Campion Ball makes a big comeback

14 Sep 2022

The Campion College Ball returned for the first time in two years with a bang - drawing in the biggest crowd in the ball's history.

Over 300 guests descended on the Western Sydney campus on Saturday 10 September, coming from as far afield as Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia, as well as closer to home.

Ordinarily an annual event, the Campion Ball was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to NSW Health covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings, making this year's ball a highly-anticipated affair.

Campion's main building, formerly a Marist seminary, was transformed into a medieval castle, with ivy-covered walls, crenellated 'towers' and large banners flanking the entrance, with decorations put together in just two days by the Campion College Student Association (CCSA).

CCSA President Genevieve Colman, along with the other members of the student ball planning committee, had a daunting task ahead of them, never having attended, let alone planned, a Campion Ball before.

"The whole thing really looked really magical," Genevieve said. "It was fantastic, and we were really pleased, especially considering our lack of experience."

In opening the ball, Campion President Paul Morrissey congratulated the committee on putting together such a spectacular event.

"This is a night of great joy, and I really encourage you to enjoy yourselves and have a great time," Dr Morrissey said.

The ball featured some new elements not seen before, including a 'magic mirror' photo booth, a wandering minstrel, fire-twirling and a DJ booth, which followed the live music.

"We were quite surprised by the response from the Campion community; there was so much support, and everyone was very generous with their time," Genevieve said.

"The ball committee worked together very well, with Abbey Pereira in charge. Everyone had a can-do attitude, staying up late on Friday night getting everything done.

"I never realised just how much effort was involved; there are so many little things you have to be aware of, that you don't realise you need to do until you start getting into it."