IN PICTURES: Wheatbelt warms up as revellers come together to shake off the blues at Cuballing Winter Ball

There was no warmer place in the Wheatbelt than Cuballing on August 12 as a big group gathered at the town’s Agricultural Hall for the Cuballing Winter Ball. The evening officially kicked off at 8.30pm when Shire of Cuballing president Eliza Dowling took to the stage with TRIP, a band made up of Wheatbelt locals Holly and Lottie Dowling, Harley Hastie and Aidan Vietch. “I just want to say a big thank you to those people who helped organise today,” Cr Dowling said. “We’re all volunteers and it takes a lot of work to put on a good time. I just want for you all to thank them.” Lit in a blue glow, the audience gave a big round of applause. Blue was the motif of the evening in honour of the Wheatbelt Suicide Prevention Project, which would benefit from funds raised by the gala. “As you might be aware, this event isn’t only for you all to have a good time, it’s to raise some money,” Cr Dowling said. “Dig deep tonight, enjoy the bar, everything we make will go to mental health. We’re so lucky to live where we do live and I’m so proud to be here.” The crowd applauded again as bassist Aidan Vietch thumbed the sliding intro to Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side and the dance floor came alive.