Elders make their 'debut'

There were "tears and standing ovations" when a group of aboriginal elders made their debut on October 6.

The Mingaletta Aboriginal Elders Inaugural Debutante Ball was held at the Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy, community development officer Ms Kylie Cassidy said.

"Many of these women were denied the chance to attend a social ball when coming of age, through social discrimination and financial disadvantage, so their aspiration to introduce themselves to society had been with them for more than 40 years," Ms Cassidy said.

"In the end, the 'coming out' for these Mingaletta elders was extra special because their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were able to attend.

"Some even partnered their mothers and grandmothers as well as the local aboriginal men coming to the fore partnering the other debs."

Gosford Cr Laurie Maher, Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews and state Minister Linda Burney were in attendance.

Also attending was Cr Roy Ah-See of the New South Wales Land Council who was MC for the night and Keith "Chubby" Hall who gave the "Acknowledgement of Country".

"In the true spirit of reconciliation, the elders took part in presenting the Pride of Erin which was followed by traditional aboriginal dancing performed by the Peninsula Indigenous Performing Arts Dance group," Ms Cassidy said.

"Marie Andrews applauded the Mingaletta Aboriginal Corporation for the tireless community work and was happy to be a part of the event.

"Cr Maher congratulated the Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for its work in preserving Aboriginal Culture for future generations.

"Linda Burney stated how proud she felt in being a part of this celebration and that the debs looked like a lovely rainbow as they stood for photos."

Ms Cassidy said that, following the speeches, the debutantes again took to the floor and performed a waltz, before the night of dancing continued.

Ms Cassidy said that the Mingaletta Elders Group would be conducting another debutante ball next year for local residents and invited participation.

"Hopefully this ball will be conducted annually from then on," Ms Cassidy said.

"All those that wish to participate could contact the Mingaletta office at Umina."

The Mingaletta Elders Group thanked all businesses and individuals that helped in any way to bring about the success of the first ever Aboriginal Elders Debutante Ball on the Peninsula.

Press release, 22 Oct 2007 Kylie Cassidy, Mingaletta Inaugural Elders Debutante Ball