The Stars of Narrabri 2023 Dance for Cancer has been celebrated as a record-breaking success.
Saturday night’s dance spectacular at The Crossing Theatre raised a phenomenal $115,000 – the biggest yet since the dance night fundraisers started in Narrabri.
The star-studded line-up of dancers included Ben Duncan, Mitch Creighton, Kylie Browne, Karen Kirkby, Brett Dickinson, Terrence Duncan, Fiona Redfern and trio Stacey Dunn, Nikki Shields and Louise Tout.
Each of the Stars were guided and taught routines by Sarah Gleeson (Solasta Performing Arts Studio), Lauren Grant (In Motion dance studio) and Kim Owens.
The Stars’ entertaining dance routines were complemented by the talents of local dance partners from the shire.
The Crossing Theatre was transformed into a glitzy ballroom for the Stars who put on incredible performances with each bringing their own flair and unique personality to the event.
Each Star was an absolute winner giving a stellar performance and helping to raise a record $115,000 with some fundraising money still coming in.
The judging panel made up of Donna Bower (previous Stars of Narrabri dance teacher), Angus Taylor (young Narrabri local) and Anne Weekes (long time support of Cancer Council NSW and leader of the Wee Waa Cancer Support Group) had a tough choice of selecting a winner.
The incredibly inspiring and simply moving performance by Karen Kirkby partnered by Lilly Bogdanoff, Tilly Gleeson and Xanthe Kirk with their powerful performance to Dolly Parton’s song ‘Pink’, a tribute to cancer survivors and loved ones lost, won the judges over to take out the Judges’ Choice Award.
The girl power trio – Nikki Shields, Stacey Dunn and Louise Tout took out the People’s Choice Award with a high energy, theatrical dance that nearly tore the roof of The Crossing Theatre.
The trio performed under the tutorial expertise of Lauren Grant from In Motion Dance Studio and guided by dance partner with Makenzie Ford.
The Highest Fundraiser Award went to Mitch Creighton from Specialised Quarries and Concrete raising just over $14,000 by the night.
Funds raised will go back into local services to help people living with cancer in our local community.
These services include Inala House accommodation service at the North West Cancer Centre, the Home Help program, Narrabri Transport to Treatment Program, free legal and counselling services.
LOCAL IMPACT: Kevin and Trish Lawty, centre, are pictured with Cancer Council NSW representatives Sarah Mayo-McCowen and Shaen Fraser at Saturday night’s Stars of Narrabri. The Lawtys told the audience the Cancer Council’s Tamworth facilities had a positive impact on them during Kevin’s cancer treatment.
Narrabri residents Kevin and Trish Lawty were welcomed to the stage to share their experience in using Cancer Council facilities.
Trish has been a long-time supporter of Cancer Council activities and briefly shared her own experiences in being treated in Newcastle and being supported by the organisation.
Trish was reconnected with friendly faces she knew in Tamworth through her support and advocacy of the Cancer Council, this time when Kevin was diagnosed with cancer.
“Being on the Tamworth grounds next to the cancer centre was very convenient and handy to walk down and have your treatment then go to Bunnings for smoko,” Kevin said. “It was a lovely place.”
Cancer Council’s community engagement manager Sarah Mayo-McCowen described the dance evening as sensational.
“It was a sensational night for everyone involved and fantastic to see the local community out in force generously donating to the Stars,” she said.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Narrabri businesses, event and Star sponsors and the Narrabri community for their support of Stars of Narrabri Dance for Cancer.”
“Special thanks also must go to our wonderful hosts Darrell Tiemens and Kate Kahl, Narrabri’s rising star Amarni Shields for entertaining the crowd during intermission with her beautiful voice as well as the volunteers who donated their time to help on the night.
“Cancer Council NSW is extremely grateful and proud of our strong partnerships in the Narrabri community.
“Our volunteers have fully supported and overseen this event since its inception and their value to Cancer Council NSW is unmeasurable.”
