00:00 Twirling in white dresses and waltzing with your dance partner.
00:05 You're so pretty.
00:07 It's a milestone that seemed unattainable for many people with disabilities.
00:11 Christine Davis always dreamed of giving her granddaughter Caitlin a debutante debut,
00:16 but found traditional balls didn't accommodate the 19-year-old's disability.
00:20 So she helped organise Coffs Harbour's first all-inclusive debutante ball.
00:25 My vision was to have a debutante ball so Caitlin and her friends could all make their debut
00:32 because it's something that our young people don't get the opportunity to do.
00:38 Since Caitlin joined the Davis family in 2014,
00:41 Christine and her husband Will have tried to give her opportunities to live a full life.
00:45 Because of her declining health, I'm hoping that she can enjoy the day
00:50 and look to the future and enjoy what days we have left with her.
00:55 And for some, it's a chance to live out an unfulfilled dream.
00:59 Lynne Legg didn't attend her own debutante ball,
01:02 but she's now sharing the experience with her daughters Hannah and Tiana.
01:06 I think it's a nice opportunity for them to come together and feel really special with their friends
01:12 and I know all the other people there are going to be as excited and pleased for them as we are.
01:19 Caitlin Carmody and Brent Watson.
01:22 It's really quite selfish for me because I tell you,
01:25 I just get the warmest feeling when I see them achieve different things.
01:32 While debutante balls were traditionally a way to introduce young women into society,
01:37 it seems they've gotten a bit of a revamp here in Coffs Harbour.
01:40 Through the sea of poppy white dresses and strapping suits,
01:43 you'll find dabs that are just here to have a great time
01:46 and a bit of a boogie with their friends.
01:48 [singing]
01:51 The community is hoping the event will become a tradition for the future,
01:54 so the benefits can continue to flow for others.
01:57 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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