In the large and elegant venue, people danced to the music of the Mokambo and Cera Orchestras until the early hours of the morning.

Seated at the official table, was the president of the Cavour, Mr B. F. Gallichio and his wife, vice president Gianni Gangitano and his wife, members of the committee and other representatives of the Italian press, and Member for Essendon, Hon. K. H. Wheeler and his wife.

Representing the Premier of Victoria, Henry Bolte, was Victorian Senator, Hon. Jack Walton and his wife.

The Spastic Society of Victoria was represented by General Sir Raghar Garrett and Lady Garrett; and the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, by St Kilda Mayor, Cr. J. Talbot and wife.

Also present were: the director of Flotta Lauro for Victoria, Dr Debelack and his wife; Mr Nino Borsari; Italian Vice-Consul in Melbourne, Mr Ranieri Fornari; Mr D. Boffa and Mrs Maria Boffa; Miss Ines Donazzan (“Miss Cavour 1964”); Mr J. Perillo (solicitor) and wife; Dr F. Gallichio and wife; as well as presidents and representatives of various Italian associations in Melbourne and sponsors from professional, commercial and civic Italian fields.  

A choice between 10 candidates

Popular television presenter and political commentator at Channel 9, Kevin Sanders, performed his role with great ability throughout the elegant evening. (He spent much of the night signing autographs for his emotional admirers).

Contributing to a striking Italian atmosphere was the excellent dinner served by Attilio Panebianco Catering Service.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the title of “Miss Cavour 1965” and “Queen of the Ball 1965”, which were chosen by a jury in another part of St Kilda, presided over by same television host, Kevin Sanders.

The selection of the winners proved a more difficult task than last year.

In fact, difficulty in deciding among the 10 candidates caused the official opening time of the event to be pushed back, and delays in the execution of a pre-arranged program.

For the first time, the jury’s choice for “Miss Cavour” coincided with the candidate who had raised the most money for the Charity Fund.

In fact, Miss Agnese Angerame – a lovely Italian office worker from Melbourne, whose birthday fell on the same day – was awarded the title of “Miss Cavour 1965”; she had raised £152.

Miss Angerame, who participated in the contest as “Miss New Lincoln Inn Hotel”, chose the title of “Miss Cavour”, which offered a cruise to New Zealand, care of Flotta Lauro, and a magnificent trophy presented by a representative of Rothmans.

The title of “Queen of the Ball” was therefore awarded to Miss Gabriella Rubboli, who raised £101 and subsequently won a holiday to Surfers Paradise, care of Ansett-ANA.

A draw took place in which a film projector, a year of free car servicing, and a women’s electric razor were awarded to participants according to the number on their entry ticket.

The lottery marked the end of this memorable social event of the Italian community in Melbourne.