Around 300 people attend the hugely successful Riverina Harvest Ball in Corowa on Friday, October 14. People travelled as far as Sydney and Canberra to be part of the fabulous black-tie event, providing great networking opportunities for the farming community and rising much-needed funds for the Oaklands and district region. Pictured is the harvest ball committee Minette Fealy, Sarah-Jane Sheridan (secretary), Kathy Moloney (treasurer), Leeanne Dalitz (president), Chantelle Gorman, Kate Smith and Tarin Moar. Photo by Morgan Collins.
A crowd of around 300 people gathered for an evening of glitz and glamour at the annual Riverina Harvest Ball in Oaklands on Friday, October 14.
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Farmers and industry representatives swapped work shirts and muddy boots for tuxedos and ball gowns for the sell-out event which attracted people from as far as Sydney, Canberra and Wagga Wagga.
Harvest sunsets was the 2022 theme for the night with the old Oaklands Memorial Hall transformed into something out of a movie with stunning flower arrangements, fairy lights and dazzling décor on the tables.
The evening provided many networking opportunities for farmers with many able to share thoughts and solutions in the lead up to harvest with concerns about the wetter than average season.
Committee president Leeanne Dalitz said it was great night for district farming families.
“Farmers often struggle with their mental health during drought and in years like this where the wet weather is affecting many farming operations,” she said.
“Not only can they bounce ideas off each other, but they can also come here and just enjoy themselves and put their concerns to the back of their mind.”
Ms Dalitz said many were excited to see the ball return after two years, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There was a real happy vibe and a sense of excitement on the night,” Ms Dalitz said.
“We had a red carpet and photos taken by photographer Morgan Collins at the front entrance.
“The shed looked absolutely stunning. We also had fantastic feedback from many who attended.”
Now in its 17th year the Riverina Harvest Ball rivals many country balls, galas and black-tie events.
“Tickets went on sale in August and sold out in five minutes,” Ms Dalitz said.
“It’s a testament to our hard-working committee and all the people who contribute to the event.”
Ms Dalitz said this year’s event had 40 sponsors on board each contributing $500.
“All the money raised goes back into the Oaklands and district community,” she said.
“Anyone can community group can request to receive money for a worthy cause. In past years, we’ve donated the money back to the Oaklands CWA, Oaklands Fire Brigade, Oaklands Central School, the RSL Club, Pink Stumps Day as well as significant improvements to the Oaklands Memorial Hall.”
Dressed to the nines: Local farmers Murk and Kate Schoen with Kat and Ed Nixon. Photo by Morgan Collins.
Ms Dalitz said preparations for the annual ball begin around March with caterers and bar staff locked in early.
“Our committee meets once a month and we all bring different skillsets to the table,” she said.
“As we get closer to the ball, everything starts to ramp up and we rely on helpers to set everything up.
“Many hours of hard work, coordinating, organising, decorating, planning and hiring goes into the evening.”
Ms Dalitz said the ball wouldn’t be a success without the contribution of sponsors and volunteers.
“This year was our largest ball to date,” she said.
“I would like to thank the sponsors. With their support, we can distribute funds back into the community,” she said
I would also like to thank North East Catering & Events from Wangaratta, Terry Blake and the team from Deniliquin for the catering, Nathan Vaccaro for music, Master Key Security, local photographer Morgan Collins and
Wangaratta Turf Club for donating the Melbourne Cup Corporate tickets.
“I would also like to thank my committee for their wonderful work and everyone who attended and enjoyed themselves. What a fabulous evening it was.”
Not just a tin shed: The Oaklands Memorial Hall was transformed into a dazzling room fit for a ball. Photo by Morgan Collins.
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