A View From the Stage
(By Lisa Woods)
From my vantage point as MC, standing on stage at the Donald Debutante Ball on Friday night, I had the absolute privilege of witnessing something special unfold.
As each debutante and their partner stepped into the spotlight, the pride, nerves, and sheer joy on their faces told a story of weeks of preparation and a night they’ll never forget.
The young people of our community did themselves proud – the girls were radiant in their beautiful dresses, and the boys looked incredibly sharp in their suits. Their poise and elegance were a credit not only to themselves but also to the amazing trainers who guided them with such skill and care.
One of the most moving moments for me personally was the special person’s dance. Watching mums dance with their “little boys,” and dads with their “little princesses” – now all grown up and stepping into young adulthood – was truly beautiful. As a mum myself, it brought a reminiscent tear to my eye.
Grandparents and other special guests also took to the floor with pride and love written all over their faces. It was a real celebration of family, connection and community.
Another absolute highlight was watching our four junior attendants take the stage – their dance was not only adorable, but such a heartwarming addition to the night. The crowd loved every moment!
The entire event was superbly co-ordinated by Donald 2000, which once again brought together a night full of tradition, elegance and joy. The whole committee should be commended for the hours they invested into this event, without which there would be no Deb.
We ended the evening on a high with fantastic live entertainment by Leo Tellefson and his talented crew, who had the dance floor full and the smiles wide.
From the stage, I saw not just a formal presentation, but a community coming together to celebrate the next generation with pride and love. It was an honour to be a part of the celebration of these debutantes and their partners as they take this memorable step into society.
Format of the Evening
The evening began by welcoming official party: Mr. Daryl Warren and his wife, Yan Li – known to many as Ting Mr. John and Mrs. Pam McConville; and Cr. Graeme Milne and his partner this evening, Mrs. Kim Griffiths.
Following these introductions, the official junior attendants were welcomed, and then the much-anticipated presentation of the debutantes and their partners.
Flower Girls, Page Boys
Four very special young guests helped to celebrate the night’s occasion — the flower girls and page boys.
Lacey Talty, partnered with George Anderson.
Lacey is the eldest daughter of Josh Talty and Jasmine Hollis. When she grows up, Lacey dreams of becoming a teacher like her friend Rosie… or perhaps a fairy!
Lacey was joined by George Anderson, the son of James Anderson and Katie Wright. When he grows up, George hopes to be a wildlife keeper who travels to schools to show kids amazing animals.
Willow Anderson and her partner Ruben Jane-Higgins.
Willow is the daughter of James Anderson and Katie Wright. When she grows up, Willow would love to become a massage therapist.
Willow’s partner tonight is Ruben Jane-Higgins, the eldest son of Jesse Higgins and Ashton Jane. And when asked what he’d like to do when he grows up, Ruben replied, “I haven’t given it much thought… I’m only eight, you know!”
The junior attendants then presented the official party with a small token of appreciation – a gift to thank them for their presence and support.
Debutantes
The first couple presented were Asha Pearse and her partner Judd Geddes.
Asha is a Year 11 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Phoebe Roberts and Ben Pearse. When she grows up, Asha hopes to work with animals and become a veterinary nurse.
Asha was wearing the Addison Rose dress – a romantic, modern ballgown featuring a beaded lace bodice with sheer sides and back, and delicate lace trailing softly onto a full tulle skirt.
Asha was partnered by Judd Geddes, a fellow Year 11 student at Donald High School and the son of Shawn and Shannon Geddes. In the future, he aspires to become a boilermaker.
The next couple was Lita Riley-Read and her partner, Ben Krause.
Lita is a Year 11 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Rosa O’Brien and Keith DeJong. When she finishes school, Lita aspires to work in agriculture and farming. She was wearing the Florence gown from the Ruby Collection – a beautifully soft and delicate gown featuring a beaded lace bodice, corset back, and a stunning layered tulle waterfall skirt.
Lita was partnered by Ben Krause, a Year 12 Vocational Major student at Donald High School. Ben is the son of Gavin and Jessica Krause. Upon completing his studies, Ben hopes to pursue a career in the disability sector.
The next couple was Jasmine Anderson and her partner, Hunter Wingfield.
Jasmine is a Year 10 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Cameron Anderson and Makere Dillon. After finishing school, Jasmine hopes to become a vet nurse and one day own her own horse ranch. She was wearing a white A-line dress featuring a sequin bodice and delicate string-detail back.
Jasmine was partnered by Hunter Wingfield, son of Siane Holland and Michael Wingfield. Looking ahead, Hunter is excited about joining a new bowls club and hopes to do some travelling.
