Contact Numbers:
Rachel Turner 02 6829 9200
Brent Larkham 0418 577 433 (Band: International Party Crew)
Lightning Ridge
Opal Festival Run Sheet
Week before event:
□ Print Beer Garden Stallholder table names
□ Print Opal Queen Voting Slips
Monday:
□Set up tables in Beer Garden
(Angela & team)
□Place Stallholder business names on table (Angela)
□Ask Wolfie to print Opal Queen tickets.
□Book table for David Lane and Canberra women
□ Pick up vouchers from Mr Cheaps, get white paint to mark
outdoor sites (Joy)
□ Pick up pendant from Peter Healey (Joy)
□ Pick up pendant from Jo Lindsay (Angela)
□Ring Betty Bevan and ask Neroli to bring in Judges presents on
Sat night
□ Pick up video vouchers from Lisa Carroll
□ See Rhonda White about entrant packs
□ Get phone number of band from Axiom
□ Contact Rachel (reigning Opal Queen) to ask her to come to run
through on Tuesday
Tuesday:
□Mark out outdoor sites (Angela/Woody)
□Print out outdoor floorplan and put up on fence
□6.00pm Opal Queen run through, collect entry forms
Wednesday:
□ Write up Opal Queen “speils
□ Add speils to run sheet
□ Email list of Stallholders needing insurance to Justin Young
[justiny@insurics.com.au]
□ 1.00pm – Stallholders enter beer garden
□ 5.00pm – doors closed security on from 8.00pm (Beer garden)
□
7.00pm pick up cheese platter from kitchen (club pays), wine and
cheese night in auditorium. Treasury Wines provides wine
□ 7.00pm – Attend Stallholder Wine and Cheese night
Thursday, 24 July:
□ Collect money from unpaid stallholders, do receipts
Beer Garden:
8.00am – doors unlocked
5.00pm – doors closed
Friday, 25 July:
□ Collect money from unpaid stallholders, do receipts
□Update Queen Runsheet
□Confirm Opal Queen & Judge food
Beer Garden:
8.30am – doors unlocked
5.00pm – doors closed
Opal Queen
Saturday, 26 July:
Beer Garden
8.30am – doors unlocked
5.00pm – doors closed
8.00pm Security on
9.00am:
□Collect any stallholder fees
□Touch base with snake man
10.00am:
□Rhonda White to deliver entrant gifts
□Decorate tables and room
□Give updated runsheet to Sue King and Opal Queen entry forms to
judges
□Put out reserve seating signs for sponsors and Canberra
□Organise present table, display sashes, prizes
Presents:
□1
x gift from Rhonda White for all entries
□Get crown from Club Safe office
□Get sashes from Club Safe
5.00pm:
Make sure band is set up and has done sound check. Ask band to
be ready for 8pm start.
5.30pm:
Opal Queens meet at Club
6.00pm:
1 girl to meet with judges
□ Need “runner” to ensure girls interview on time/in order
□ Organise drinks for girls
□ Make sure kitchen has delivered food platters for girls
6.30pm
□ Isobel & Joy to be on door, take money, hand out tickets
□Dave & Tracey on champagne pouring
7.00pm
□Make sure kitchen orders 3 dinners for judges, make sure they
have drinks
7.15pm:
Guests arrival
8.00pm:
Guest called to attention by Sue & Ashley
Sue:
“Ladies and gentleman, if I could have your attention
please. Welcome to the 2013 Opal Queen Ball. I am
Sue King and most of you already know Ashlee Brown,
and it is our pleasure to welcome you to tonight’s
spectacular event.
As “title” of the Women in Racing Club, Canberra, I have
been organising a group of members to attend the Opal
Festival for the last x years. Every year our group gets
bigger and this is testament to the entertainment and
hospitality shown by Lightning Ridge. We enjoy coming
up and I am delighted to be able to MC the event tonight.
Firstly a little piece of housekeeping, the Opal Festival is
delighted to have a new sponsor on board, Treasury
Wines. You would have received a complimentary glass
on champagne on arrival courtesy of Treasury Wines,
you can now purchase Rosemount and Wolf Blass wine
and champagne over the bar. Thank you very much to
Caitlin Moses and her team for looking after us this year.
Firstly tonight, have a special presentation by a local
dance group from Lightning Ridges' new dance school
Opal Dance Works to the stage.
As well as being the first performance Opal Dance
Works has had the opportunity to share with the
community it is also the girls first time performing together
as a group. Their teacher Miss Emily Menz and her
assistant Miss Lauren Birney hope you enjoy the
performance tonight as much as they have enjoyed
working with this amazingly motivated and talented
group young ladies over the last 2 terms. Miss Menz and
Miss Birney would like to congratulate the girls on all their
hard work this semester and thank their parents for their
help and support.
Thank you girls – that was wonderful.
Tonight, we have an amazing line up of young women in
the Opal Queen competition and Ashlee and I are very
excited about presenting the girls to you. Before we can
do that, I would like to invite Ian Woodcock to the stage to
welcome you on behalf of the Opal & Gem Expo
Committee..
Woody:
“Thank you Sue and Ashlee. Distinguished guests,
