23 May 2025
By James Mullan
The stars have aligned for another year bringing together local figures and the community to raise money for the Cancer Council. The stars won’t just be shining; they’ll be dancing up a storm as part of a night of fun, food, raffles, and entertainment on Saturday 31st May at Norths Cammeray.
In a “Dancing with the Stars”-style showdown, local figures will pair up to go head-to-head to find out who will be crowned the “Stars of the North,” while also individually raising much-needed funds for the Cancer Council.
Four awards up for grabs on the night:
- Judges’ Choice Award – determined by a panel of celebrity judges
- People’s Choice Award – voted live by the audience
- Best Costume – celebrating creativity and flair
- Highest Fundraiser Award – honouring the Star who raises the most funds
Let’s meet some of the stars:
The Buckleys are the number-one charting band from Byron Bay, with 3,000 followers on Spotify and a unique country style. Their bass guitarist, Sarah Buckley, has traded the cowboy boots for dancing shoes. Tragically, the band lost their former manager, Christopher Murphy, to cancer back in 2021.
Alan Lam is a busy gynaecological surgeon working in theatres at one of four major hospitals in the Northern Suburbs (Royal North Shore, North Shore Private, The Mater, and Northern Beaches). He’s ready to step onto a totally new stage and shine after training at the Arthur Murray Studio in Crows Nest. Lam has already proven to be a successful contestant, having raised an impressive $10,000 already!
Caitlin McQuarrie is a veterinary behavioural consultant and general GP who has recently started working in North Sydney. She’s passionate about helping animals and their families but is now lending a hand, and two feet, to help raise money for the Cancer Council. It’s a personal cause for Caitlin too. “Like many people here, my family has been affected by cancer. Unfortunately, my story isn’t unique, or we wouldn’t have this community fundraising for this event.”
A contestant who will be confident about their chances due to home-floor advantage is Hannah Morrissey, who has been working in marketing for Norths Collective for the past three years. In the familiar setting of Norths Cammeray, Morrissey will be dancing for a higher purpose, saying, “I have lost several family members to this devastating disease, including my Pop, who passed away very recently—less than a month after his diagnosis. My Nan is now facing cancer for the second time in her life. Their experiences have ignited my passion to make a difference and support those currently fighting their own battles.”
Our next contestant is quite familiar with kicks, but not so much in a dance performance. Ollie Hannon is well known in the area for his involvement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which started in Crows Nest. By day, Hannon works in marketing and AI, but by night he’s in the dojo, teaching young and old. Trading Jiu-Jitsu mats for a ballroom floor will be a very intriguing transition for Hannon, but nothing compared to his inspiring personal battle with cancer. Still slowly recovering from the whirlwind of surgeries and chemotherapy, Hannon is a brave soul with a kind heart.
Northbridge’s Julie Sidery-Wood has arguably already won the competition, having raised an incredible $9,500 for the Cancer Council. Sidery-Wood also has a distinct advantage in the dance world, currently being a Movement Practitioner with “Dance Health Alliance,” a not-for-profit organisation running therapeutic dance programs for seniors in aged care and community centres. No stranger to busting a move and performing with grace, she will definitely be a red-hot favourite to stun the crowd.
To see the full line-up of stars and to donate, head to: https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/event/stars-of-north/home
Half of all Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85. Funds raised from this event will support Cancer Council NSW’s vital work: world-class cancer research, prevention programs, advocacy, and support services for individuals affected by cancer throughout their experience.
Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night of fun and fundraising.