Organised by the Ladies Auxiliary of Club Marconi, the ball was held on Saturday, June 29, in the club’s auditorium at Bossley Park.
Thirteen gracious ladies participated in the 1996 edition of the annual tradition (which began in 1962), as they marked their official entrance into society.
The girls, accompanied by their respective escorts, were presented by the matron of honour, Vicki Fontana, to the guests of honour (the Minister of Education and Training and Assistant Minister to the Premier for Youth Affairs, John Aquilina, Mrs Aquilina, Maria Labbozzetta and the president of Club Marconi, Tony Labbozzetta).
This was followed by rounds of dancing between the ladies and their respective partners, and then with their parents.
This year the dancing was choreographed to a medieval theme, and was curated by Alan and Joan Glynn, who once again undertook the task of instructing the debutantes.
John Mangos was the MC.
The event was opened with a rendition of the Italian and Australian national anthems.
The evening’s program included the traditional cutting of the cake, a floorshow with the participation of professional dancers, Stephen and Antonella, and the presentation of a gift on behalf of the debutantes to the matron of honour and the dance instructors.
Deana Trimboli and Giovanni Melosi presented the gift of appreciation to the ball organisers.
Guests of honour included: the already mentioned Minister Aquilina; notable state parliamentarians, Joe Tripodi and Reba Meagher; Councillor Frank Olivieri; the directors of Club Marconi; former presidents and life-members; the representatives of other clubs; the Scundi family; and the general director of Club Marconi, J. Dipietrantonio.
