October 20 2025
Calvary Strzelecki House residents take a trip down memory lane as they get ready for Mirboo North’s annual 5 Square Ball
Residents at Calvary Strzelecki House have been treated to a special version of Mirboo North’s “night of nights”. Now in its 78th year, the 5 Square Ball kicked off a little earlier with a private sitting just for the residents.
“I’ve always thought it would be wonderful for the residents to have their own table at the ball but things don’t get started until 7pm and most of our residents are settling in for the night by then,” Nat Jones, Calvary Strzelecki House Lifestyle Officer said.
“I came up with the idea to put on our private version and, with the help of the committee, we’re making it happen.
“We wanted our residents to have the full experience, so we had ballroom dancers from Dumbalk coming for the day. We’re also asked our residents to pick out their outfits, so there were lots of pretty dresses and even some bowties.”
For Calvary Strzelecki House resident, Gloria Dalliston, being able to attend the ball again has brought back fond memories.
“I just loved dressing up and having fun with my friends. It was so interesting to see how the hall compares to how it did back when I was younger,” Ms Dalliston said.
Fellow resident, Diane Smith, said it had been more than 20 years since she attended the ball.
“It was just so much fun! We would dance with our friends all night and sometimes into the morning,” Ms Smith said.
5 Square Ball committee member, Kylie Cannizzo, said it was wonderful the residents were able to join in on the fun.
“The 5 Square Ball is the night of nights for Mirboo North. Our old hall is decorated to the nines and we dress up in our best outfits,” Ms Cannizzo said.
“Being able to hear the residents share their memories of the ball in its early days has been amazing, and I was really looking forward to seeing them create new memories at their own special version.”
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