Gunnedah's 2025 Deb of the the Year Ball a 'huge success'

The annual Swimming Gunnedah Deb of the Year Ball has been rated another huge success.

The 45th ball was officially opened at Gunnedah Town Hall last Friday evening by Swimming Gunnedah club president Marcus Shorter.

Mr Shorter paid tribute to the late Dan Killick, a foundation and life member of the club, who conceived the idea for the ball in 1978.

Shorter noted that Killick was not just a member but the heart and soul of the club, who believed that sport was about more than winning races—it was about building friendships, supporting one another, and creating lifelong memories.

Ten debutantes and their partners participated in the event.

· Swimming Gunnedah Deb of the Year: Gracie-Lee O’Donnell.

· Runner-Up: Amber Welsh.

· Partner of the Year: Lauchlan Southwell.

Judges Steve and Cathy Smith, alongside Geoff and Belinda Dawson, were very impressed with all the debutantes and partners, wishing they could give an accolade to each one.

The Deb of the Year committee members, Katie Goddard and Lisa Berges, extended their thanks to all local businesses that supported the event as well as the Swimming Club members who helped make the occasion such a success.