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Sam Jonsson

Stars of Ballina 2026

Sam Jonsson

My passion for caring for people began in Ballina, watching my beautiful mum nurse at St Andrews Nursing Home. I saw how she provided genuine care, brought comfort and joy, and made people feel truly seen at their most vulnerable.

At 10, I earned my first pay packet of 50 cents taking residents for wheelchair walks. I discovered how powerful a smile, a gentle hand and a listening ear could be, and I knew then that this was the path I was meant to take. I’m very thankful my career has taken me across Australia, Ireland and England, through hospitals, aged care, schools and homelessness programs.

My husband Lee and our two amazing sons, Fynn and Zayne, are my greatest joy. Family, friendship and community are my world, and I believe simple kindness can stay in someone’s heart forever.

Three years ago, I lost my beautiful mum, Cheryl, to cancer. She was an incredible nurse, my best friend and my greatest inspiration. Cancer has touched many people I love, and I know the strength it takes for families to keep going through treatment, appointments, work, everyday life and the challenges of grief.

When asked how I would fit this fundraiser into my busy life, I thought, "How do people fit cancer into theirs?" I am doing this to honour my mum, the family and friends I have lost to cancer, and those I love who are still on their cancer journey. It is also my way of giving back to the community that was there for us when we needed it most.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$3,954

My Goal

$5,000

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My Updates

SAVE THE DATE 30TH August

Health and Wellbeing Event 
Bring your friends and family to a wonderful morning of connection and nourishing your mind body and soul.

Week 4 Update Light Camera Action

⭐ Week 4 Update – Stars of Ballina ⭐

What a weekend!

Today was our very first rehearsal on the actual stage, and it suddenly all became very real. We started the morning with a dance lesson at the Bangalow RSL Hall before heading into Ballina for our first rehearsal on stage at the Ballina RSL Club.

I can't thank Judy and the Tap Divas enough for giving up their precious Saturday to support me. Their patience, encouragement and friendship mean the world.

When I first walked into the auditorium and saw the stage, my legs became a little shaky and I thought, "Oh my gosh, this is really happening!" We had so much fun rehearsing, with plenty of laughs along the way. Some dancers disappeared behind the huge, heavy curtains, others couldn't quite hear the music to keep in time, and we quickly realised the stage feels much smaller than the hall we usually dance in, lots of giggles and fun had.

After rehearsal, Judy and I stepped into the world of cameras, lights and action as we were interviewed by the lovely Adam. The questions were completely on the spot, my heart was racing, and honestly, I can't remember half of what I said! You'll have to come along on 12 September for the Stars of Ballina Event night to find out.

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, make sure you do and select to sit with the Sam Crew!

I'm also excited to share that my Health and Wellbeing Event is all organised for 30 August. It will be a beautiful morning focused on connection, wellness and feeling great, followed by lunch together at the Bangalow RSL Hall, a place that now holds a very special place in my heart as the home of my tap dancing journey.

I've also received some incredible donations for raffle prizes from local businesses, and I'll be sharing a special thank you post very soon.

Thank you to every single person who has supported me, donated, shared my posts, bought raffle tickets, or simply cheered me on. Your kindness and encouragement have been amazing.

✨ I am now so close to reaching $4,000, which means I'm only $1,000 away from my fundraising goal! Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. ❤️💃🎗️

