Word has reached us of an affair most enchanting… On Saturday, October 25, the town of Glen Innes shall be positively alight with whispers, waltzes, and wonder as the romance and elegance of the Regency era come alive.
From a garden soiree amidst spring blooms at Rosecroft Gardens to a glittering ball in the magnificent Town Hall, this evening promises sophistication, laughter, and a touch of scandal (the good kind, of course)—all in support of the Friendly Faces Helping Hands Foundation.
“It’s been eight years since our last ball, which we held in Ben Lomond, so we’re very excited to be bringing something truly spectacular to the community again.” said CEO and Founder of Friendly Faces Helping Hands, Kelly Foran.
The festivities begin with a two-hour Garden Soiree at Rosecroft Gardens, where guests will be transported by coach from the Glen Innes Tourist Information Centre at 3.30 pm. The gardens will open at 4 pm, offering a picturesque backdrop of spring blooms, live entertainment, and a generous grazing table. A two-hour drinks package of beer, wine, and bubbles is included in the ticket price, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy the early evening in style.
At 6 pm, the event shifts to the Glen Innes Town Hall, which will be transformed into a ballroom worthy of high society. Inside, guests will enjoy canapés, a spring-inspired dinner and dessert, inspiring speakers, and a spirited live auction featuring sought-after treasures and experiences. For those wishing to extend their evening, an EFTPOS-only bar will be available, along with raffle tickets for indulgent local hampers.
The night will finish with dancing, with guests invited to waltz the evening away beneath the Town Hall’s chandeliers.
“The idea for the Bridgerton theme came from my 21-year-old daughter—she said to me, ‘Everyone loves Bridgerton’—and she’s right, it’s such a beautiful show to watch. I’m not much for costumes, but I’ve already got one of my ex-directors sewing my gown!” said Ms Foran.
Adding to the sense of anticipation, ticket holders are invited to take part in four Regency Flash Mob Dance Sessions in the weeks leading up to the ball. Led by local dance instructor Lindy Alt, the lessons will give attendees the chance to perfect their promenades and twirls before taking to the ballroom floor.
Event organisers encourage guests to embrace the Regency theme with their attire—ball gowns, gloves, and elegant up-dos for the ladies, and formal suits or tails for the gentlemen. While not compulsory, a touch of Bridgerton flair will add to the magic of the evening.
Most importantly, the Bridgerton Charity Ball serves a community purpose. All proceeds will go directly to Friendly Faces Helping Hands Foundation, a Glen Innes-based organisation dedicated to easing the journey of people travelling for medical care and providing much-needed support to families in rural and regional areas.
Ms Foran started the foundation in 2011. “It’s a long story,” she said. After being diagnosed with brain cancer herself while pregnant with her first child, she became acutely aware of the struggles families from regional areas face when seeking complex medical care.
After surviving cancer, the family was dealt another devastating blow just 12 months later when their infant son was also diagnosed with cancer. His treatment caused him to lose an eye and required intensive medical intervention in Brisbane.
“It was a struggle and we all had ongoing financial and mental health issues because of it, and I knew I needed to put into place the resources that I wish I’d had for other people. We learned so much, and that was how our website began,” said Ms Foran.
Since then, Ms Foran has transformed her hardship into an unwavering mission. She has shared the Foundation’s story in more than 200 presentations, reaching thousands of Australians with a message of hope and practical empowerment.
The Foundation provides a centralised website and hotline, thoughtfully designed by and for people in regional areas, offering a one-stop portal for essential information. Whether it’s locating affordable accommodation, mapping out parking, finding cheap eats, or arranging transport, the site offers practical details to ease the intimidating journey to city hospitals.
Beyond these logistics, the Foundation directs families to vital supports such as supermarkets, hairdressers, and local services in city surrounds—balancing mind with matter. It even connects users with support networks, including social workers and counsellors, offering emotional and psychosocial safety nets when they’re needed most. Importantly, while this resource hub doesn’t provide financial aid, by offering trusted, experience-based guidance, it removes layers of stress during life’s most overwhelming moments.
“The ball is about two things—firstly, raising money to keep Friendly Faces going, but secondly, to make sure people know who we are and what we do,” said Ms Foran.
“I always try very hard in my work not to say, ‘It’s not my job.’ If there’s a way to help a family, I will find it. We’re not the shining light—we’re here to show you the direction to it.”
Tickets are on sale now and will close on October 11. Organisers are reminding the community that tickets cannot be purchased at the door, so early booking is essential. 140 of 200 tickets have already been sold, so do not miss out!
For more details, FAQs, and updates, follow the event on Facebook. Donations to Friendly Faces Helping Hands can also be made directly through the foundation’s website.
In an exciting update for 2025, guests can now tailor their evening by choosing to attend only the Rosecroft Garden Soiree or only the Town Hall Ball. For those wishing to immerse themselves fully in the Bridgerton-inspired experience, the full bundle ticket provides access to both.
With elegance, entertainment, and generosity at its heart, the Bridgerton Charity Ball is set to be one of Glen Innes’s most memorable nights of the year.
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