Organisers said guests  had a whale of a time with the theme of Under The Sea (& Back On The Beach).

A pod of matching jellyfish from Newcastle Harbour won the best group costume, their incandescent floating adding magic to the dance floor.

Winners of costume prizes included regular Jeanie Briggs’ Siren and John Hickey’s pirate captain.

“Everyone got into the spirit of things, with our dance group Marissa Plus One littering their lyrics with oceanic references and a remarkable décor from the art department, from the “jetty” on arrival at the James Theatre, to the wall projections to Donna Cavanough’s lovely version of Patti Page’s “In Old Dungog”,” said John O’Brien from the College.

“Felix Prentice, perhaps willfully misinterpreting the theme, came as a street urchin instead of a sea urchin, but took on the job of auctioneer gamely,” he laughed.

Blackbird Artisan Bakery did the entrees and delicious mains and a trio of locals provided yummy desserts. And there were grand contributions from Shane Hannan spinning disks, Park Avenue students dancing the opening number, hospitality students from the high school serving food, Tinshed Brewery donating the beer keg, BCA National as our gold sponsor covering the cost of the band, Kris and Michael and Brian as photographers and many more.

Mr O’Brien said almost every business in town (and a few beyond) contributed to raffle, auction and balloon prizes, and there were at least  20 volunteers helping with set-up, on the night, and even the next day clean-up.

“But the stars were of course the costumes and dancers,” said Mr O’Brien.

“This year’s ball was more of a party atmosphere than ever, a kind of magic sandy salty party.”

The event raised close to $6500 for Dungog Community College and lifelong learning in the shire.

John O’Brien and Jane Richens and their committee of Joy Rumbel, Charmaine Dickson, Joan Cresdee, Royce Burns and Jeanie Briggs were reportedly “breaming’ with gratitude all night. 

Best Group: Firstchance (jellyfish x 8)

Best female costume Jeanie Briggs (Siren)

Runner Up Phillippa Killin (oil slick)

Female Headdress Donna Cavanough (Great Bleachier Reef)

Best Male Costume John Hickey (pirate captain)

Best Male Headdress Rodney Rumbel (seagull)

Audience Award Stephen Kemp (Yellow Submarine).