The Night It All Began

When Dancing With Our Stars first launched at Civic Hall, the inaugural group of ten Stars weren't quite sure what to expect. What followed was a spectacular night that set the tone for everything to come.

The idea for Dancing With Our Stars was first hatched by then Ballarat Foundation CEO Matt Jenkins and Events Manager Margo Pettit. Creating a brand new fundraising event from the ground up was no small task, and it was their passion, determination and belief in the concept that transformed an ambitious idea into reality.

Equally important was the support of Shelley Ross and The Dance Studio, who came on board from the very beginning. Working alongside the Foundation, Shelley paired each Star with an experienced dancer and helped guide months of rehearsals that would culminate in an unforgettable gala performance.

Held on Saturday 22 June 2019 at Civic Hall, the inaugural event was unlike anything Ballarat had seen before. From the moment Liana Skewes stepped onto the dance floor as the opening performer, the atmosphere was electric. What began as a fundraising event quickly became a celebration, with the audience swept up in the excitement, cheering every routine and embracing the courage of each Star as they stepped well outside their comfort zones.

What many people hadn't expected was the calibre of the performances. Every Star rose to the challenge, delivering routines of an incredibly high standard after months of rehearsals. The energy in the room was infectious, creating a night that was equal parts entertainment, community celebration and fundraising success.

The inaugural Stars were:

• Amy McDonald
• Dylan Lesock
• George Fong
• Liana Skewes
• Malcolm Roberts
• Mark Nunn
• Robyn Upton
• Rosemary Aldrich
• Samantha McIntosh
• Shaune Moloney

Together, they raised an incredible $112,000 to support food security initiatives through the Ballarat Foundation, proving just how generous the Ballarat community could be when people came together behind a shared cause.

Looking back, no one knew they were witnessing the beginning of what would become one of Ballarat's signature fundraising events. The success of that first evening laid the foundations for a community tradition that continues to inspire local Stars, captivate audiences and raise vital funds for the Ballarat Foundation year after year.