Historic Civic Ball returns

Published on 22 June 2021

The city's longest-running debutante ball is back, with six young ladies and their squires set to make their debut at the Civic Ball.

The outbreak of COVID-19 led to the cancellation of last year's ball, and ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic also impacted on preparations for this year's event.

Mayor Darriea Turley AM said she was pleased to see the event going ahead despite a shortened window for nominations in 2021.

"Due to COVID we had a greatly shortened timeframe for people to nominate," said Mayor Turley.

"We recognised that and extended the nomination period - we wanted to ensure everyone had a chance to get organised and it proved to be a good decision.

"Even though we were working to a tight timeframe we didn’t want to just cancel the ball, we wanted to ensure our youth had every opportunity to take part in this historic event.

"I think we've all seen enough events cancelled due to COVID."

Mayor Turley said she was eager to see the debutantes and their partners grace the Civic Centre auditorium.

"I think it's a credit to these debutantes that they've got themselves organised and nominated for this year's event," said Mayor Turley.

"They've shown great initiative and they'll be duly rewarded with a spectacular and memorable evening with their friends and families.”

Debutantes will now undertake dancing lessons under the guidance of dance instructor Gemma Murray, before taking the floor at the Civic Ball on August 27.