The 30th (and final) Annual Ernies Awards for sexist remarks will be celebrated at a sold-out gala dinner for 330 cranky women (and some brave men) in NSW Parliament House on Thursday 18 August.

Press are welcome, drinks are free and a complimentary seat at dinner might be available if you’re lucky (call 0418240763).

The Ernies awards for the various categories will begin at 7:45pm and the Gold Ernie will be announced at approximately 9:45pm. Permission for the use of cameras and recording devices has been obtained.

Ernies founder, Dr Meredith Burgmann commented “For thirty years we have toiled away exposing the sexism and foolishness of public figures. It is hard work and, like Ash Barty, we would like to quit while on top.”

This year there were 208 nominations in six categories…media, political, judicial, industrial, sport (The Warney) and clerical/celebrity (The Fred) plus of course The Elaine (for remarks least helpful to the sisterhood…often the most hotly contested category). There is also a trophy for boys behaving better (The Good Ernie) and ‘The Trump’ for repeat offenders.

The winners are decided on the night by the loudness of the boos which greet each remark. The boos are judged by highly skilled boo-monitors. Burgmann said “I don’t deny there is some suspect deal making on the side but mostly the final result is accepted.”

This year the money raised will be used to help archive the vast array of Ernies documents for the State Library of NSW.

Results will be emailed to news outlets on the night. If you want results sent to you, email us at mburgmann@gmail.com or check out the final winners’ list on the Ernies website www.ernies.com.au.

Photos and short video footage will be available on the event night from Bronwyn Ridgway 0433373109 or Simone Wang 0402693070.

For the history of this unique awards ceremony and photos of the previous 29 Ernies’ Nights visit our website at www.ernies.com.au. Hot tips for the Gold Ernie will be released Wednesday 17 August.

Enquiries Meredith Burgmann 0418240763 and Yvette Andrews 0408281810