Meredith Ripley
Meredith has spent over four decades as a dance teacher, mentor, and educator—lighting up stages and classrooms with equal passion. Her talent has seen her entertain as beloved characters like Humphrey B Bear and as the host of Space Ace. A professional MC, she brings energy to concerts, community events, and fundraisers.
Meredith has also made a mark in education, mentoring young dancers in both public schools and private studios. Her all-boys troupe performed at the Sydney Opera House and was recognised in State Parliament.
Stars of Coffs Coast holds deep meaning for Meredith. It's her tribute to the families affected by cancer and those working behind the scenes to improve lives through care and research.
Chloe Szabo - Julie Ross Dance Studio
Chloe Szabo has grown from a long-time Julie Ross Dance Studio student into a talented and dedicated dance instructor, known for her strong technique, versatility, and genuine love of performance. With full-time training at Launch Performing Arts Centre and experience performing alongside some of the industry’s best, Chloe brings both professionalism and heart to everything she does. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance with others and is a valued part of the local dance community.
Chloe is proud to support Stars of Coffs Coast and the important work of Cancer Council. Community minded and generous with her time, she is honoured to use her talent to be part of something that brings people together while helping make a difference for those affected by cancer.
Rebekka Robertson - Pacific Dancentre
With 10 years of Ballroom and Latin dance behind her, Rebekka has spent plenty of time twirling, shaking and cha-cha-ing her way across the dancefloor. Dance is her happy place, a space where she can shine, laugh, and switch off for a while. Outside of dance, she works in lease administration and runs a co-working space in a shopping centre. She is a people person, reality TV lover, and proud dog sister who is always drawn to fun, sparkle, and a little drama.
Her reason for being part of Stars is deeply personal. When her grandma was diagnosed with cancer, it had a big impact on her family. Watching her strength showed her the power of hope and support. Taking part in this event is her way of turning something difficult into something positive, while supporting the important work of Cancer Council.
Carol Myers - Pacific Dancentre
Carol is the heartbeat of Pacific Dancentre, which she founded in 1984 as a Dancesport Australia training facility. For nearly four decades, she has nurtured a love of Ballroom Dance across the Coffs region.
An accredited coach and adjudicator in Modern, Latin, and New Vogue styles, Carol is also a long-standing member of ADS, ANDA, and Dancesport Australia. She has taught dancers of all ages, from their first steps to competition level, and her studio remains a cornerstone of the local dance scene.
Carol and Pacific Dancentre have proudly supported Stars of Coffs Coast since the event began in 2011. After losing three family members to cancer, she’s honoured to continue dancing for a cause that brings the community together in strength and support.
Darcy Gibbons - Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio
Darcy Gibbons is a talented local dancer and teacher at Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio, where she first began dancing at the age of three. After growing up in the studio, Darcy went on to complete full-time dance training at Dynamite Studios Australia in Queensland, before returning home to share her passion with the next generation. Alongside teaching, she also loves performing and was recently part of Threads, the new Australian eco musical with Naidu Theatre Company.
Stars of Coffs Coast is especially meaningful to Darcy, after almost losing her dad to cancer while she was in Year 11. That experience left a lasting impact on her and is one of the reasons she feels so proud to support Cancer Council. For Darcy, being part of Stars is a chance to use her love of dance to give back and be part of something that makes a real difference.
Jacqui Jarratt - Coffs Coast PoleFit
Jacqui is the powerhouse behind Coffs Coast PoleFit, bringing more than 30 years of fitness experience to the local community. From Bootcamp to Aerial Yoga, she has built a reputation for helping people move with strength, confidence, and joy. Pole fitness is where Jacqui truly shines, inspiring others to feel proud of what their bodies can achieve.
She is no stranger to Stars of Coffs Coast. Alongside her husband Glen, Jacqui has been part of the event as a participant, judge, and passionate long-time supporter. Her connection to the cause is deeply personal, with many loved ones impacted by cancer.
Whether she is performing, teaching, or cheering others on, Jacqui brings heart, energy, and a spark that lights up every room.
Aria Hibbard - Julie Ross Dance Studio
Aria began dancing at just two years old, and it has been part of her life ever since. Now a dance teacher at Julie Ross Dance Studio, she loves sharing that passion with others and helping young dancers grow in skill and confidence. Her love of performance has taken her beyond the local stage, including performing in the main parade at Disneyland in Los Angeles and on board a Carnival Cruise. She has also been involved in charity events across the community, using dance to support meaningful causes.
Her connection to Stars of Coffs Coast is deeply personal. She lost her uncle to cancer in 2001, when he was just 25 years old. In honour of his memory, she is proud to support a cause that helps people and families facing cancer, and to use her love of dance to make a positive difference.
Rahni Grant - Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio
Rahni Grant is a teacher and a valued part of Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio, where she shares her love of dance and performance with the next generation. She is passionate about the way dance builds confidence, connection, and joy, and values the opportunity to use dance in a way that brings people together.
She is honoured to support Stars of Coffs Coast because it is a cause that touches so many lives. Rahni is proud to stand behind the work of Cancer Council, knowing the difference it makes for individuals and families facing cancer. For her, being part of this event is a meaningful way to give back to the community, celebrate strength through dance, and help raise vital funds and awareness.
Phil Myers - Pacific Dancentre
Phil has been part of the Coffs Coast community since the early 1980s, when music and dancing quickly became a big part of his life. He began by playing in bands during school and later joined a local dance band, where watching dancers glide across the floor sparked a love of Ballroom that would stay with him for years to come. That passion led him to compete nationally and eventually earn an Australian title.
Now retired, Phil is still dancing and remains deeply connected to the joy and discipline the dancefloor brings. He is proud to support Stars of Coffs Coast and Cancer Council, in memory of his grandmother and brother, and to be part of an event that uses dance to make a difference.
Beki Abood - Pacific Dancentre
Beki has had a love of Ballroom dance for 20 years, with experience both dancing socially and competing in local competitions. In recent years, she has also stepped into teaching, sharing her passion for dance with children and helping them build confidence, skill, and joy through movement. Dance has remained a constant in her life and continues to be something she loves both on and off the floor.
Alongside her dance background, Beki is a Science and Marine Studies teacher at Toormina High School and is currently on maternity leave with her two children, Arthur and Annabel.
She is proud to support Cancer Council through Stars of Coffs Coast, using her love of dance to help make a difference for people affected by cancer.
Ilona Conaghan
Ilona has been dancing since she was just two and a half years old, with training in RAD Classical Ballet, Tap and Jazz, along with studies in drama and singing. She later completed her dance teacher’s exams in Jazz and Tap and spent many years teaching dance to students of all ages.
Her performing career saw her travel the world, with contracts in Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Jakarta, China, Portugal, and on cruise ships based in Hong Kong and Singapore. One of her career highlights was earning a contract with the Moulin Rouge in Paris, where she later performed as a soloist.
Now based on the Mid North Coast with her husband Pat, Ilona continues to share her love of dance and feels proud to be part of an event that brings the community together for such an important cause.
