Community & Business
18 May, 2026
Debutantes waltz into society
St. Stephen’s Catholic Debutante Ball was held on 8th May, welcoming ten young ladies who were proudly presented before 240 members of the Pittsworth community. The annual event brought together debutantes, their partners, families and friends for a memorable evening of celebration and tradition.
“It is an honour for me to accept these ten charming girls to our society,” St. Stephen’s Parish Priest, Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy, said.
He congratulated the debutantes, their partners, flower girls and page boys.
“You are a credit to your parents, your families and your communities.
“You have incredible power to transform this world into a better place, a place of harmony, a place of dignity and hope,” he said.
This year’s theme “Purple Reign” transformed the Pittsworth Town Hall into a striking Victorian-inspired setting, centred around elegant shades of purple.
Parents and committee members worked tirelessly to create the beautifully decorated venue, adding a special touch to the occasion for the debutantes.
A handcrafted entrance arbour, created by Errol Smith, stood as the centrepiece of the evening and welcomed guests into the hall.
Prior to the formal presentation, a dedication ceremony was held at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Hume Street.
Under the direction of master of ceremonies, Mick Santsingh, the official party was welcomed and included Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy, Toowoomba Region Councillor Carol Taylor, Pat Weir MP, Pastor Charlie Uebergang (Lutheran Parish), Pastors Willie and Ansie Liebenberg (Uniting Parish), Rev. Tony and Mrs Swansson (Anglican Parish), along with members of St. Stephen’s Parish Council.
The maids of honour, (last year’s debutantes) were presented before the red carpet was rolled out for the official presentation of the ten debutantes.
Accompanied by the Matron of Honour, Pamela Tandy, the young ladies were formally presented to Fr. Thomas in front of family, friends and the community.
They were announced as follows:
Sienna Pauli, only daughter of James and Belinda Pauli of Cabarlah, was partnered by Cormac Hass and attended by Nevayah Porter and Edward Pauli.
She wore a strapless, floor-length white dress that flowed gracefully into an A-line silhouette, featuring delicate ruching and intricate beading across the bodice, with a lace-up back.
The gown was especially meaningful to the debutante, as it was her mother’s wedding dress from 17 years ago.
Evelyn Rattray, oldest daughter of Nathan and Rebecca Rattray of Pittsworth, was partnered by Tyson Moore and attended by Octavia Christiansen and Rory Young.
Evelyn wore a full-length gown featuring a softly draped V-neck bodice and delicate shoulder straps adorned with subtle lace detailing.
An intricate beaded waistband added a touch of sparkle that flowed into a layered tulle skirt that created a soft elegant silhouette.
Sarah Hegarty, youngest daughter of Stephen and Katie Hegarty of Pittsworth, was partnered by Thomas Moore and attended by Hazel Willett and Arthur Willett.
Sarah wore a pure white A-line gown by Tania Olsen Designs from Lara Boutique, featuring a soft round neckline and a corset-style bodice with beaded lace appliqué.
The tulle skirt was composed of soft layers with a front split, and a classic lace-up back.
Lillian Kann, oldest daughter of Neil and Lorraine Kann of Finnie, was partnered by Harrison Hulbert and attended by Arleigh Johnstone and Reggie Hilet.
Lillian wore a white strapless dress with a fitted corset top and full skirt.
The V-neckline was enhanced by pleated material across the bust line, and the fabric was a smooth satin, with a large bow at the back.
Ivy Stafleu, only daughter of Eric and Renee Stafleu of Linthorpe, was partnered by Cameron Groves and attended by Sophie Harris and Elliot Giliver.
Ivy’s dress had a lace top and thin straps.
The front was fitted with floral detailing, the skirt was soft and tulle-like, and the back had a criss-cross lace up effect.
Bridie Sutton, daughter of Jamie and Michelle Sutton of Millmerran, was partnered by Niklas Raeth and attended by Ava Sutton and Jack Sutton.
Bridie wore a Madison James full length satin gown with a sweetheart neckline and exposed boning as the feature.
Katelyn Moore, eldest daughter of Julian and Carolyn Moore of Pittsworth, was partnered by Noah Tappenden and attended by Maggie Krieg and Jacob Keeley.
Katelyn wore a stunning ivory gown by Tania Olsen Designs from Sentani Boutique in Milton.
It was strapless with a gathered softly-layered bodice falling from the lower waist into a full floor length A-line skirt.
Ettieanne Hass, only daughter of Geoffrey and Susan Hass of Pittsworth, was partnered by Geoffrey-John Davidson and attended by Lara Holt and Levi Lukehurst.
Ettieanne wore a strapless white gown with a structured, corset-style bodice featuring delicate lace and bead detailing.
The skirt was full and flowing with soft draping across the hips, giving it a classic, elegant silhouette.
Kaidence McKay, eldest daughter of Clint McKay and Jacinta Baillie of Pittsworth, was partnered by Charlie Russell and attended by Aliviyah Lord and Jackson Russell.
Kaidence wore a strapless floor length gown with a lace detailed corset bodice, paired with a gentle draping silk skirt and white open toed heels.
Ava Singer, eldest daughter of Colin Singer and Samantha Briskey of Pittsworth, was partnered by Joel VanDongen and attended by Laynie Harris and Braxton Singer.
Ava wore a white strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline.
The bodice, with a corset back, was embellished with intricate beadwork and lace, and the full, flowing skirt was made of soft tulle.
After the presentation, the debutantes and their partners danced the traditional waltz, Pride of Erin.
Musical entertainer Matthew Peter kept the night hopping with a selection of tunes and the debutantes were thrilled to be able to request songs.
A special thanks was extended to the entire Debutante Ball committee for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the evening ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all in attendance.
Apologies were received from Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell, Mr and Mrs Dan Norris (Principal of Pittsworth State High School), Mr and Mrs Brett Dolley (Harvest New Life Church) and Mrs Susan Uebergang.
