dAncing with our stars 2026

The stage is set for Dancing with our Stars 2026, with ten local Stars officially stepping into the spotlight and preparing to take on one of Ballarat’s most anticipated events.

Bringing together a diverse group of community members, each Star has committed to the challenge of learning to dance while raising funds to support the Ballarat Foundation’s work.

Meet the 2026 Dancing with our Stars

Shelby Sherritt, ceramic artist and founder of The Pottage, is stepping onto the dance floor to support the Ballarat community and push beyond her comfort zone.

Nadine de Alwis, an ear, nose and throat surgeon, is dancing to support efforts to reduce gendered and family violence and strengthen safer communities.

LeRoy Hand, owner of Turret Café and Turret Bakehouse, is taking on the challenge to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his career.

Jesse Manton, a local real estate agent with Buxton Ballarat, is stepping outside his comfort zone to help raise funds for local programs and initiatives.

Paige Brooks, a physio at Newington Physio and mum of three, is swapping the treatment room for the stage to support the Ballarat Foundation.

Dustyn Rodgers, a local business owner passionate about fitness and community, is dancing to raise funds and support people in our community doing it tough.

Heidi Biggin, a disability advocate and accessibility champion, is taking to the dance floor alongside her guide dog Freya to inspire inclusion and connection.

Paige Gercovich, a designer at Oasis Building Group, is embracing the challenge to give back to a community that has shaped her and her family.

Jodie Faralla, a local community member with a love of line dancing, is stepping outside her comfort zone to support local fundraising efforts.

Kirk Baine, manager of The Munster Arms Hotel, is swapping the bar for the ballroom to help raise funds and bring the community together.

For many, the decision to take part was about stepping outside their comfort zone while giving back to the community.

“I couldn’t say no to Dancing with Our Stars, it’s a great opportunity to give back, bring people together, and push myself well outside my comfort zone,” said Dustyn Rodgers. “I’ve got absolutely no dance experience, so that’s definitely going to be my biggest challenge. If I can have a bit of fun, share a few laughs, and make a real difference along the way, then it’s all worth it.”

For others, it was an opportunity that had been building over time.

“Dancing with Our Stars has been on my ‘maybe one day’ list for a while, but after chatting with one of last year’s stars, I thought—why not?” said Jodie Faralla. “The chance to connect with incredible Ballarat locals was too good to pass up.”

And for some, it is deeply connected to their sense of community.

“I’ve built my career around creativity and community, so Dancing with Our Stars felt like a meaningful way to give back to Ballarat,” said Shelby Sherritt. “This community has supported my journey, and I’m proud to be raising funds and awareness for programs that help locals.”

Over the coming months, the Stars will train alongside Shelley Ross and her team of experienced dancers, who will guide and support them through the process. Together, they will transform nerves into confidence and determination into performance, all leading to the Gala on Saturday 20 June.

While the journey is full of fun, it is already shaping up to be a competitive year. Early signs suggest many of the Stars have their eyes firmly set on the prize, bringing a mix of energy, commitment and a healthy sense of rivalry to the dance floor.

Beyond the competition, the impact of Dancing with our Stars reaches far into the community. Funds raised through the event help support local programs, grassroots initiatives and people in need across Ballarat, with a focus on key areas including family violence, mental health, homelessness and food security.

Each Star will be hosting their own fundraising activities in the lead up to the Gala, giving the community plenty of opportunities to get involved, show support and be part of the journey.

As rehearsals begin and fundraising efforts ramp up, the countdown to the Gala is officially on.

The question is, who will take home the title in 2026?

Support your favourite Star, follow their journey and be part of a night that brings our community together while making a meaningful difference.