Julie Sidery-Wood

I've been a Northbridge local for close to 28 years, together with my husband and our three adult children. Back in the day I studied a Business Degree and spent much of my professional life in Healthcare Marketing, at a number of big corporates, ( J & J, Boots and Sanofi Winthrop,) before raising a family and turning my attention to volunteer work and further study.

These days I enjoy being a regular volunteer at my local aged care home and have recently become a Movement Practitioner with Dance Health Alliance, running therapeutic dance programs for seniors in broader aged care settings and community centres.  It’s such a rewarding role to bring the joy of dance and music to people who thought their dancing days were behind them, whilst improving their physical, cognitive and social well-being all at the same time!

I'm no pro, but have always loved to dance, only really taking it up as an adult at my kids studio until I got too embarrassing!  Now  I dance for fun with people of all ages (20-70+ years) at G Power Dance Fitness, where I get to feel 18 again, 3-4 times a week!  Through the studio I’ve been supporting Stars of The North for the past two years, having lost my dad, father-in-law, and two aunties to cancer.  I've also seen the resilience and bravery of a number of impacted friends over the years, which has been truely inspiring.  This year, I’m taking my involvement to a whole new level by taking to the stage, following the recent loss of a very dear friend.   

Embracing my 2025 motto, “If Not Now, When?” I see this event as an opportunity to honour her, our dads, as well as other friends and family affected by cancer while doing something I love to make a difference.  I believe everybody can be a dancing queen, regardless of age, ability, or experience—it’s just about enjoying yourself and having a go!