CURTSEYING before a crowd of 400 at the Warwick Catholic Debutante Ball brought butterflies to Amelia Meek's stomach, but she did it knowing three amazing relatives went before her.

At 16 years of age, Amelia was one of 24 young women to make their debut at the St Mary's hall on Friday evening.

The occasion marked a special milestone for her family.

As the fourth generation of women to make a catholic debut in the Southern Downs, a long legacy trailed behind Amelia when she was presented in elegant white.

Amelia's mother Maryann Meek said it was a special moment for the family, as their eldest daughter continued a tradition dear to their hearts.

"I still remember going to my debut and we have been looking at photos and reminiscing over the past week," she said.

"I still have my dress and my bouquet."

Mrs Meek said debutante balls seems to have experiences a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

"Especially in Warwick, there some towns don't even have deb balls,"she said.

Mrs Meek made her debut at the Warwick Catholic Debutante Ball in 1987, as did her mother in 1962.

But even earlier than that, Mrs Meek's grandmother Winnie Sullivan was presented to the public in 1939 at the Catholic ball in Allora.

A newspaper clipping from the Warwick Daily News details Mrs Sullivan's Allora debut in detail down to the type of flowers and lace that adorned the girls.

"Miss Winnie Sullivan... chose a frock of triple sheer, featuring a shirred waistline, satin flowers apliqued on the bodice and a full softly-flowing skirt. She added a silver tame cape," the article reads.

Mrs Meek said the balls of today had a different meaning, but local girls loved the opportunity to dress up and learn dancing and etiquette.

It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all, with Mayor Tracy Dobie in attendance.