SWINGING with the Stars 2025 smashed all previous records at The Barn on Saturday night to raise more than $211,000 to increase the impact of Stand Like Stone Foundation.
Eight regional stars lit up the dancefloor after months of rehearsals and fundraising with Adam “Hoggett” Merrett crowned the People’s Choice winner after raising more than $78,000.
“I just like to watch people smile,” he said following the announcement.
“This group has been so encouraging and close and the generosity of all the people that have contributed for any of the dancers has been fantastic – I don’t think I had one person say no and it goes to a great cause – I love giving and tonight we’ve given a lot and it’s been a great night.”
Meanwhile, the judges selected Brody Virgo, partnered with Amelia Clark, as the 2025 Swinging With the Stars winner after contestants competed in a hip-hop, waltz, quickstep and tango in front of a capacity crowd of more than 550 people.
“What everyone has done here and raised over $200,000 together is just phenomenal for the whole region and to be part of it with this group of people is just absolutely fantastic,” Mr Virgo said.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group and partner in Amelia.”
Mr Merrett was partnered with Ruby Charlton, while other stars and their partners included Sarah Laurie with Andrew Lockwood, Sofie Maiorano with Nathan Taylor, Samantha Brown with Toby Riley, Ailie Staples with Darcy Ryan, Adam Smith with Zoey Norman and Josh Hancock with Bree Robinson.
The event marked 17 years of the gala event that brings people together to support their favourite stars and raise funds for the Stand Like Stone Foundation in the Limestone Coast’s big night of glamour and charitable competition.
This year’s event featured a stellar Limestone Coast band compiled by Dale Cleves OAM and Isaac Bruggeman led by vocalist Tamara Seeley, while Jase Scheidl was the event emcee.
Stand Like Stone chairperson Georgie McKay thanked all event and foundation supporters, particularly major event sponsor Ray White Mount Gambier and Tamara Kilsby and Jade Charlton of Envy Dance Studio for their dedication over the past four months choreographing the four routines, training the stars and partnering them with local dancers.
She also paid tribute to the event committee of Donna Jaeschke , Lauren Fox, Tahlia Gabrielli, Kahlia Egan and Sally Bailey, along with judges Kezia Feast, Kim Cella, Jayden Prelc and Ewan Grant.
“Every cent raised will go towards supporting the communities that make up the Limestone coast region,” Ms McKay said.
“Stand Like Stone is all about empowering local people to create local solutions, working together and increasing our capacity to support projects and activities, provide scholarships for local people and tackle issues that are important to the communities of the Limestone Coast.”