Community
6 February, 2026
Special dress display visits Camperdown
THE Lions Club of Camperdown will be presenting something quite different next month, with a special dress display to be shown at the Guide Hall.
ress Collection for the display, with opening night scheduled for Saturday, March 28.
McFarlane Dress Collection curator Jennifer Blomeley said she had been collecting dresses for close to 25 years.
“One of the first dresses I ever wore was for a special dinner on a very short cruise around Sydney Harbour, and I couldn’t bear to throw the dress away because it was such a lovely weekend,” she said.
“I found I didn’t wear it that often, but I just kept it and a friend said it was good that I kept it when they borrowed it.
“Initially, I couldn’t throw away a couple of my own special dresses, but over time people noticed I was good at sewing and getting stains out of clothing and asked me to repair their clothes.
“I used to do it a bit for friends, but then it snowballed from there.”
Camperdown Lions Club spokesperson Maree Belyea said the opening night will include bubbles and nibbles, with daytime tickets for the next day (Sunday, March 29) including a Devonshire tea made on site by the club.
“Our club is privileged to host such an amazing collection of beautiful gowns and related items, that is bound to be appreciated by all who attend,” she said.
“On display will be a small selection from the McFarlane Dress Collection, consisting of restored pre-loved, special occasion dresses.
“Items from grandma’s bespoke 21st birthday dress to modern ball dresses, most were in need of attention, fabric repair, re-beading and other repairs.
“This snippet of history of ‘Reawakened Beauties’ pays homage to the skill of dressmakers and craftspeople.
“The collection includes Australian designers Carla Zampatti, Suzanne Cole, Dana Mathers and Matthew Eager.”
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The display will also include jewellery and vintage sewing machines, an interactive competition and raffles.
Ms Blomeley said she was delighted to be supported in the display by the Lions club.
“It was actually serendipity because I wanted to do something like this before COVID, and had something organised, but that fell through,” she said.
“My friends said they’d do a charity event for me in Camperdown, but then I was chatting to Maree about something unrelated.
“I mentioned the Devonshire teas, and she immediately put her hand up and said it would be something the Lions club would be interested in running if they could work in conjunction.
“It’s a very disposable society – fashion has become very fast.
“I hope they can come away with an appreciation of the skill of seamstresses and dressmakers and the quiet dedication involved in turning fabric into something special.”
Both Ms Blomeley and Mrs Belyea expressed their gratitude to the Camperdown Girl Guides and hall caretaker Jo Saunders for providing the venue for the display.
Tickets are limited for the opening night presentation, including “Bubbles and Nibbles” for $30, while day tickets (10am-4pm) are $10 per person.
All ticket purchases will go towards the Camperdown Lions Club.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Lions club on camperdown.vic@lions.org.au or Ms Blomeley on highteajen@gmail.com.
Bookings can be made by contacting Mrs Belyea on 0417 352 987.
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