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Thursday April 30, 2026 
4 October 2024
By Hannah Wilcox
Warning: This article contains references to mental health and suicide.
A local business owner is asking for North Sydney area businesses and residents to get behind her effort to tackle the biggest of issues.
Nicky Burton, owner of Bang Bang Muay Thai, is planning to host two fundraisers over the next couple of months to raise money for Mary’s House and men’s mental health.
The studio, located at 211 Pacific Highway, will be hosting a big open day on November 16.
Running between 7am to midday, anyone is welcome to join in on a free 30 minute class or go in the running to win either a silent auction or major raffle prize.
Burton is hoping to have all prizes donated by local businesses, with all funds to be donated to domestic violence refuge and support centre Mary’s House.
All attendees will receive one ticket to go into the draw, with extras a gold coin donation.
Hungry after the workout? Never fear, a sausage sizzle and bake sale is here! Nearby coffee shop Humm Roasters will also chip in to the cause with $1 from all drinks sold donated.
“The idea of an open day was always going to happen, but one of the mothers of one of my kids [I teach] asked me if I’d like to donate anything for a silent auction for one of the local schools,” Burton told the Sun.
“So I thought, to generate more traffic for our open day, why don’t we do a fundraiser?”
“We reached out to a few of our members – one owns a spray tanning business, another fitness attire company LSKD – they sent me a $100 voucher already.”
“One from Rag and Famish. We drink there way too much,” she laughed.
“Two of the girls are actually members, and we’re quite friendly with the management there so they’ve jumped on board with a dinner voucher.”
“So we’ll have five or six major prizes in a silent auction. Anything that is made goes to Mary’s.”
For anyone who chooses to sign up for a membership on the day, the $49 joining fee will also be donated.
“We’ll have an open ended offer. If someone joins on the day, they’ll still pay the sign up fee but they won’t pay anything for their membership until January,” Burton explained.
In January, Burton hopes to hold another fundraiser – this time for men’s mental health, a cause close to her heart.
Her brother Todd took his life unexpectedly two years ago and she hopes sharing his story will help spread awareness for the cause.
“My focus on the day and the push for the day was around mental health because that’s really important to me,” she said.
“If I can share a story that makes people want to go, ‘you know what? I’ll never join there, but I would love to be a part of the day and help raise money’. Then that’s a plus. That’s a win.”
Todd went straight into training after high school to serve in the air force, working on the Globemaster c17, and eventually leaving to pursue his passion with Boeing.
“When Todd was younger he loved watching the F111s doing their dump and burn!” Burton recalled.
A loving father of four kids, he enjoyed working on his property and a good bbq.
“Even though he always seemed quiet and reserved, he was extremely intelligent and witty!” she shared.
“He loved a good practical joke. He is missed by so many people.”
It was inspired by Bootcamp for Blood Cancer, an initiative started six years ago by Melbourne-based business Peachi Pt for the Rebecca Gumley Blood Cancer Research Fund.
The event will consist of a massive community boot camp held at North Sydney Oval and Burton hopes to get the support of a local radio station. One of Bang Bang’s ex-coaches is now a regular cast member on a popular television show with talks of a few stars turning up and showing their support.
With plans still in the works, she hopes to also include a silent auction, pop-up food and/or drink vans and other events for locals to participate in.
“[My partner] Paul and I talked about a community boot camp, and suddenly I said, I’ve got an idea,” Burton said.
“All body weighted. Get as many people involved as possible. We thought charging anywhere between $5 to $10 to participate, plus donations for a silent auction and sausage sizzle.”
“Everyone will also get one ticket for the lucky door prize on entry, and can buy more throughout the day for one major prize,” she added.
“For every dollar raised, that will equal the number of reps a trainer will have to do on the day. So if we raise $5,000, that’s 5000 reps.”
For more information, or for any local businesses looking to get involved, reach out to Nicky via the Bang Bang Muay Thai website or social media.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800