Saturday 18 June 2022 marked the 20th anniversary of the Girls Grammar School (Rockhampton) Race Day with many staying on after the races to celebrate at the After Party with live music by Side Hustle.
It was pleasing to see COVID restrictions ease and the return of both the Corporate Sponsorship Marquee and Party Pavilion, attracting about 450 patrons to the party area. This year ticket holders also had the opportunity to win a pink diamond (valued at $5000), kindly donated by Phil Peel Jeweller. The lucky winner, Leanna Donaldson, a current parent of the School, was presented her prize by Kerry and David Peel.
Tony Ching, a recognised teaching chef from Brisbane and his assistant Dorsay, returned this year to assist catering convenor Merin Weston and Girls Grammar Chef Kent Reid in creating 3 course meals for the Corporate Marquee and individual picnic boxes and dessert for the Party Pavilion. Finger food was also available at the After Party.
Always a highlight of the day, Fashions in the Field winners received prizes from Something Different, Embellish Hats, Chemist Warehouse and Mark Bunt’s Menswear. Visiting fashion judge Dale Olsson, owner of Sydney’s Embellish Atelier declared the winners to be:
Best Dressed Lady – Tracey Siddins
Best Dressed Gent – Luke Collins
Best Hat – Melinda Gorman
This year 1978 Alumna Catherine Kelly (nee Duckett) provided the prize for Best Hat and it was wonderful to hear her stories of, and praises for, her time spent at Rockhampton Girls Grammar.
Girls Grammar Race Day has been a major social event on the Rockhampton winter racing calendar since 2002 and its success is due to the hardworking Race Day Committee with support from students, staff, Old Girls and parent volunteers. We acknowledge and thank all of them for working tirelessly for the benefit of the event and our school.
Kerry Clarke
Personal Assistant to the Principal