Published on Wednesday, 9 September 2020 at 2:05:14 PM
Aboriginal Debutante Ball by Nola Gregory
In the 1970’s the Aboriginal community got together for a very prestigious occasion which happened every year. Young ladies coming up to the age of 17 were presented to the community in a ball that was held each year at the old Town Hall on Chapman Road.
The Geraldton Aboriginal Debutante Ball presented young ladies that were between the ages of 16 and 17. The ladies were taught ball room dancing and were presented on the big night to various dignitaries and Yamaji community members. On the night there were selected Judges who would choose a young lady that displayed decorum, dignity and confidence to be selected as Miss Aboriginal for that year. It was an event that was very popular in those times and always had some beautiful young ladies represented, there were even those that turned their hand at making their own ball dresses for the occasion.
A Miss Aboriginal was chosen from the young ladies presented on the night with prizes kindly donated by various businesses.
In this photograph from 1972 you will see Glenis Clinch, Carlen Gregory, Margo Pearce, Karen Cross, Kerry Farrell and Carol Mallard. This is just one of a number of old photos of the Aboriginal Debutante Ball that you can have a look at on the Geraldton Regional Library catalogue.
Image courtesy of the Gregory Family, caption by Nola Gregory.
Image number: Y 486
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