A bit of rain in Albury was not going to stop hundreds of ladies having their day of fashion, sparkling wine and fundraising.
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Albury mother-of-three Melinda Batrouney made her annual trip to the Oaks Day races looking to have a fun day out with the girls.
Her experience was topped off when she was named the fashion lady of the day.
Dressed in a classic white dress with an aqua green headpiece, Mrs Batrouney stood out in a big field.
“There’s always so many wonderful outfits,” she said.
“Each year it keeps getting bigger.”
Mrs Batrouney, who spent weeks planning her outfit from Albury shops, said she bought the headpiece because it matched the shawl she wore at her wedding.
“I love always supporting the local businesses, I think that’s really important,” she said.
Master of ceremonies Sarah Crowthers said the Oaks Day style involved lighter fabrics for spring weather.
“We’re looking for a complete outfit of head-to-toe elegance,” she said.
“I’m really impressed with all the outfits today, they look exquisite.”
Mrs Batrouney was one of about 200 women who attended the Bubbly Charity event on the day, raising money with a few glasses of their own bubbly along the way.
Founder Sue White said the charity was into its eighth year of supporting Albury families through fundraisers.
Among the items being auctioned on the day were timber bar tables created for the occasion by Aware Industries, which provides work to people with disabilities.
“The women love it,” Ms White said.
“It’s a good excuse for us ladies to get away.”
Aspire Support Services also had a full tent of ladies including Miranda Kerr’s mother Therese as a special guest.
Director Lizzie Pogson said Mrs Kerr was happy to attend the event when invited and speak about her experiences and organic cosmetics range.
“She’s just really educating us and making us aware of how to be healthy,” she said.
Mrs Kerr, who developed tumours in her spleen more than 10 years ago, said she now even drank organic wine.
“Most of the time I choose health because I reached a point in my life where I had to,” she said.
Her advice also included buying zinc oxide-based sunscreen that does not have harmful chemicals.
“A lot of medical students attend my event and I actually ask them ‘how much have you studied in nutrition?’.
“Nutrition is the foundation of our health.”
All money raised from the event will go towards the Aspire Commercial Club Community Grants Fund.
