Male fashion hasn’t moved on much since we last pulled that suit out of the wardrobe, but female fashion has certainly changed a lot since I first took a spin around the ballroom floor with my deb partner thirty-three years ago.

I recognise that style trends are cyclical, but I find that the large ruffle has never been quite as highly celebrated as it was back in the late 1980s – and didn’t we rock it back then?

OK, OK, the truth is, I have never lived anywhere near the leading edge of fashion. I was 15 before I wore anything other than handmade clothes sewn by mum or items knitted by nanna pre-arthritis.

Growing up on the farm, my wardrobe included mainly hand-me-downs and woollen items accidentally shrunk to my size.

With a uniform for school five days a week, that only left church on Sundays to dress up for.

I do remember wearing mum’s shoes to church during one phase of my life and getting teased for it– but that’s people isn’t it?

When I did finally pull-on my first pair of maroon corduroy jeans from the shops, I just knew I was in love.

This kind of explains my slight hoarding tendency in relation to pretty dresses, which I seldom have occasion to wear, but do like to keep on hand so that I can fondly look at and stroke them periodically.

Like Cinderella, going to the ball was a dream I hardly dared have when I was 17, but spending time in the company of 20 other young women and men who were about to be launched into the world, and irreversibly change it, was the real thrill.

I have the honour of announcing each delightful couple as they enter the auditorium at the coming ball - and there is no doubt  this group of young Australians are destined to make a big impact around the globe.

With lives forever linked by the laughs shared during the months of progressive dances at training, I wish the debutantes all well as they celebrate each other’s successes.