Coffs Harbour hosts first all-inclusive debutante ball

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Debutante balls have long been a tradition for many Australian towns, but for budding debs living with disability, it's not an event they can easily participate in. Until now. Coffs Coast Autism has brought to life the first all-inclusive debutante ball for the region. In New South Wales, giving young debs with various abilities a chance to participate in their own, special event.

Transcript

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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