FOR more than 20 years, Connie Smith has been the key organiser of the Wee Waa Lions Club’s debutante ball, and she said 2026 was “one of the biggest ones yet”.
Held on Saturday 23 May at the Wee Waa Bowling Club, the ball attracted 201 guests.
“A mighty, mighty effort by everyone to pull it off,” Smith said.
“We had nine debutantes this year, the page boy was Darcy Schwager and the flower girl Milah Dewson.
“And I tell you what, Milah just danced and danced – that beautiful little girl did not stop dancing.
“I think everyone had a great night.”
Smith said debutante balls once marked a young woman’s ‘debut’ or formal introduction into society, but today the tradition has evolved to have more of a modern twist while remaining a significant and special milestone.
“Really, what we’re doing now is giving young girls at the end of their schooling years something to look forward to because there aren’t a lot of things like this for young kids growing up in the bush,” she said.
“For girls to be able to get dressed up, have their makeup done, and the boys to hire a suit – it’s an experience. And then when you see them all dressed up, it’s just like ‘wow’ – they all looked beautiful.”
“We’re really lucky in Wee Waa to have the House on Rose Gardens, where they get their photographs taken by Penny Vella. It means a lot for them and their families to have those memories.”
The debutantes were presented to Bob Percival, Lions Zone Chair for Zone 12 in District 201N1, before taking part in the evening’s presentation dance, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Waltz, and the fun dance, The Wee Waa Boogie.
The dance routines were taught by Narrabri teachers Cecile and Chris Gleeson.
“It was a big ask because the teachers were travelling 100kms, twice a week, for a month before the ball for lessons with the debutantes and their partners – we’re very grateful.”
Smith also served as matron, describing this year’s group as “extra special” because she had known them since they were in year 7, when she first started working at Wee Waa High School.
“They all call me ‘Con Con’, and they’ve all told me they had a wonderful time. I’m proud of them,” she said.
Smith said the ball was only made possible by the many people who pitched in behind the scenes, thanking Carlie and Anthony Gray from the bakery for making the cake and allowing the Lions club to use their ovens, and praising the parents and students who helped set up.
“The decorations looked great – sage green and a touch of cornflour blue with lots of natural greenery,” she added.
Acknowledging her fellow Lions club members, Smith said the Lions were unwavering in their support, helping with unglamorous clean-up and washing up jobs.
She gave a special mention to her “number one offsider”, Annette Holland, who stepped in to serve dinner while she “was off playing fine ladies” in her role as matron.
It’s a mammoth effort for Smith and her army of helpers, with six months of planning going into the celebration.
For Smith, her dedication year after year is driven by a deep desire to provide for the town’s youth.
“It’s about keeping something alive in town for the kids,” she said.
“And I enjoy it; I’m not going to lie, I’m busted at the end of the six weeks, but I enjoy it.”
Ali Smith
