Stars of Narrabri a huge success raising $110,000

The Stars of Narrabri 2026 Dance for Cancer has been celebrated as a fundraising success.

Saturday night’s event held in The Crossing Theatre auditorium raised an incredible $110,000.

The star-studded line-up of dancers included Jennifer Grant and Amanda Phillips, Khyle Aldridge, Cassidy Staines and Megan Cameron, Lindsey Duncan, Alexandra Conroy, Morgan Jones, Grant Whiting, Cailey Walker, and Kristie Toomey.

Each of the Stars were guided, taught and accompanied by local talent, including Sarah Gleeson, Lauren Grant, Paige Hetherington, Makenzie Ford, Xanthie Kirk, Kim Richards and Kristy Pattison.

The Crossing Theatre was again transformed into a ballroom for the Stars who put on incredible performances, with each bringing their own flair and unique personality to the event.

Each Star was a winner, giving an entertaining performance and helping to raise the massive total.

The judging panel made up of Donna Bower, Justin Smith and Mitch Creighton had a tough choice of selecting a winner.

Jake and Ellie Packer officiated as masters-of-ceremonies for the evening.

Cailey Walker, who was awarded the highest fundraiser, kicked off the individual routines and was followed by Lindsey Duncan with her Rocky Horror-inspired performance.

Grant Whiting took to the stage in a pirate-themed routine with Alexandra Conroy entertaining The Crossing Theatre crowd with a Britney Spears-themed medley.

Nostalgia soon followed, with Jennifer Grant and Amanda Phillips bringing the sounds of Abba to life with their incredible moves.

Kristie Toomey pulled on her cowgirl boots for her western-themed display.

The incredibly moving performance by Megan Cameron and her daughter Cassidy Staines wowed the crowd. In their pre-recorded introduction video, Megan and Cassidy fought back tears as they briefly recalled Megan’s cancer diagnosis and the wonderful support provided by Cancer Council NSW.

“It was amazing. It helped a lot,” Megan said of being able to stay at Inala House in Tamworth.

Megan and Cassidy took the audience on a journey through the decades, with their performance ultimately winning people’s choice.

Khyle Aldridge and his dance crew brought out their pom poms for their cheer display.

Morgan Jones rounded out the night with his Singing in the Rain/Umbrella (Rihanna) medley. Morgan was awarded judges’ choice.

In a break between the Stars’ performances, the Solasta and In Motion dance studios entertained the gathering of 350 people assembled inside the auditorium.

The children’s performance drew strong applause.

Local musician Amarni Grace also featured with a performance on the night.

After the Stars’ routines were completed, real estate agent Hunter Harley conducted an auction to add to the fundraising success of the evening. An item of particular highlight was the signed Waratahs jersey sourced by Megan and Cassidy.

At the conclusion of the formalities, local band Wait for Green performed in front of the crowd.

Funds raised from this year’s Stars campaign 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.

Cancer Council’s community fundraising specialist Sally-Anne Whitten thanked the Narrabri community for its sensational support.

“We’re really grateful for the wonderful outpouring of support,” she said, thanking the evening’s sponsors and those who made donations.

Ms Whitten also thanked The Crossing Theatre team for making the night a success.

“Thank you to the community for getting behind the Stars,” she said.

Earlier in the night, Alex Blomfield, community coordinator for Cancer Council NSW, thanked the Stars and the community for their efforts, however, reminded the audience of a sobering statistic. Around one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

“This year alone, it’s estimated that more than 160,000 Australians will hear the words no one ever wants to hear … ‘you have cancer’,” she said.

“And sadly, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in our country. As mentioned previously, Cancer Council is 94 per cent community-funded.

“That means events like this, and people like you, are the reason we can do what we do.

“Your support funds essential services, research, cancer prevention programs, and the practical help that keeps people going on their hardest days.

“You may know Cancer Council as a big organisation, but our support is deeply local. Here in the North West, we work every day to ensure no one faces cancer alone.”

Since the beginning of this financial year, the organisation’s free Transport to Treatment cars have travelled thousands of kilometres, have spent hundreds of hours on the road, completed 2400 trips, supported nearly 100 clients, and helped make sure people get to the treatment they need, when they need it, comfortably, with kindness and dignity.

“Behind every trip is someone that didn’t have to face that journey alone. And at Inala House in Tamworth, our beautiful team have looked after 130 guests, providing them a safe and welcoming environment where they and their loved ones can stay and complete their treatment without having to travel hundreds of kilometres each day,” she said.

“I know that there are those of you out there that have stayed at Inala, so you know what I’m talking about.”

Ms Blomfield also spoke about hope, as cancer statistics improve with time thanks to advancements in research and treatment options.

“I am excited about advancements in research, early detection, and treatment. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean when it did five, 10, 15, even 20 years ago,” she said.

“Let’s keep working together to raise awareness and funds, to reduce the impact of cancer.”