LAURA JACKEL | THE GOOD NEWS HUNTER
Originally from the UK, Laura has called Newcastle home for more than 25 years after moving here for love. A mum of two boys, writer, podcaster and founder of The Good News Hunter, she is passionate about storytelling, community connection and celebrating the people doing good across the Hunter region.
After losing her home in the 2025 New Lambton landslip, Laura found herself searching for hope and positivity. What began as a desire to share more good news grew into The Good News Hunter – a thriving social media platform dedicated to highlighting the stories, people and community spirit that make the region special.
When she was asked to take part in Stars, Laura saw it as an opportunity to give back, step outside her comfort zone and raise vital funds for Cancer Council. Having lost one of her closest friends, Deb, after an eight-year battle with stage 4 breast cancer, the cause is deeply personal. While dancing doesn't come naturally to her, Laura is embracing the challenge with the same enthusiasm she brings to everything she does – determined to raise as much money as possible, create some joy along the way, and honour Deb's memory with every step.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$3k
Neo Finance Group
$2k
Levtec Tiling Systems
$1.38k
Movie Night Tickets
$1.12k
Adam Jackel
Go Laura from Ginny, Ads, Amber and the boys!
$800
Amy-lea Pettigrew
Laura, you are honestly one of the most generous and wonderful people I know, always giving so much to others. So happy to support you and such a great cause.
$640
Movie Night
$580
Movie Night
$545
Movie Night
$500
Rundle Tailoring
For your dear friend Deb and our dear friend Emily Jane Bruce, who passed away from cancer last September, aged just 45. Cancer Council supported us during such a difficult time, so we’re very happy to help you meet and exceed your goal. We are cheering you on, Laura! 💛
$400
Regent Street Physiotherapy
Happy to support this good cause
$265
Luke Wilson - Harcourts
An amazing cause, well done Laura!
$106.75
Zoe Tricker
$106.75
Jess Farchione
So proud to call you my friend!
$106.75
Jackie Saddo
Go Laura! So proud of you! Fizz on!
$106.75
Mum And Dad
Almost time! Do your best and just enjoy channeling your inner Salt n Pepa Push It technique! Will be thinking of you on our Saturday morning/your Saturday evening. Break a leg! ( but not literally, obviously!) Lots of love.xxxxx
$106.75
Regan Corbett
The original dancing queen, go Laurs!!! Love Regan & Simon xx
$106.75
Tegan Gleeson
Wonderful work, for an important cause. 💃
$106.75
Mum And Dad
So proud of you for taking on this challenge for such a good cause. Razzle dazzle ‘em Laurs! Lots of love from Mum and Dad. Xxxx
$106.75
Jackie Anderson
You will rock this Laura! xx
$106.75
Jo Ilic
Good luck Laura
$106.75
Maria
Dance, Laura, dance - what a wonderful thing you’re doing! 💃
$106.75
Danza
Love this for you! Thanks for raising so much money for a charity close to my heart!
$106.75
Jess Figueira
🫶
$106.75
Amelia
Can't wait to see the dance routine! Great cause xxx
$106.12
Jackel Fam
$104.35
Quiche
You’ve got this girlfriend! So proud of you.
$104.35
The Perfitts
Get it, Laura! 💃💪
$100
$100
Alexis Hure
Go Laura! Love what you do and how you do it!
$82.13
Kursten Welch
You go girl!!
$55.95
Gabby
You are a star Laura! What an incredible effort - go get em xx
$55.95
Anonymous
$55.95
Sally H
$55.95
Caroline Garred
You’re a true inspiration! Go ‘break a leg’ neighbour xxx
$55.95
Michelle Turner
Amazing, what a legend you are x
$55.95
Anonymous
$55.95
Aafhz
Embrace the stage Laura. You will be awesome!
$55.95
The Joneses
Beat of luck Laura and thank you. The Joneses x
$55.95
Michelle Zhou
Amazing girl doing amazing thing
$54.84
Cath Harding
You are incredible!
$54.84
Zo 🫶🏼
There she is! 👩🏼🐰👩🏻🫶🏼
$54.84
Peta
I want to see a grapevine, jazz hands and spirit fingers police
$54.84
Mon & Daft
Ready to help you train for this! 💃🏻🧑🏻🩰🥂 X
$54.75
Helen Ellis
Go shine like the star you are ⭐️🌟✨🌟
$50
Hairy Beaver
I love youuuuu ❣️
$50
Lauren Devine
You’re amazing Laura!
$28.81
Marissa Roberts
Amazing job lovely, good luck! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
$28.81
Danielle Lendon
This is so amazing, just wish I could fly over for the performance. You’ll be fabulous xx
$28.81
Olivia H
Go Laura!!!
$28.81
Katie Gledhill
Give 'em the old razzle dazzle Razzle Dazzle 'em Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it And the reaction will be passionate Give 'em the old hocus pocus Bead and feather 'em How can they see with sequins in their eyes? So proud of you, our 11 year old selves would be wowed!
$28.81
Sarah Wells
Love you Ra Ra, such a great cause!
$17.87
Candice
Go girl you’re amazing!! Thank you SO much for committing your time and energy to this amazing cause. It’s because of people like you that people like me can have a second chance at life x
$6.20
Oli G
Good on ya girl!
