The Mary Immaculate Hall in Annerley isn’t where you’d expect a ramp walk, photo booth chaos, and a dance circle packed with aunties to unfold on a chilly Friday night. But on 21 June, it turned into a warm, buzzing cocoon of colour, connection and unfiltered joy. This wasn’t a ticketed gala or an exclusive soirée. It was something rarer: a space where women—mums, daughters, seniors, newcomers—came to be seen, heard and cheered on.
HKM Events, led by the ever-energetic HarJind Kaur Mangat, pulled together a night that straddled both nostalgia and now. It started with a red carpet. Not the intimidating kind, but one that made you smile. Ladies in everything from shimmering sarees to winter jackets walked the ramp. And then came the crowd-pleaser—mums with their children. A mini catwalk that turned into a shared rite of passage, with little ones soaking in the applause like sunshine. The goal? As HarJind later shared with a few guests, “Helping kids see their mums as queens, and themselves as brave.”
Confidence was the currency of the evening. And it wasn’t manufactured. It bubbled naturally through every activity—from the silly, laughter-filled games to the old-school Kikli competition that saw teens twirling next to women old enough to be their grandmothers. No one was keeping score. It wasn’t about getting it perfect, it was about showing up. Dancing, falling, laughing again.
According to HKM Events, the intention was simple: to give women a stage where they didn’t have to explain themselves. “A joyful, empowering space” was how they framed it. And judging by the stream of heartfelt feedback, that intention landed.
Simran Kaur, one of the guests, put it plainly: “A beautifully organised evening full of laughter and warmth. Felt truly pampered.” Others echoed the same sentiment. Aman Tiwana called the ramp walk “a confidence booster”. Mona, recognised as a supporter on the night, said she felt “truly honoured” and called the event “a hit”.
Manisha, who’s attended her fair share of community events, was effusive: “Harjind, your heart is truly pure. I deeply admire your dedication and passion. Every moment was filled with joy and laughter.” She wasn’t alone. Manpreet Mehrook thanked the team for a night that “was beautifully planned and truly enjoyable”.
The feedback wasn’t just kind, it was personal. A guest named Ansh, surprised by an appreciation award on the night, said: “What a lovely surprise! My friends and especially my aunties were so, so happy. The event was full of beautiful memories. Wishing you endless good luck, HarJind.”
What set the event apart wasn’t just the attention to detail, but the space it gave for women to simply be themselves—no agendas, no pressure. The food stalls helped, of course. Winter favourites were on hand, from steaming chai to hearty snacks. Shopping stalls offered a mix of handmade crafts, clothing and accessories, and raffle draws kept the energy bouncing.
There’s something deeply comforting about an event that doesn’t try too hard to impress, and still manages to stay with you long after it ends. This night in Annerley did just that. No big names, no stage-managed glitz, just women lifting each other up, one clap, giggle and Kikli at a time.
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