By BRIDGET COOK
THE atmosphere in the Narre Warren North Hall each Thursday morning for the past few weeks has been electric.
That is because rehearsals are now underway for the inaugural Rotary Club of Casey Presentation Ball for people with a disability who have never had the opportunity to be involved in such an event before.
The smiles in the room were infectious – from the participants working hard to learn their dance moves to the organisers who watched on to see how much joy it has brought to people’s lives already.
The initiative all came about after a representative from the City of Casey and disability service provider Scope visited The Rotary Club of Casey and asked if it could run a presentation ball for people with a disability.
Since then, preparations have been in full swing in the lead up to the big night on Saturday 30 August at Cardinia Cultural Centre.
A number of businesses and organisations have thrown their support behind the event already including dance director Simone Robbins who runs the rehearsals for free, Imij Hair who has offered to do participants’ hair and a number of make-up artist who are ready to get the women dolled up.
A member of the Casey Rotary Club will arrange the formal wear for those involved and Narre Warren North Hall is not charging for the use.
There are already 27 people, ranging from 21 to 88-years-old who have signed up to take part from disability service providers across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong including Scope, Yoralla, The Bridge, Outlook and Wallara.
Lynne Westland, chairwoman of the organising committee and member of Casey Rotary, said so far the event has brought as much joy to those involved in the organising as it has to the participants.
“The ball is an opportunity for people with a disability to participate in a high profile event which is focused on improving health and wellbeing, enhancing confidence and self-esteem and providing an opportunity to gain new friendships,” she said.
“This will have ongoing and lasting benefits.
“It is an innovative way to promote positive images of people with a disability and raise awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people with a disability in our community.
“Further to this, parents, carers and friends will be given an opportunity to view with pride the achievements of their loved ones who are meeting their personal goals and aspirations.
“All those involved have not had a chance to be presented at a ball and we are helping give them that opportunity.”
Ms Westland said after a few rehearsals organisers have already seen the joy in the faces of those involved.
“Rehearsals have just been so much fun,” she said.
“They all laugh and get into and interact with each other.
“It’s been the most humbling thing to watch and I’m just so glad we took this on.”
Organisers are still looking for support and urged anyone who could assist with sponsorship or donations to get in touch with Ms Westland on 0407 998 556 or Margaret Heslin on 0417 210 747.
Ms Westland said there were still places available for people with a disability who might also like to get involved and urged anyone to call them to find out more.