Week 3: Tapping Through the Nerves, New Steps and a Big Fundraising Push

This week I went into my dance lesson feeling a little nervous. I had been away for work, and it was hard to fit in my own little practice sessions. Let’s just say a motel room is not exactly the easiest place to tap around quietly, especially when there is minimal space to kick those legs!
Judy was wonderful and started our Saturday dance lesson a little earlier, which gave me more time to pick up the new steps. This week was hard for me — trying to get my brain and feet working together is no small task. The girls were so patient and kept feeding me with non-stop positivity, which I truly appreciated.
I’m learning that I need to go over one step repeatedly until my brain starts to do it automatically. I tell you what, I have so much more appreciation for dancers now. You really do have to commit yourself to practice and repeat steps over and over until they finally sink in. My bum and the tops of my legs definitely got a workout this weekend!
The Tap Divas give up their Saturday mornings every week to help me, and I am just so grateful. Judy is amazing. There are tap shoes tapping everywhere, sometimes with the girls practising different steps at the same time, and somehow she stays so calm and keeps track of exactly what I need to do amongst all the noise and movement.
It is certainly a new environment for me, with lots of stimulation, but not only is my body getting a workout — my brain is too! No wonder the girls all look fantastic and are so sharp. They know so many different steps and make it look so much easier than it is.
Once again, I have really enjoyed myself.
This weekend I also got busy with fundraising, as it can be difficult to fit everything in during the work week. I have put the 100 Clubs together and they are ready to go out into the community tomorrow. I feel this is a great fundraiser because people have the chance to win something from their donation while still supporting a cause that means so much.
I have also been organising my next fundraiser event, which we have now set for 30 August, so please keep this date free. This one will be focused on health and wellbeing, as I really want people to feel they are getting something beautiful out of their donation — time to move, relax, connect and feel good while supporting the Cancer Council.
I have also been putting little videos up to motivate everyone who is taking part in the walking challenge. Everyone who is on board is putting aside a gold coin donation for each walk they do, and at the end they will be able to donate the proceeds they have accumulated to my fundraising page.
My job this week is to get a proper video up on Facebook. I am not used to using Facebook’s technology, so wish me luck! It is all part of the learning curve.
Have a great week everyone, and thank you again for following along, encouraging me, walking with me, donating, sharing, and supporting this journey. 💃🎗️👟

Week 2: Finding my rhythm and feeling the support

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to jump on and give you a quick update on my Dancing with the Stars journey.

Firstly, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has officially been one week since I went live with my fundraising campaign, and together we have already raised $2,433! I am absolutely blown away by the support, kindness, encouragement, and generosity shown so far. Im nearly half way to my goal of $5000 and I'm more determined than ever to get there.

Today has been an amazing day I had my second dance lesson. Let's just say there has been plenty of learning, lots of laughs, and a few steps that still need some work! But I'm loving every minute of the experience  and spending time with my special dancing crew.

It has been fantastic seeing people get involved in the Walking with the Stars Challenge. Every photo, message, and update you've sent has brought a huge smile to my face. Thank you for walking alongside me and being part of this journey.

This week I'm also looking at launching a 100 Club fundraiser, so keep an eye out for more information. It's going to be a fun way for people to get involved while helping raise funds for the Cancer Council.

Thank you again to every single person who has donated, shared my posts, joined an event, danced, walked, or simply cheered me on. Your support means more than words can express, and together we're making a real difference for people impacted by cancer.

See you next week for another update—and hopefully some improved dance moves!

💃❤️

Sam

First steps Big Dreams Dancing for a cure 💃

My dancing with stars journey officially began on Saturday and what a fantastic morning it was!
I walked into the Bangalow hall feeling excited, nervous, & wondering what had I gotten myself into. I had the pleasure of meeting all the dancers, & from the very first moment everyone made me feel welcome.
The patience, encouragement and kindness shown by the group was incredible. We shared plenty of laughs & I quickly realised I’m surrounded by an amazing group of people who are all coming together to raise money for a cause that means so much to us.
I had the best morning & absolutely loved every minute of it.
Now the big question is whether I’ll remember this first few dance steps before the next lesson.
Thankyou to everyone who has already supported my fundraising journey. Every donation helps Cancer Council continue their incredible work supporting people affected by cancer. This is only the beginning and I can’t wait to share the journey with you all.
The steps maybe small right now, but together we’re dancing towards a future with less cancer and more hope 💃❤️

Thank you to my Sponsors

$265

Uncle J

Well done Sam we are so proud of you.

