The formal was originally intended to be held a month ago, on a day most would like to forget.

But with the Macksville Ex-Services full to the brim with the donated generosity of the community, there was simply no space left to hold an end-of-year celebration.

Some of the school's Year 12 cohort had also been directly impacted by the firestorm.

But with a few weeks' distance between them and the trauma of that week, Macksville's graduate class was able to gather and allow themselves to be wrapped up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of the night.

It was a fitting end to their 13-year schooling journey and we at Guardian News wish them all the best with their future dreams.

A special thankyou to Mel Daly for the beautiful photos from the night.

Simply stunning: Bowraville Central Year 12 formal

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