corporate supporters, ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you
for joining us to celebrate the 2013 Opal Festival and
tonight’s Opal Queen Ball.
We are delighted with the response we have received for
the Opal Festival and the associated activities.
Financially, we know it is getting harder and harder for
tourists and stallholders to make the trip to town, but we
really do appreciate the effort you make as it allows us to
pull together this fantastic event. I hope you have
enjoyed the Opal Festival so far and are glad you can join
us tonight.
Sue:
“Thank you Ian. I would now like to invite Deputy Mayor
of the Walgett Shire Council, Councillor David Lane to
podium...
Sue:
“Thank you Clr Lane. I would now like to invite Rachel
Turner the reigning 2012 Opal Queen to the podium”
So, Rachel, it is almost time to hand in your crown, but
before we do, what have you enjoyed about your term as
Opal Queen?”
Thanks Rachel
“I would like to introduce the first contestant in the 2013
Opal Queen Competition. Ladies and Gentlemen please
welcome….
Bobbie Leiceister
Bobbie is sponsored by Naomi Jayne’s Hair Studio and
tonight her spectacular opal jewellery is provided by Lost
Sea Opals. Bobbie currently works as a Sales
Consultant for the Ridge News as part of the Fairfax
Media Group.
Bobbie has actively donated her time to help with the
Lightning Ridge Easter Festival and assists where
possible with other local community events.
Born and bred in town, she attended Lightning Ridge
Central School and St John’s College. She has worked
fulltime on a property in the cotton industry.
Bobbie is currently learning to ride a horse and plans
travelling and working abroad.
Bobbie’s charity of choice is the Australian Breast Cancer
Foundation.
Ashlee:
Ladies and Gentlemen, please make welcome our
second contestant, Katherine Deisenberger. Katherine is
sponsored by the Opal Bin. She holds down two jobs,
one as receptionist at the Opal Caravan Park and the
other in the kitchen at the Bowling Club. She combines
her work with studying a Degree of Engineering majoring
in mechanical, externally through University of Southern
Queensland.
Katherine attended primary school at Lightning Ridge and
High School at Fairholme College in Toowoomba.
She regularly assists with the Lightning Ridge Miners
Association fundraisers and was an active member of the
Lightning Ridge Pony Club.
Katherine enjoys riding horses, and playing sport when
she gets the chance, and photography.
Her charity of choice is the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Sue:
Thank you Katherine, please now make welcome
Breanna Mitchell.
Breanna is sponsored by the Reach Early childhood
Intervention and works at Morillas Cafe.
She currently helps children with disabilities as part of the
Reach Early Childhood Intervention. She has also
volunteered her time at a number of events including the
John Murray opening of Stanley the Emu and Viki
Murray’s book opening.
She enjoys socialising with friends, singing, cooking and
spending time with her puppy and boyfriend.
Breanna’s charity of choice is Birdie’s Foundation.
Ashlee:
I would now like to introduce Elise Thompson. Elise is
sponsored by the Animal Welfare League and wears an
amazing opal pendant courtesy of Peters Opals.
Elise runs a professional dog grooming business from
home and volunteers her time at the local animal welfare
league helping sick pets and wildlife. She donates her
time as a groomer to help the elderly with their dog’s nails
and feet.
She is also the coach of the local gymnastics club helping
to create young stars.
She has a Certificate 2 in Animal Studies, and is qualified
in gymnastics coaching, dog grooming and has her
Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate.
Elise enjoys spending time with animals, painting and
crafts and this soon to be mum, loves nothing more than
watching a classic Disney movie.
Elise’s charity of choice is the Animal Welfare League
Sue:
Ladies and Gentlemen, could you please now welcome
Emma Smith. Emma is sponsored by David Smith, a
long time miner and opal cutter. Tonight she wears an
exquisite opal pendant, courtesy of her father. She
currently works at Khan’s IGA as a sales assistant.
When she is not working, she is either spending time with
her family and friends or shopping up a storm on EBay.
Emma regularly helps her mum with activities and events
involving the Women Refuge, such as Children’s
Playgroup, Reclaim the Night and Information Day.
She completed her Year 10 Certificate at Lightning Ridge
Central and has a Certicate, 1, 2 and 3 in Hospitality.
She enjoys socialising with friends, babysitting, cooking,
reading, camping, and fishing.
Her charity of choice is Bridie’s Foundation.
Ashlee:
Could you please now welcome Brook Holland to the
stage. Brook is sponsored by Myamar Jewellery and is
currently studying a double degree in Business and Law
at Southern Cross University.
