It has been described as Temora’s night of nights, the annual Black and White Debutante Ball and last Friday night, 3 July it certainly lived up to its reputation as being a gala event boasting one of the largest attendances in a number of years. More than 300 family, friends and guests filled the Temora Memorial Town Hall to support 21 debutantes and their partners attending the final ball of the season bringing together debutantes from the previous two balls to find out who would be named the Debutante of the Year for 2026. The event is hosted by the Temora District Education Fund (TDEF) and it also one of the major fund-raising efforts for the organisation that supports the educational aspirations of Temora’s young people. Chairman of the TDEF and Temora Shire mayor Rick Firman said that it was just something very special that we come together as a community to honour and salute the 21 debutantes from the Temora Catholic and Anglican Balls and made them feel special. “As I have said, and others have said, that we honour every debutante, all 21 of them were our honoured special guests that night together with their partners,” Cr Firman said. “So that was why it's important to let them know that each of them are young people that we're very proud of as a shire community.” Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke opened the evening, and she said that she remembers fondly her debutante ball, in Temora, and her family and friends still talk about what a wonderful night it was even though it was more than 30 years ago. “Debutant balls are an important event on the calendar of our small communities,” she said. “It keeps alive a tradition that has been part of the fabric of our communities for generations and generations and here in Temora the debutante of the year ball serves as an opportunity not just to celebrate our traditions and our past and the milestone that these young women have now reached but it's also an important opportunity for us to raise important funds for the Temora District Education Fund which of course funds our future children with their education and what they need to accomplish. “Nights like this are incredibly important and it's great to see it's so well supported. “When I look at these young people I see our future unfolding before my eyes. “These are young people who have got the world at their feet they have so many opportunities now that generations before them didn't have. “What they're great at is seizing those opportunities with both hands and with the support of this community they will go forth and reach their full potential and we're very proud of them.” This year the judges were Federal Member for the Riverina, Michael McCormack, NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig and Forbes Shire Council mayor Phyllis Miller. Chief judge for the evening was Mr McCormak, and he said it is really difficult to select just one from 21 beautiful young ladies and their partners who also are very resplendent. “Each and every one of them have made their families and the community very, very proud,” Mr McCormack said. “They've been wonderful young people and that's what it's all about. “I love this evening, I know I make one family very happy. “It's a hard, arduous process but it's one that I take very seriously and one that I'm very proud to do because Temora deserves to have good young people and let me tell you, you really do. “Temora and Ariah Park, you should be very, very proud of the young people who've come out tonight for this very special evening.” Fellow judge Mr Hoenig said that he was proud to be a part of the ball and honoured to be asked to be one of the judges for the Debutante of the Year. “When I was a mayor many years ago, we did debutante balls and they sort of fell out of favour in the 1980s,” Mr Hoenig said. “Now to come to Temora and see them again, 21 delightful young ladies and their partners. “I know how much work goes into it, I know how long it takes, I know how much it costs and I know from debutantes in my area how they never forget that day. “As part of the judging process, we get to talk to everybody, and they are the most delightful ladies that I've had the privilege to meet. “The one thing I can say to you is not only should we be very proud of these young ladies, but the future of Temora is secure with these wonderful young ladies who will make, and are determined in their lives to make, such a tremendous contribution to this community. “So, I was really proud to be a part of it.” The debutante of the year for 2026 was Abbee Giggott and runner up was Adelaide Gaynor, the decision was not an easy one with judges requesting the couple do an additional turn around the dance floor.
