THE Lodge Courallie Moree Masonic Debutante Ball at Moree Services Club has been scheduled for Saturday, July 12, and co-ordinator, Gwanita Hill, has been busy gathering debutantes for the event.

While steeped in a tradition dating back to the 18th century, modern debutante balls are about community, fund-raising and celebrating the transition into adulthood.

“We went to Moree Secondary College just before Term 1 finished and there were quite a few girls interested,” Mrs Hill said.

Mrs Hill, who last year was presented a Freemasons’ Distinguished Service to the Community Award for her work behind the scenes, said there are 14 practise sessions prior to the July 12 ball.

She said debutantes and their families need ample time to prepare for the evening.

“Dance practice will start at the beginning of June on Sunday and Wednesday nights,” Mrs Hill said.

“The week before the ball, we’ll have dress practises Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.”

Debutantes and partners at last year’s Masonic Debutante Ball 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 (image courtesy of Kym Skinner).

Photographer Amy Burling will capture images of all debutantes and their partners before the ball, Mrs Hill said.

“All the debs and partners will meet beforehand at around 4pm to get photos taken,” Mrs Hill said.

“After the ball, Amy will take photos of debs’ family and friends at no extra charge.”

On deb ball night, presentation of debutantes will commence at 7pm.

“We’ll have the doors open between 6pm and 6.30pm. Seating numbers will depend on the number of debs, and we allocate 10 people per table – each deb and their partner and eight guest,” Mrs Hill said.

Last year, 10 debutantes and their partners were presented to nearly 200 guests and Masonic dignitaries from across New South Wales, including United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT Grand Master, Les Hicks.

“Last year’s ball was a remarkable event and very successful,” Mrs Hill said.

“It’s a great night and everyone enjoys themselves.

“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 [email protected].

Lodge Courallie Moree Masonic Debutante Ball

When: Saturday, July 12

Where: Moree Services Club

Time: From 6pm

Enquiries: 0409 072042 or email [email protected]