Taylor Zeestraten, Jayme Powell, Ella Pevitt and Lauren Mason at the Jerilderie Apex 2023 BnS Ball.
A sell out crowd, 1160 people to be exact, attended the 2023 Jerilderie Apex BnS Ball and made it what organisers say was “the best yet”.
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In it’s 60th anniversary year, it is believed to be the longest running BnS ball in the Riverina.
And its success exceeded expectations of the organisers and all those who attended.
Corey Thompson took to the ball’s Facebook page to leave a comment saying, “10/10 as always guys, thank you”.
Organisers also took to Facebook to respond saying, “Wowee! what a weekend”.
“Thank you all so much for making our 60th anniversary ball our best yet. We could not be happier with the turn out and the behaviour of you all so thank you,” the committee continued.
The gates opened at 6.30pm Saturday and participants - dressed in black tie, celebrated until late.
The crowd was entertained by Travis Sinclair, Boots ‘n’ All and The Mason Boys.
Merchandise including beanies, hoodies and caps sold out, and will have organisers slightly increasing the quantity in anticipation of a similar outcome next year.
Camping was available again this year and Jerilderie Apex secretary Andrew Gillett said the desire for the option has grown.
“It has been available the last two years, but this year we had to accommodate a much larger number of campers.”
Mr Gillett said the committee does not change to format of the event much from year-to-year, because they know they have a winning formula.
“We just alter little things here and there.
“It’s a pretty simple model, we review it, tweak it a little and it runs smoothly.”
As for when the committee will start planning for next year, Mr Gillett said it happens “pretty much all year round”.
“It’s just little things to start and we really ramp it up come March or April,” he said.
Proceeds from the ball, and other Jerilderie Apex activities, support the community - particularly those groups who provide volunteers to help at the event.
“We would like to thank the Jerilderie Tidy Towns, Mens Shed, the two Jerilderie primary schools, the pre-school, football club, Lions Club, RFS, netball clubs, fishing club, Jerilderie MND committee and the Berrigan Cricket Club,” Mr Gillett said.
“We can’t thank them enough for the various volunteering roles they contributed to. In return we look forward to making a donation to each of them.”
The Apex Club also distributes funds to local projects from operating the Jerilderie Working Dog Auction and the Jerilderie BnS Ball.
“Over the last six years the club has donated more than $300,000 back to the Jerilderie community,” Gillett said.
Donations include: Jerilderie Independant Living Units, $100,000; Jerilderie Sports Club Redgum tables and chairs, $7,000; Jerilderie Race Club Pavilion Verandah, $10,000; Sir John Monash/Ned Kelly Bronze Statue, $40,000; Balmeringa Unit Upgrades, $30,000; Jerilderie Skate Park bubbler, chairs and shade areas, $21,000; Jerilderie Swimming Pool tables and chairs, $2,500; Jerilderie Hospital nurse’s quarters renovation, $25,000.
If you would like to be a part of the Jerilderie Apex Club, call Mr Gillett on 0429 660 584 or email jerilderie@apex.org.au.
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