The next couple was Kailie Krause and her partner, Parker Bicket.
Kailie is a Year 10 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Gavin and Jessica Krause. After completing her studies, she hopes to attend Charles Sturt University and pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Kailie was wearing a stunning full ball gown featuring a multi-layered tulle skirt with a sparkling glitter overlay for a touch of glamour. The gown is gathered at the waist, with a curved neckline on an illusion bodice embellished with intricate sequin lace. Delicate lace straps flow down over the waist and onto the skirt, creating a beautiful, ethereal look.
Kailie was partnered by Parker Bicket, a Year 10 student at Donald High School and the son of Andrew and Katie Bicket. After school, Parker hopes to become a builder, own his own home, and see more of Australia.
The next couple was Jaya Stirling and her partner, Ethan Clapham.
Jaya is a Year 11 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Larissa Stirling. After finishing school, Jaya hopes to become a flight attendant and live on the Gold Coast. Jaya was wearing a beautiful princess-style gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and a full skirt made from soft bridal tulle. The gown was highlighted by a stunning beaded pearl bodice that cascades elegantly down onto the skirt.
Jaya was partnered by Ethan Clapham, a Year 11 student at Donald High School and the son of Robert Smallwood and Tennille Clapham. After completing school, he hopes to pursue a career as both a football player and a carpenter.
The next couple was Alyssa Hepworth and her partner, Jesse Lydom.
Alyssa is a Year 10 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Kelvin and Kerri Hepworth. In the future, Alyssa hopes to attend university and pursue a career in nursing.
Jesse Lydom is also a Year 10 student at Donald High School and the son of Paul and Carlee Lydom. After school, Jesse hopes to become a carpenter.
The next couple was Shaine Mansibang and her partner, Charlie Burke.
Shaine is a Year 10 student at Donald High School and the daughter of Noel and Ruzel Mansibang. After school, Shaine hopes to travel the world and volunteer in Africa. She was wearing a stunning princess-style ball gown, featuring intricate lace, delicate beadwork, and a classic corset back – perfect for a night to remember.
Charlie is also in Year 10 at Donald High School and the son of James and Emma Burke. When asked about the future, he’s not entirely sure – but thinks he might just end up on the farm one day.
The last debutante was Aria Brennan and her partner, Luca Rice.
Aria is a Year 10 student, attending the Warracknabeal Special Development School four days a week and Donald High School one day a week. She is the daughter of Paul Brennan and Megan Tonkin.
Her most memorable moment happened on the night, making her debut. Aria especially thanked Luca for always making her happy and helping her learn the dances. In her own words: “Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world tonight, Luca.”
Aria was wearing a classic ball gown with a soft, multi-layered tulle skirt gathered at the waist. The sweetheart neckline is complemented by delicate tulle straps and a stunning lace-up corset back. Floral lace embellishments on the bodice add a touch of elegance to this beautiful gown.
Aria was partnered by Luca Rice, a Year 11 student at Donald High School and the son of Jason and Xanthi Rice. After school he hopes to become a carpenter.
Dancing Debs
Debutantes and their partners were then invited to take their places on the dance floor, to perform a number of prepared dances. The Merrilyn to ‘Photograph’ by Ed Sheeran; the Pride of Erin, danced to ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls; the elegant Evening Three Step. Set to the iconic ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA; the lively Progressive Jive, performed to the ever-popular ‘Footloose’, a group dance was performed as well as special guest dances.
“What a beautiful evening it has been,” said MC Lisa Woods.
“Thank you all for being here and to Leo Tellefson and his band for providing musical entertainment into the evening.”
Many thanks for a successful evening to the dedicated trainers for their guidance and instruction, to the junior attendants who carried out their roles so beautifully, to honoured guests, and to the wonderful crew from Donald 2000 for organising this event a and setting up the hall,
And of course, many thanks to the debutantes—without whom this special evening would not be possible
Thank you to the following people for making the Donald Deb Ball a success. Firstly, to the trainers Carol Reid and Connelly Ryan for all your efforts in training our Debs and their partners. Lisa Wood for being the MC for the evening. The Official Party, Flower Girls and Page Boys who gave up their time to be part of this event. Weed and his band for the music, Harvest Café for supper and Brandon for the lighting. A special thank you to the Donald 2000 Committee especially their Deb Committee for all the hard work in ensuring this event took place and for the amazing stage. We also need to thank those who gave up their time to help the committee with setting up the hall and packing and cleaning it all up. These events don’t just happen and we thank all those who have put in the hard work to ensure this event went ahead again this year.