ORGANISERS of Stars of Coffs Coast 2026 expect to shatter a fundraising record, with more than $200,000 pledged for Cancer Council NSW.
Held at C.ex Coffs on Friday 27 March, the “Dancing to a Soul Train Soiree”, with a Motown celebration theme, saw 11 local personalities take to the stage.
Partnered with professional dance teachers, they competed for a range of awards.
Behind the sequins, spotlight, and sold-out crowd of 335, it was the personal stories that stopped the room.
The Stars took to the stage carrying a deeply personal connection to cancer.
Taking home the Judges’ Choice Award, Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan danced Soul Disco, wowing the crowd with a series of impressive pushups mid-performance.
Pat’s partner on-stage was his wife and dance teacher Ilona Conaghan, a former Moulin Rouge dancer who brought world-class expertise and flair to the partnership.
Chris Grieve of Paradox Agency claimed both the People’s Choice Award and the Highest Fundraiser title, raising $30,331 alongside dance teacher Meredith Ripley.
Community Spirit awards were presented to Tyler Budden of Aussie Coffs Harbour, recognised for her tireless support of her fellow Stars throughout the campaign, and dance teacher Carol Myers of Pacific Dancentre, who has participated in every Stars of Coffs Coast event since it started in 2011.
This year she took on four Stars.
Emm-cee Alicia Smith of The Social Flip and Stars Lounge Host Joanne Vines of One Agency Coffs Harbour, guided guests through the evening with warmth, energy and plenty of laughs.
Judges Carol Young of Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio, George “Sarge” Sargent of Triple M Mid North Coast, and Sam Dawson of Married by Sam and Focus Magazine, brought expertise, passion and no shortage of entertainment to the judges’ table.
Lauren Fraser, Cancer Council NSW Community Fundraising Specialist, said the night exceeded every expectation.
“Stars of Coffs Coast has always been about community, and this year that was on full display.
“The personal stories our Stars shared, the generosity of this region, and the energy in that room on Friday night reminded me exactly why this event matters so much.”
Stars of Coffs Coast began in 2011 and has grown into one of Cancer Council NSW’s major fundraising campaigns.
Cancer Council NSW funds world-class research, delivers prevention programs and provides free practical and emotional support for people and families facing cancer.
Locally, Cancer Council NSW’s Transport to Treatment volunteers drove more than 22,000km, ensuring patients from as far as Arrawarra, Stuarts Point and Dorrigo could access the care they needed.
Anyone can call the free and confidential support line 13 11 20 at any time.
By Andrea FERRARI
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