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RAN
and RAAF pilots from 2FTS at RAAF Base Pearce with debutantes
from the Family and Disability Society of WA gala ball at
the Novotel Langley Hotel, Perth.
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Eighteen
RAN and RAAF pilots swapped their flying suits for dinner suits
earlier this year.
They had special escort duties to perform and the Army was there
to give them a hand with the music.
On June 26, three months of training, preparation and rehearsals
by the student pilots of No. 2 Flying Training School, RAAF Base
Pearce, ended when they escorted 18 debutantes to the 2004 Debutantes
Ball presented by The Family & Disability Society of WA Inc.
The formal gala ball was held at the Riverside Ballroom, at the
Novotel Langley Hotel on Adelaide Terrace.
The first training session for the debutantes and their escorts
began on March 14.
Patient and careful dancing instruction generously provided by
a Mr Ron Barker and his assistants, resulted in the professional
display witnessed on the night of the ball.
The debutantes underwent a transformation to become confident
young women who will all carry happy memories of this night into
their futures.
The event was the fourth ever Western Australian Debutantes’ Ball
for young women with an intellectual disability, the others being
held in 1986, 1987 and 1991.
A special debt of gratitude was conveyed through the evening to
the RAAF and RAN students from the 2FTS for their participation
and support throughout this time.
For many of these young men, this was their first personal experience
of intellectual disability.
Their compassion, patience, perseverance and good humour was greatly
appreciated and commended.
In addition, the student pilots developed a much better understanding
of the issues that face people with an intellectual disability,
and The Family & Disability Society of WA believes they will be
positive ambassadors for disability throughout their future careers.
The Administrator of Western Australia, Mr David Malcolm and Mrs
Malcolm attended the evening to address the the guests.
Wing Commander Gareth Nielsen and Mrs Nielsen were invited as
guests, in recognition of the support given by 2FTS.
Throughout the evening, additional entertainment was provided
by the Australian Army Pipes and Drums and the Australian Army
Band Perth.
