Debutantes, partners and community members gather

By Campaspe News

Nov 4, 2024

Rochester deb ball debutantes, partners and official party members (back from left) Chris White, Harrison Foster, Brodie Moon, Brock Keenan, Oakley Tarrant, Damian Crouch, Ethan Howard, Flynn Pain, Jordy Rasmussen, Lachie Joyce, Jimmy Otto, Trey White, Corey Windridge; (front) Anita White, Payton Tiller, Natalie Moon, Jeffela Handugan, Claudia Fitzpatrick, Hannah Foley, Sadie Martin, Amy Pascoe, Miranda Crawford, Justice Powles, Letisha Mountjoy, Indy Bruton, Rachael Windridge and Leon McAsey. (Absent: Maureen Leahy). Photos: Rebecca Pilgrim

Eleven debutantes and their partners took to the dance floor for the 2024 Rochester Debutante Ball on Friday, October 25.

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Held at the Rochester Shire Hall, this year’s event was hosted by the Rochester and District Hospital Auxiliary. The funds raised will be shared by REDHS and the local fire brigade.

The debutantes and their partners were presented to the official party of REDHS board of management chair Chris White and hospital auxiliary president Maureen Leahy. The chaperones were REDHS health promotion officer Rachel Windridge and her husband Corey.

Anita White read out the profiles of each debutante and partner to a packed hall of 300 people.

The debutantes and their partners, trained by Leon McAsey, showcased four dances — rumba, progressive jive, Pride of Erin and merengue to Lady Gaga’s Just Dance.

Local musician Darcy Ramage entertained the crowd after official proceedings were wrapped up.

St Joseph’s will host the 2025 ball on a date to be confirmed.

Organisers said the debutante ball was such a fabulous tradition to keep alive.

For the debutantes and partners, it is more than one night. It is all about their journey, the lessons and getting to know others while having fun.

Life is so busy and it is a night that the families and community stop and celebrate this special moment.