General News
17 April, 2026
Havilah’s fashion show revived
Years after an event of its kind enticed residents, Havilah’s fashion show returned this week, bringing this season’s styles, sparkle and spectacle to onlooking attendees.
In partnership with Rinaldi’s Fashions and Hartwell’s Shoes, Havilah staff and residents from each campus marched new arrivals across the red carpet, showcasing new autumn and winter clothing ranges.
More than 50 residents lined the runway, using a red carpet provided by the Maryborough Highland Society, and were given the option to order the clothes they liked best.
Havilah hosted a similar popular event around a decade ago, and decided to revive the occasion for residents who rarely have the chance to go shopping for new clothes anymore.
Residents applauded familiar faces modelling newly released ranges of casual outfits, pajamas, winter-wear, evening-wear and even sports-wear, all for both men and women and available in a range of sizes.
Rinaldi’s Fashions’ Linda Parry said the original event was a huge success for both organisations, with the evening wear displays being by far the most popular.
“The first one we did here, I remember we did a few basic casual items, followed by a couple of sparkly shirts and the residents were fighting over them. We wondered ‘where would they be wearing them?’ But it was for their happy hour. They get dressed up for their happy hour,” she said.
“So I learned a good lesson then, always make sure you’ve got lots of sparkles at the fashion parade. Everyone wants to sparkle at happy hour.”
One of the Havilah resident models, Isabell Kennedy, was a former Rinaldi’s model.
“It was nice, I didn’t think they would ask me ... I’m 96,” she said.
Havilah staff member Bri O’Brien said it was a privilege to be involved in the parade.
“It was an honour to be asked to be a model, it’s a highly coveted position. Everyone wants to be one of the models,” she said.
“I think because Rinaldi’s is such a local icon as a business, it brought them back to the Havilah community and made their items available for residents.
“I think Havilah are looking forward to continuing to make this an annual event ... it seemed to be pretty well attended and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves”.
Ms Parry is also eager to see a return of the partnership in the future.
“I think the hardest thing will be making sure we can always get models together and giving people enough time to get changed, and of course making sure the residents and community are happy to support it,” she said.
Havilah said they were greatful for the partnership that created an exciting and special experience for the residents.
