The 2026 Stars of Wollongong have started the journey out of their comfort zone, and every step taken is a contribution towards a cancer-free future. Photo: NSWCC.
Yvonne Walker was 11 when her mother died of cancer, and the following day, she was back at school.
“It was the 80s. That’s what we did,” she said.
“I was 11 and in the fifth grade and was playing up something terrible. My teacher pulled me aside and said, ‘Why are you misbehaving so much?’ and I remember bursting into tears.
“It was a formative time in my life. My dad was amazing, my grandparents were amazing, but she was my mum.”
Though life resumed without missing a beat, it’s a pain that has followed Yvonne her whole life.
Now, she has joined 14 other Illawarra community leaders in the annual Stars of Wollongong Dance for a Cancer-Free Future — the largest cohort yet.
“For me, it’s about my mum, and also the people who are left behind,” Yvonne said.
Now in its 11th year, the initiative has raised more than $1.4 million to support Cancer Council NSW’s vital initiatives.
Fifteen local stars have been tasked with stepping out of their comfort zone to memorise a dance routine as they raise funds, culminating in the main event — a live performance in front of more than 700 people at the gala night on Friday 19 June at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
“We’re doing a mash-up with a couple of different songs; the idea will be to tell Yvonne and her mum’s story, and the rollercoaster of emotions you feel when you lose a loved one or know someone with a diagnosis,” Yvonne’s dance partner Issy Brightman of Miss Zoe’s School of Dance said.
Participants begin training this month, working towards their fundraising targets and competing for four awards: Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice, Best Costume and Highest Fundraiser.
Funds raised will contribute to local Cancer Council NSW initiatives such as transport to treatment, prevention programs and access to free financial, legal and emotional support.
“I have a lot of wonderful clients through my business HR with Ease, and I’m going to ask them to support me, plus I’ll hold some fun, low-pressure ticketed events,” Yvonne said. “Every little bit counts — it all adds up.”
Cancer Council NSW Community Fundraising Specialist Robyn Dawson described Stars of Wollongong as “one of the most unique team sports you can ever experience”.
“While it pushes our cohort well outside their comfort zone, it also gives us the privilege of witnessing some of the kindest and most uplifting moments in our community,” she said.
“Over just 12 weeks, our stars will work incredibly hard to fundraise more than a quarter of a million dollars for people affected by cancer.
“We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make, both on and off the dance floor, as they help ensure no-one faces cancer alone.”
This year’s stars are:
- Alex Stragalinos (Jamberoo Cruise & Travel) – honouring his grandmother, and two friends recently diagnosed with bowel cancer in their 30s
- Andrew Webb (Webb Financial) – “paying it forward” after supporting clients through life-changing diagnoses
- Ashleigh Murray (Independent Actor & Screen Illawarra) – dancing for loved ones and every family facing cancer
- Axel Peck (Harbour Ability) – dancing for his grandfather and proving anyone can step up
- Danielle Camer (The Human Medical Writer) – celebrating her high school sweetheart and late husband, Clint, who passed away at just 37
- Deano Kesby (Wave FM) – bringing the humour and showcasing the Illawarra community
- Emory White (Junior Chamber International) – taking up the challenge
- Kate Gurd (You Did What? Creative Experiences, Entertainment & Events) – celebrating survivorship and sisterhood through Pink Diamonds Support Group
- Kosta Skrapis (ADAPT) – standing with clients and loved ones affected by cancer while stepping back into the ring
- Kylie Moffitt (PhysioHealth & CanConquer) – championing exercise-oncology and glitter-filled hope
- Laura Struys (Wollongong Women) – fulfilling a long-held dream while uplifting women in business
- Lisa Evans (Leading Edge Roofing) – dancing in honour of family and a close friend who lost her mum after a long, courageous battle
- Tania Jones (Green Gravity) – paying tribute to her mum and all those “dancing through tough seasons”
- Tim Jones (MMJ Real Estate) – honouring beloved colleague Debby Cramp and MMJ’s fundraising legacy
- Yvonne Walker (HR with Ease) – bringing joy, impact and community spirit.
