Name change comes with championships

The Peninsula Highland Dancing Association, formed in 1979, has changed its name after it was granted the international championships for Australia.

Now named the Central Coast Highland Dancing Incorporated, the group will host the International Highland Dancing Championships of Australia to be held at the Central Coast Youth Club, Niagara Park, from July 20 to 23.

"The organisation is thrilled to host this event, which will become an annual event bringing highland dancers from all over Australia and the world to the Central Coast, as well as fostering the many dancers already here on the Coast," club secretary Ms Katrina O'Callaghan said.

"After losing a bid last year, the organisation worked tirelessly to ensure the governing body, the Australian Board of Highland Dancing, approved the application for the event," Ms O'Callaghan said.

Central Coast Highland Dancing chairman Mr Douglas McFarland said the group had many members who were associated with the Veronica Law School of Highland Dancing, which currently had a pupil from Woy Woy.

"We will have a number of volunteers from the Peninsula, including some former dance champions," Mr McFarland said.

More information about the event can be found at www.downunderthekilt.com/phda or by telephoning Veronica McFarland on 4372 1556.

Press release, 8 May 2007 Katrina O'Callaghan, Central Coast Highland Dancing