One Last Saturday with the Bangalow Tap Divas

Today was a day filled with mixed emotions as I made my final trip to the Bangalow Hall for my last tap dancing class before the Stars of Ballina event.

As I walked through the doors, I couldn't help but feel a little sad knowing this would be my last Saturday dancing alongside such an incredible group of women. Over the past eight weeks, we have shared so much more than dance lessons. We have shared laughter, encouragement, friendship and many special memories. What started as a fundraising journey has become a truly meaningful experience, and I will be forever grateful for the connections I have made.

Today was our dress rehearsal, and it was so exciting to finally see everything come together. We all tried on our costumes and had the opportunity to see how we would look on stage on the big night. Watching all the dancers perform in their outfits was wonderful. Everyone looked absolutely fantastic, and it was clear that all the hard work, practice and dedication over the past weeks has paid off.

There was something very special about seeing the Bangalow Tap Divas come together as a group. The talent, kindness and support shown by these amazing women has been truly inspiring. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to step well outside my comfort zone and learn something completely new. For someone who had never tap danced before, that support meant everything.

As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I cannot thank the Bangalow Tap Divas enough for giving up their Saturdays to teach, guide, motivate and inspire me. Their patience, generosity and willingness to share their passion for dance have made this experience one I will never forget.

What began as a fundraiser for Cancer Council has become so much more than raising money. It has been about friendship, community, courage and trying something new. It has reminded me that some of the most memorable experiences happen when we step outside our comfort zone and allow ourselves to be supported by others.

To all the Bangalow Tap Divas, thank you for welcoming me into your dance family. Thank you for every lesson, every laugh, every word of encouragement and every moment of support. You have made this journey incredibly special, and I will always cherish the friendships we have made along the way.

As we head towards the Stars of Ballina event on 12 September, I know I will carry a little piece of each of you with me when I step onto that stage.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sam Jonsson 💃✨🌟

"Friends may come together through dance, but the memories and connections made along the way last a lifetime." ❤️

100 Club Winners Bring Joy, Gratitude and Generosity

Today was another very special milestone on my Stars of Ballina fundraising journey as we drew the winners of the 100 Club raffle.

What I love most about fundraising is that it is never just about the money raised. It is about the people, the stories and the connections that are made along the way. Today's draw certainly reminded me of that.

First Prize was won by Chris, who purchased her ticket at the Ballina Dry Cleaners. When I called to tell her the exciting news, she was so genuinely grateful and thrilled to have won. Seeing the happiness these prizes bring to people is one of the most rewarding parts of fundraising.

Second Prize went to P. Cullen, who purchased his ticket when the 100 Club was set up at Reece Plumbing. He was absolutely over the moon when I rang him. In fact, he told me he had never won a prize before. What happened next completely touched my heart. Almost immediately, he said he would love to donate his winnings back to the fundraiser. I thought I was calling to make his day, but in reality, he ended up making mine. His kindness and generosity were a beautiful reminder of the incredible spirit that exists within our community.

Third Prize went to my wonderful Aunty Irene, and this win felt especially meaningful. For many years, Irene has proudly participated in the Shave for a Cure, bravely shaving her hair to raise funds for cancer research and support services. Like so many families, ours has been impacted by cancer, and Irene has always been willing to step forward and make a difference. This year, due to her own health challenges, she has not been able to participate. Being able to continue fundraising in my Stars of Ballina journey while she cheered me on from the sidelines has been very special. I could not be happier that she was one of our lucky winners.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ballina Dry Cleaners and Reece Plumbing for allowing me to set up the 100 Club in their shopfronts. Your support helped make this fundraiser possible, and your willingness to welcome our community fundraising efforts has contributed greatly to the success of this campaign.

As I get closer to my $5,000 fundraising goal for Cancer Council, I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and support of our community. Every ticket purchased, every donation made and every encouraging word shared has helped make this journey so much more than a fundraiser.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Together, we are making a difference for those affected by cancer, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

With gratitude,

Sam Jonsson
Stars of Ballina 2026 Fundraiser for Cancer Council ⭐💛🎗️

A Day of Connection, Wellness and Gratitude

What a truly special day our Health & Wellbeing Morning turned out to be.

As I sit and reflect, my heart is full of gratitude. What started as an idea to bring people together while raising funds for Cancer Council through my Stars of Ballina journey became something so much more meaningful than I could have imagined.

From the moment people arrived, there was a beautiful sense of connection in the room. A wonderful group of women came together, many meeting for the first time while others shared long-standing friendships. It was a reminder of how powerful it can be when women gather to support, encourage and simply spend quality time with one another.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day happened before the event even started. My beautiful friends rolled up their sleeves and got busy cooking, decorating, setting up tables and helping wherever they could. There is something incredibly special about sharing these moments with friends. Working side by side, laughing together and creating something meaningful fills your heart in a way that is difficult to describe. I am so grateful for every single person who helped bring this day to life.

The morning began with the lovely Tamika leading us through gentle yoga and stretching. It was the perfect way to slow down, breathe and reconnect with ourselves. We then enjoyed a beautiful meditation accompanied by soothing sound bowls, creating a sense of calm that flowed through the entire room.

Afterwards, everyone gathered around a long lunch table, sharing wellness teas and an array of delicious slow-cooked meals made with love. There was plenty of conversation, laughter and connection. In a world where we are often rushing from one thing to the next, this was an opportunity to simply pause, relax and be present.

It was wonderful to watch friendships grow, stories being shared and connections being formed. Some women met for the very first time, while others enjoyed catching up with friends they had known for years. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and uplifting.

I will admit, as the day approached, I worried whether people would come. Like many event organisers, there is always that little voice of doubt. But when I looked around the hall and saw it filled with smiling faces, I knew everything had come together exactly as it was meant to. The hall was full, and it was the perfect number of people to create the intimate and connected experience I had hoped for.

After weeks of planning, organising and preparing, I left the day with a wonderful sense of relief, pride and gratitude. Not only was the event a beautiful success, but it will also help push me across my $5,000 fundraising goal for Cancer Council. Reaching this milestone feels incredibly rewarding and serves as a reminder that when a community comes together, amazing things can happen.

SAVE THE DATE 30TH August

Week 4 Update Light Camera Action

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

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 💃