Brook has recently started her own opal jewellery
business – Myamar. Myamar is the meaning of ‘stone’ in
the Yuwaalaraay language. Brook has opal in her blood
and loves the success she is enjoying with her new
venture.
Brook has a long history of representing Lightning Ridge
at sporting events over the last decade.
She has also
done significant fund raising for social events and
charities.
Her hobbies include her opal jewelley business, spending
time with family and friends.
Brook’s charity of choice is the Royal Flying Doctors.
Sue:
Ladies and gentlemen, could you please welcome Lisa
Castellana to the stage. Lisa is sponsored by Herman &
Sandy Kreller and tonight wears a striking pendant
provided by the Opal Cave.
After running an Opal Shop in North Queensland for 5
years, Lisa had always wanted to visit Lightning Ridge.
She sold her business and moved here because she
loves opal and when she can mines with her partner.
She also works full time as a Pharmacy Assistant at
Rhonda Whites.
She has completed a Jewellery and Retail Certificate,
and Diamond Coloured Stone and Jewellery Certificate.
Lisa enjoys taking photos of amazing Lightning Ridge
scenery including the opal fields and old relics. She
enjoys mining and selling, meeting people and listening to
the old stories of the town.
Her charity of choice is Royal Flying Doctors Service
Ashlee:
Could you please make welcome our final contestant for
the evening – Laura Tunnell.
Laura is sponsored by the Opal Bin and works part time
at the Westpac Bank. She is a part time opal miner and
full time mother. In her spare time, she breaks in and
educates horses, and used to be a jockey/track work rider
for Chris Waller, winning group 1 races in New Zealand
and enjoys teaching kids how to ride horses.
Somehow she also finds time to be a volunteer SES
rescuer, soccer coach, helps with the LRMA and has
raised over $2000 for Breast Cancer by running in the
City to Surf.
She has achieved a range of certificates including,
Computer, MYOB, Apprentice Jockey, and is a qualified
Riding Instructor.
Her charity of choice is the Breast Cancer Council.
Ashlee:
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the contestants
in the 2013 Opal Queen. Don’t they look spectacular!
We will just reintroduce them to help you with their names
for voting for Miss Popularity. You will all have a voting
slip attached to your ticket, please grab a pen and vote
for who you think should win:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Bobbie Leiceister
Katherine Deisengberer
Bree Mitchell
Brook Holland
Lisa Castellana
Elise Thompson
Emma Smith
Laura Tunnell
We are going to have 30min break now, to allow you to
enjoy a drink, vote and a dance while the judges make their
final decision. Thank you for your attention so far and we
will come back shortly to announce the 2013 Opal Queen
winner.
Sue:
Ladies and gentlemen, can i have your attention please.
WE would now like to welcome back the 2013 Entrants of
the Lightning Ridge Opal Queen competition.
I would like to call upon [ judge name ] to let us know what
the judges were looking for...
Sue:
Thank you [ judge name ], I Now the moment we have all
been waiting for.
Third prize in the 2013 Opal Queen Competition to
_____________________
The winner of the “Second prize in the 2013 Opal Queen
Competition is
_____________________
The People’s Choice winner is:
_____________________, congratulations name, you
will also receive a $500 cheque for your charity of choice,
which is....
“First prize in the 2013 Opal Queen Competition is:
Winner:
“I am so happy, thank you everyone!”
5-10 minute photo and talk break
Sue:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, can I please have your attention,
for the last time tonight. Congratulations Someone. As I
am sure you will agree, Someone will make a fantastic
ambassador for the Opal industry.
We just have a few more presentations to conclude the
evening. I would like to invite Neroli Bevan to present the
Judges Thank you Gifts...
We now need to do the best dressed awards, and I would
like to invite Caitlin Moses from Treasury Wines to assist
with the presentations:
Best Dressed Male
Best Dressed Female
Best Dressed Group
Thank you also goes to the following sponsors:
Australian Opal Exhibition
ACT Women in Racing
Bevan’s Black Opal
E. Gregory Sherman Opals
Lightning Ridge & District Bowling Club
Lost Sea Opals
Mr Cheap’s
Peter’s Opals
QT Hotels Gold Coast
Treasury Wines
Walgett Shire Council
White’s Pharmacy
Zita’s Videos
9.00pm:
Band commences
Free tickets:
Mayor and Mayoress
Jo Lindsay x 2
Peter Healey
Caitlyn Moses (Treasury Wines) x 2
Lisa Carrol x 3
Peter Healey + Sharon
Mr Cheaps
Rhonda White
Tracey Britton x 2 (promotion winners)
Kylie Carney Dowdle x 2 (promotion winners)
Peter Collison
Club Directors:
 Tony Aquino

Trevor McGovern

Alf Seaton

Noel Burke

Ian Anderson

Bob Neuman

Ben Morris

Michael Taylor

Maurie