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.
SEE ALL THE PHOTOS
A huge congratulations to our 2025 winners:
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.
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 special 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.
Thank you also to our Judges on the night, with Jessica Raffa joining the panel this year fresh from filming the TV version of Dancing with The Stars, Peter Head from Swish Dance returning with his honest and warm reviews, and Judy-Ann Quilliam from Royal South Street Society adding her expertise to the evening.
Special thanks also go to Mark Nunn from Buxton Ballarat for calling our charity auction with items donated by Kittelty Cakes, Micheal Unwin Wines, Black Cat Truffles, Collins Booksellers, Ballarat Turf Club, Eclipse Ford, Pomonal Estate and Experience the Grampians.
Reaching our fundraising goal would not have been possible without our Sponsors. Thank you PilatesFit Plus, Ballarat Turf Club, Racing Victoria, Advanced Living Solutions, AW Nicholson, Buxton Ballarat, Ingenia, Sovereign Radiology, Sports Bet, Johnson Earthmoving, Ballarat Veterinary Practice, Dragline Cleaning Services, Eclipse Ford, Haymes Paint, Safe Inspect, Tennis Ballarat, Terrain Civil and The Butcher Club DTC.
Many thanks to our event partners Nicole Bartlett, Mass Motion, Mercure Ballarat and The Green House Ballarat for making the event sparkle.
To our sponsors, supporters, and behind the scenes crew, and everyone who attended, thank you, Dancing with Our Stars wouldn’t be possible without you.
For all the photo highlights from the night click here and until next year… keep dancing, Ballarat!