A “proud born and bred local”, Cameron Staines is keen to show off his moves at the upcoming Stars of Narrabri fundraiser.

Having felt the impacts of cancer personally, through the loss of his father, as well as his surviving mother’s battle, Mr Staines hopes his efforts help to find a cure.

“Having seen first-hand what this illness does to your loved ones is a big part of the reason I’m participating in the event,” he said.

He’s partnering up with this year’s Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize winner, Amara Grant.

“It’s been great learning from Amara, and I’m keen to show everyone our skills in May,” Mr Staines said.

Together, the pair will be tackling a cabaret/rock ‘n’ roll fusion dance.

Mr Staines said the cabaret genre appealed to the duo because it provides a lot of room for freestyle, and the dance doesn’t always follow a strict set of rules.

“As for the rock ‘n’ roll dancing, we just think it’ll be a bit of fun and might make the crowd laugh,” Mr Staines explained.

Having been a spectator for the event, but never a participant, he wants the pair’s hard work to entertain the audience at Stars of Narrabri.

Mr Staines is excited to put on a show, and provide a fun night for a good cause.

“In a town as close-knit as Narrabri, the effects of cancer are felt deeply by many,” he said.

“And it kills all kinds of people, it doesn’t discriminate, so it’s important that we help find a cure.”

When asked how he felt about competing in a traditionally female-orientated sport, Mr Staines said he’s ready to smash gender stereotypes.

“We’re striving for a world of equality, so I think it’s just important for the guys to put their hand up and get involved in these events too,” he said.

“It’s all for a good cause, so it doesn’t hurt to have a blokey footballer like myself giving it a go.”

In the lead up to the event, Mr Staines will be conducting joint fundraisers with other contestants, including a sausage sizzle with Bernadette Morgan and an online teaser campaign with Ashley Watt.

“We’re all fighting a common beast, so it’ll be great to work together with keen participants.”

As a representative of the entire Narrabri Shire, Mr Staines says he’ll be dancing to bring locals together.

“That’s probably the best thing about Narrabri – the local involvement is second to none,” he said.

“When the community comes together, we do it in a great way.

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