The Wyvern Gala Ball

Wesley community events come in all shapes and sizes, from carols to sundowners, but nothing can beat the grandeur of the Wyvern Gala Ball.

For a moment, there was silence. Tables set. Candles flickering gently under the steady hum of the air conditioning. And then, on the dot of 6.30pm, the team at The Crown threw the doors open and the Wyvern Gala Ball began.

Parents, staff, friends and alumni spilled in, the room quickly filling with 650 people dressed in sharp tuxedos and stunning ballgowns. As guests found their tables and settled into the evening, Year 10 student Samuel Palermo, performing as DJ Samuel Viagus, set the party vibe from behind the decks.

This was it, the culmination of months of work. Every table finished with beautiful flowers and bathed in dramatic lighting, a stage for the band, a photo booth for giggles. Everything a good night needs.

But first, the formalities. The Moorditj Mob delivered a beautiful Acknowledgement of Country, sharing some of their best dances and giving some context about how they shape their Wesley experience. Head of College Ross Barron followed, welcoming guests and reflecting on a significant milestone, 100 years since the founding of the Old Wesley Collegians’ Association.

During his speech, Ross talked about the many threads that bind the College together across generations. OWCA President Keith Sheppard (74-78) and P&F Chair Kate Petersen joined him on stage to reinforce the point. The last guest was Chair of College Council, Matt Braysher, who stepped forward to ring Tranby Bell and announce the party officially started!

Dinner unfolded at an easy pace. Conversations flowed from table to table as Dave Paddon’s guitar drifted through the room, and people gathered at the sparkling wine bar to catch up.

Mr Barron with Kimberly Fine Diamonds winner, Jiana Pan, and Frauke Bolten-Boshammer.

One of the main topics of the evening was ‘who’s going to win the Kimberley Fine Diamonds draw?’

With an $11,000 necklace up for grabs, everyone had their fingers crossed. Each glass at the sparkling wine bar had a number etched into it. When Frauke Bolten-Boshammer took to the stage to spin the wheel, the winning glass was 40, held by Jiana Pan. Everyone else uncrossed their fingers to applaud generously.

By then, the night had found its party rhythm. The band Little Belle stepped onto the stage, the dancefloor filled and everyone started throwing their best shapes.

It was, in every sense, a night that reflected the College at its best: connected, inclusive and happy. And not bad at dancing too.

WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT OUR SPONSORS:

Diamond sponsor:
Kimberley Fine Diamonds

Gold sponsors:
The Matthews Family
The Crothers Family

Green sponsors:
Euroz Hartleys
Cornerstone Legal
Paywise
Diggers & Dealers
Mineovation Consulting
The Sheppard Family
IGA Jurien Bay

A special thank you:
Annaliese Maffescioni, Signature Floral Design, for her stunning artistry. Jesse Wilson, The Event Mill, for his event expertise and media wall. Our amazing volunteers: Kate Petersen, Paige Sullivan, Vicki Fitzgerald, Sarah D’Onofrio and April Jolly.