June 2004

Never too late for a date with society

By Sue Preston

Every girl treasures memories of her debut, no matter how old she is.

For eight debutantes at the Waltzing Wheels Debutante Ball in Boronia, it mattered little that they could no longer stand to be formally presented to the Mayor or that, when the music started, they spun in their wheelchairs rather than in the arms of a young man.

The debutante ball, traditionally a means of presenting a young woman to society, was adapted on this occasion to provide an opportunity for eight residents of local aged care facilities to make their debut.

The oldest was Ina Broadbent, 97, originally from South Yorkshire and a teacher of children with disabilities.

She was probably the oldest woman in the world to make her debut and did not allow the lack of an older male partner to deter her enjoyment one iota.

But other traditions were followed.

After passing through an arbour festooned with white ribbons, each of the smartly-attired women was formally presented to City of Knox Mayor Emanuele Cicchiello.

The youngest Mayor in the City’s history, Cr Cicchiello was obviously proud of his oldest citizens.

‘The investment they have made in this community is enormous,’ Cr Cicchiello said.

As each debutante received her certificate from the Mayor, ball convener Esme Mewes read a simple tribute, as is customary at debutante balls.

The group then moved into formation to complete three formal dances with their partners.

The debutante balls were conceived by local residents Esme Mewes and Nancy Mann, who began the Knox and District Waltzing Wheels 10 years ago.

These days, with a team of volunteers, they teach ballroom dancing to wheelchair-bound residents at nursing homes and hostels.

Their efforts were recognized with a Council on the Ageing Senior Achiever Award, presented by Aged Care Minister Gavin Jennings at Government House.