QNews and other community outlets continue to provide reporting, media and social updates surrounding this historic event.