YOUNG ladies from across the district are reminded a date has been set for the 2025 Masonic Debutante Ball.
Moree Masons Lodge Courallie will host the ball on Saturday, July 5, at Moree Services Club.
Debutante ball co-ordinator, Gwanita Hill, said debutantes and their families need ample time to prepare for the evening.
“We need to have our date in place very early to give everyone plenty of time to get ready,” Mrs Hill said.
While steeped in tradition, modern debutante balls are about community, fund-raising and celebrating the transition into adulthood.
Mrs Hill, who last year received the Freemasons’ Distinguished Service to the Community Award for her charitable work with Lodge Courallie in Moree, said the success of the 2024 ball strengthens the age-old tradition, which originated in 18th century England and America.
“Last year’s ball was a remarkable event and very successful,” Mrs Hill said.
The 2024 Masonic Debutante Ball was attended by Masonic dignitaries from across New South Wales, including United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT Grand Master, Les Hicks.
Debutantes and partners included Emelia Hurle and Max Hatton, Olivia Donaldson and Jaxon Budiada, Stella Hurle and Liam Lobsey, Ava Urquhart and Jack Hurle, Emogene King and Tristan Blewitt, Monica Turner-Bess and Jack Graham, Adèle Bekker and Aden Bridge, Amber Muller and Rayma Honour, Yazmin Bateman and Darby Conroy, and Chloe Pollard and Kobi Annis-Brown.
Mr Hicks said traditional debutante balls are still very popular, especially in rural communities.
“There are quite a few country lodges still continuing with the Masonic Debutante Ball. I think it’s really important,” Mr Hicks said.
He said debutante balls were mainstays in country towns.
“It’s probably more difficult in cities nowadays to hold these balls. However, in the country, it’s more traditional and very important to local communities,” Mr Hicks said.
Nearly 200 guests and Masonic dignitaries from across New South Wales attended last year’s ball at Moree Services Club.
Mrs Hill said she expected similar numbers this year.
“There has been plenty of interest already, and we expect quite a few young ladies stepping up to make their debuts in July,” she said.
Persons interested in taking part in the 2025 Masonic Debutante Ball in Moree can contact Gwanita Hill on 0409 072042 or email gghill1976@gmail.com.
