The tradition of the Deb of the Year Ball has continued, with Swimming Gunnedah staging a successful celebration at the town hall on Friday evening.

Eight debutantes and partners featured in what was the 44th annual ball.

The event itself started 46 years ago, however, two years were impacted during the COVID pandemic.

At last week’s gathering, 190 people filled the town hall for the evening.

Swimming club president Louise Whitton told the gathering foundation member, the late Dan Killick, came up with the idea of holding the Deb of the Year Ball in 1978 when Priests Jewellers donated a Citizen watch to the club to be used as a fund-raiser.

“The Priest family had always been involved in the club with their children competing,” she said.

“The 1978 ball was so successful that it was held again the following year and became an annual highlight of the town’s social calendar.

“Tonight, this ball is just as significant as much as it was 46 years ago.”

Funds raised go towards supporting the not-for-profit swimming club.

“Our club continues to grow year on year, encouraging our town’s youth to not only participate and learn, but also compete at both state and national levels in the sport of swimming,” Ms Whitton said.

Ms Whitton thanked Fiona Knapman and Corinne Mainey for their efforts in organising the festivities.

 

From the organisers of the Gunnedah Deb of the Year Ball:

“The evening was so enjoyable, the 8 Debs and their Partners were such a pleasure to be around at rehearsals and on the night. So polite and presented themselves well on all occasions. The Debs and partners were greeted by our official guests, which were made up of Swimming Gunnedah life members, coach, president, Matron of Honour, past winners and judges. This is a crucial moment for the Debs and partners where judging begins before the official proceedings. Our judges this year were Mr Tom and Mrs Amber Donoghue and Mr Rory and Mrs Rebecca Heath. Judging was very tough this year, with judges making note that all candidates were exemplary. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr Aaron Goddard, who introduced our official guests, and the Debutantes and their partners. 3 Dances were performed, 2 of which were judged by the judging panel. 2 of our Debutantes Alice Swain and Sienna Mitchell delivered lovely speeches on behalf of the Debs and Partners, mentioning how special the night was to them and how grateful they were that it went ahead with minimal numbers. Special mention to the dance instructor Michelle Cobb for her patience and expertise to put together 3 amazing dances. President of Swimming Gunnedah Inc. gave a brief history of the event and how important it is to continue the tradition of such a major event for the club, and how the role of volunteers are vital for clubs to continue to grow. The thank you list for volunteers was long and the club are very grateful for the time people take to make this event happen. Overall the evening was a huge success raising funds for the local swimming club. These funds go towards fees for lane hire, equipment for the club room  and uniforms for the state and national swimmers.”

Winners

2024 Deb of the Year – Sienna Mitchell

2024 Partner of the Year – Beau Mainey

2024 Runner Up Deb of the Year – Alice Swain

 

8 Debs and Partners

Alice Swain partnered by Eamon Martin

Jayla Woolaston Partnered by Lawson McCormack

Lucy Lawrence Partnered by Mason Louis

Sienna Mitchell Partnered by Sidney Dangerfield

Sophie Hunt Partnered by Angus Johns

Katie Eveleigh Partnered by Ethan Chavula

Abbie Passfield partnered by Liam Naismith

Zara Wise partnered by Beau Mainey

Special Guests

President – Louise Whitton and husband Mat Whitton

Coach – John Hickey and daughter Sarah Stewart

Life Members –

Mrs Marie Hobson son Justin Hobson.

Mr Brian Coombs and wife Karen.

Mr Geoff Dawson and Mrs Belinda Dawson

Mr Steve Smith and Mrs Cathy Smith

Matron of Honour –

Mrs Molly Kemp and husband Jason Kemp.

Dance instructor –

Mrs Michelle Cobb and husband Matthew Cobb.

2023 Swimming Gunnedah Debutante of the Year Miss Isabella Sawyer

2023 Swimming Gunnedah Partner of the Year Mr Kalan Southwell.

Judges –

Mr and Mrs Tom and Amber Donoghue

Mr Rory Heath and Rebecca Heath

 

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