When you think of a ball in the bush, you think there’s going to be a lot of rum, swags and food dye.
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But not at the Brookdale Ball.
Almost 300 men and women swapped boots for bow ties on Saturday night, bringing class to the country for a cause close to their hearts.
More than $21,000 was raised for Riverina Bluebell – the charity championing mental health support and awareness.
The event’s organising committee president Sandy Day said the event provided an opportunity for farmers and members of the rural community to socialise in a region, that contained nothing but a hall.
The black-tie ball first came to fruition last year, after a close group of mates had an informal chat over a few drinks.
The inaugural ball raised more than $14,000 for the charity and brought 140 locals together.
This year’s fashion off the farm reigned in almost double that.
“The night went amazingly well,” Mr Day said. “We had a perfectly cool night.”
He said the charity it suppported had a special meaning to communities across the region.
“They’re trying to change the big stigma attached to mental health,” Mr Day said. “They are out there on the ground and we’re supporting that.”
