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Laura Calo

Stars of Ballina 2026

Laura Calo

I’m Laura, and for almost eight years I have proudly called Ballina home. I love the coastline, the surf and the whales passing each winter, but it is the warmth and generosity of this community that truly captured my heart.

I’m Puerto Rican, raised in Texas and now proudly Australian. I love sharing my culture through food, art and dancing, and I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community.

As an educator, trainer and consultant, my work has taken me across the globe, yet Ballina is where I choose to give back. I’m proud to contribute through my work at Ballina Shire Council and by volunteering with organisations including Ballina Rotary on Richmond, Community Project and previously the Lennox Head RFS.

What draws me to Stars of Ballina is that beneath the dancing, nerves and laughs is something deeply human: community, courage and connection.

Community is Ballina standing beside local families touched by cancer and reminding them they are not alone. Courage is stepping onto the stage, knowing that this challenge is small compared to what many facing cancer endure. Connection is turning one fun night into something that sparks hope, care and vital support for people when they need it most.

It is an honour to be part of Stars of Ballina and to help raise funds for my local community boldly facing cancer.

I am dancing in memory of Tania, Brooke and in honour of a local hero Emma. 

Tania  - my dearest cousin who taught me how to dance and to love music , movement and my curly hair. Lost her 10 years ago

Brooke - fellow Cricket's server, Baylor Bear and Discovery alum. She taught me how to be authentic, find joy and live fully. Lost her 12 August 2026

Emma - Ballina legend. Cofounder of the Ballina Volleyball team. Strong. Resilient. Gorgeous. 
Reminds me daily - you got this. Currently, winning her battle with cancer!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$1,864

My Goal

$5,000

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My Updates

Laura is dancing for a cause ... Cancer Council's Stars of Ballina

On 12 September, I'll put down her laptop and put on my dancing shoes to raise money for the Cancer Council. 

What is the Stars of Ballina event? 
A Ballina fundraising event  where business owners, community members and local personalities – our Stars – light up the dance floor with local dance teachers to raise funds for Cancer Council.


I will be on stage with Eva Ryland from North Coast Dance Academy to "get loud" about raising funds for a cause very near and dear to my heart. 

My love of dance comes from my Puerto Rican culture and my dearest cousin Tania who I lost to cancer about 10 years ago. She taught me to dance and the beauty that comes with the music and movement. 

I am dancing in memory of 

Tania and my dearest friend from uni - Brooke -  who I lost to brain cancer just two weeks ago.
 
I am also dancing in honour of local Ballina Volleyball Superstar Emma who is a regular at the BISC and does so much for our local community. Her strength over the last two years as been admirable. She is an inspiration and so resilient.

Tania, Brooke, Emma - they are all the true stars!!!!

 

Here is how you can show your support:
1. Donate to the cause via my unique donations page Cancer Council - Laura Calo
2. Buy raffle tickets - Do not have to be present to win - Pay via the link. Tell me how many tickets you want. $5 each ... 5 for $20... 
Pay  with cash or online. If you pay online just mention how many tickets you want.
I will distribute the tickets and can also deliver the prize if anyone wins. 
3. Join me for a special fundraising pre-event Sound Immersion for a Cause on Sunday 6 September 2pm at the masonic lodge for a relaxing sound immersion experience. The entry is by donation. Please see the flyer and link below
4. Attend the show on 12 Sept. 

5. Even if you cannot attend...you can watch online and you can also vote for me!
6. Donate items for the raffle
Oh...and if you want to help...I am still making my costume and welcome any creativity.

Thank you to Siri and Jen from our Ballina Salvage Shed who are helping me source materials (which, yes, I paid for) and come up with creative ideas.
We are raising funds, upcycling discarded items and promoting our wonderful tip shop.) 

It's real team effort!

Even though I am not officially sponsored by Council for the event, I appreciate the support from my colleagues.

There will be a live stream of the show so you can watch. Reach out and I can send more details closer to the show.

Please share with your friends and family and consider hanging a copy of the poster in your work area or tea room.

Thank you for your support!
Laura

Thank you Bonnie Larden Art for your raffle prize donation!

Get your raffle ticket to own this amazing piece of art. Custom framed print of my favourite Australian bird - the Willy Wagtail. 
It's ready to hang on your wall. A great gift to pass on or keep for yourself. A true piece of Australiana. 

Love your beautiful work, Bonnie and appreciate your support. 

Visit her website for all the details on her original paintings, commissions, and prints and follow her on Instagram:
www.bonnielarden.com
@BonnieLardenArt

Thank you Master Cobbler for fixing my dancing shoes!

Thank you to the team at Master Cobbler for their donation and support. I am so glad they were able to fix my dancing shoes and am eager get on that dance floor. 

Master Cobbler  located at 152 River Street Ballina
https://mastercobblerballina.com/

Thank you to my Sponsors

$1.02k

Eva’s Grandfather

Hi Laura. I am Eva’s grandfather. It has given me enormous pleasure over the years enjoying your performances watching you all develop into the impressive young ladies you are today

$265

Anonymous

A good cause Laura . Pleased to be able to support you and Sam

$106.75

Colin Lee

$80.33

Justine Rowe

$55.95

Sam

$55.95

Lesley

$50

Mario Santini

$50

Anonymous

Go Laura!

$50

Steven Douglas

$34.40

Anna Ward

$28.81

Sandra Rylands

Hope you and Eva have a successful time.

$23.81

Jenny

Raffle

$23.81

Tracy Lister

Raffle Laura - this is a wonderful thing you are doing!

$23.81

Katie Menzies

Vamos Laura!