The Burdekin Deb Ball of the Year returned in 2025, bringing together debutantes, their families, and the wider community for an evening of celebration, tradition, and achievement. Hosted this year for the first time by the Burdekin Netball Association, the event saw a full hall with over 450 guests in attendance, all gathered to mark the accomplishments of 21 young debutantes.
The Deb Ball provides a special opportunity for young women to showcase the work and personal growth they have achieved throughout the year. Burdekin Netball secretary Cailan Gosling said the event brings together the efforts of the debutantes with the support of family and friends, creating a celebration of how far each participant has come. The evening is as much about community pride as it is about the debutantes themselves.
This year’s awards celebrated the debutantes’ dedication and achievements, with Sally Laidlow taking out the winner and girls’ choice award, Erin Palmer named runner-up, and Ava Swindley receiving a special mention. Three judges made the selections, while the girls’ choice award was voted on by the debutantes themselves.
For the Burdekin Netball Association, hosting the event for the first time was an honour. “We were honoured to keep this tradition alive for the community and the young ladies’ families. This event marks just how much each debutante has grown and how much they aspire to achieve,” Gosling said.
The Deb Ball remains an important tradition for the Burdekin community, celebrating not only individual growth but also the connections and shared experiences that bind families and neighbours together. From the excitement of the evening to the meaningful recognition of the debutantes’ efforts, the event continues to highlight the value of maintaining long-standing local traditions for generations to come.
With its fusion of elegance and community spirit, the annual Deb Ball of the Year remains a valued part of the Burdekin social calendar.
Runner up Erin Palmer, special mention Ava Swindley, and winner/girls choice, Sally Laidlow
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