Dancing with our Stars smashes $1 million raised
8th July 2025
Ballarat twirled, dipped and sparkled its way into another incredible evening of entertainment and generosity at the Ballarat Foundation’s Dancing with Our Stars 2025!
Hosted by beloved MCs Tim Bone and Jules Zass, the night buzzed from the very first step onto the stage, our Stars lighting up the room with energy, courage and commitment. Months of training, choreography, and nerves all culminated in unforgettable routines—from sultry tangos to jive-worthy jumps—that captivated every guest in the room.
But Dancing with Our Stars is so much more than sequins and spotlights. It’s about dancing for our community, Ballarat.
This year’s event raised more than $186,000 - helping to surpass $1 million donated across the life of the event since it began back in 2019. The funds stay right here in Ballarat and support programs and grants which make a better future for so many.
A huge congratulations to our winners
Our 2025 winners are:
Jodie Perry was named our overall Champion, raising an incredible $43,100
Gemma Snibson impressed with her skills, and was recognised with the Judges Award, and
Horace Tang won the hearts of our community, winning the People’s Choice Award.
Congratulations to all our stars and their dancing partners
Thank you to all our Stars - Horace Tang, Jodie Perry, Anthony Ingerson, Mandy Woods, Gemma Snibson, Nicole O’Brien, KV, Tayla Chalmers, Peter Downs and Lilly Wright.
And the night would not have been possible without their amazing partner Dancers Emma Learmonth, Scott Bruhn, Karen Stagg-McCallum, Mark Vanderkley, Adrian Misseri, Aaron Bonnell-Huy, Erin Cornwill, Damien Zabinskas, Alicia Wang-Sheludko and Ashlie Ross - you were all stunning!
We also want to give thanks to Shelley Ross and her dedicated team at The Dance Studio, whose talent and tireless coaching transformed each participant into a Star. Their behind-the-scenes magic is what makes this show a true showstopper year after year.
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We work on Wadawurrung land
The Ballarat Foundation acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in our region. We recognise their diversity, resilience, and the ongoing place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in our communities. We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and reconciliation.
The Ballarat Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected and empowered to thrive.