$265

Headroom Hair

We only get one mum xxx

$200

Ali And David

$165

Laura & Ian Jonsson

So proud of you, Sammy!!! Can’t wait to see the big performance. Break a leg!!! 😊

$156

Gail Petersen

Hope this helps to reach your goal , you are a champion. Aunty Margy & Gail ❤️

$106.75

Simone Austen

We love you, Sam, and we’re so proud of you doing this for your mum and all the people that live with cancer. Good luck on the night. Craig and Simone

$106.75

Rachael Shapter

I am so proud of you! You are an inspiration to many. See you at the wellbeing day and I can’t wait to see you dance 💗

$106.75

Lee Cowling

So proud of you! Well done.

$106.75

Moss Family

$106.12

Tash N Scott

So proud of you sista. Huge effort and courage for this amazing cause.

$106.12

Anonymous

$106.12

Jodi Peel

You are an inspiration Sam! Good luck x

$106.12

Kev

What an amazing opportunity to raise money in Support off something that’s so close to us , your mum would be so proud Sam

$106.12

Delwyn Managh

Beautiful Sam so proud of you an all you have achieved. Enjoy have fun.

$106.12

Loz Waldo

Sam! I wish there were more people in the world like you!! You are truly beautiful 🥰 giving your time, heart and courage to help raise money and create hope for others. You’re amazing, and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!! 💃👏👏

$106.12

Anonymous

Thanks for your big heart. Three ladies are watching you from above doing great things so proud.

$100

Grafton Lyons

You are a legend Sam. Mum would be proud .

$55.95

Virginia Green

Health and wellbeing fundraiser morning Bangalow

$55.95

Michelle Henry

See you at Bangalow. Amazing lady. 💛💥💥💥

$55.95

In Love Celebrant

Go get em Sam!

$55.95

Liz Patron

Best TL ever

$55.95

Anne Chiu

Having experienced the big C and lived through it -would like to thank you and those who continue to support this amazing cause . Most of all - we Are rooting for you and those tap shoes Sam !! Go go and win this competition for all of us !! 10/10 !! Wohoo !! Xxx

$55.95

John East Ballina Food Works

$55.95

Renee Endres

You’re an inspiration gorgeous lady xx

$54.84

The Windle’s

Go get em Sam we will be cheering you on xxxx

$54.84

Ronald Ward

Mum would be so proud you, luv ya heaps

$54.84

Melinda Turner

All the best Sam ❤️

$54.84

Sara M

So incredibly proud of my Work Wife! Love ya guts Sam, you're an inspiration!

$54.84

The Cherry’s

My sister the dancing queen! Go shake your tail feathers ❤️ love from the Cherrys xx

$54.84

Victoria Bismire

$54.84

Melanie Rotherham

'Got the moves like Jagger!'

$54.84

Jason Evers

Go girl. Very proud of you

$54.84

Kathie Ward

A amazing and beautiful soul you are.💚

$54.84

Maxwell

Go Sam ,you are the best

$54.84

Bec & Ob

You light up every room you’re in Sammy! You’ll be a superstar on stage 💫

$54.84

Jon Frappell

Congratulations Sam!!…. Your Mum❤️ would be Soooo proud of you!! 🙏😊

$54.84

Jessica Holt

You’re amazing!! Good luck! xx

$54.84

Vicki Tymmons

Such a wonderful cause Sam x

$54.84

Aunty Irene

The family are so proud of you Sammy.

$54.84

Betty Angus

I lost my mum to this terrible disease when I was 21. Thanks for all your efforts Sam. You truly are a great person. I feel blessed to call you a friend xx

$54.84

Pat H

Great cause. Enjoy the experience Sam.

$50

Suzanne Melchior

Health and wellbeing morning Bangalow fundraiser

$33.87

Morgan Gibson

$33.87

Anonymous

$28.81

Rachel Hercus

$28.81

Jamie Ward

Well done Sam. Great effort.

$28.81

Debbie S

You are an inspiration!

$28.43

Phillipa Ryan

$28.43

Sandra Kirchen

Absolute legend love!!!

$25

Stacey Brooks

Go Sammy! Your Mum would be so proud of you xxx

$11.80

Anonymous

Hi Sam, such a wonderful and worthy cause . Best wishes 🥰 Trish

$11

Zayne

Come on mother