The ball, attended by 360 people on Friday night, was the most glittering social event of the Great Race week in Bathurst.

Judging of the Ambassador competition included an interview segment with Bathurst Regional councillor Graeme Hanger and Bathurst woman Gai Buttsworth before the official presentation of candidates to Bathurst mayor, Paul Toole, Reliance Member Banking executive officer John May and Australian etiquette queen June Dally Watkins.

Contestant Amanda Stewart was the highest fundraiser ambassador, having raised $3000 of a total of about $13,000 which will be donated to Kidney Health Australia.

Both Mr Colter and Ms Stewart were recipients of $1000 prizes along with invitations for them to attend the 2009 Supercheap Auto 1000 at Mount Panorama as guests of Councillor Toole and the Regional Council.

While Ms Dally Watkins was among the official guests, Miss World Australia entrant Katie Richardson was also present, adding to the celebrity evening, with dancing to the music of Riff Raff.

* More photos, page 10