Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Since announcing their formation just two short weeks ago, the Whitsundays’ inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’ have been extraordinarily busy in their quest to end domestic violence within our communities and raise over $41,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ).
Kate Purdie, Candice Crossley, Alice Harriott, Julie Telford and their ‘Team Whitsundays’ mentor, Katelyn Collins, have added another name to their support squad, with the announcement of Whitsunday Regional Council’s ‘Mayoress’, Mel Collins, in the role of Patron.
Through her public profile as wife of Whitsunday Mayor, Ry Collins, Ms Collins will now help with advocacy and awareness of Team Whitsundays’ meaningful mission, describing herself as “honoured” to have been asked to perform ceremonial duties at upcoming fundraising events.
“I’m super excited to support the ladies from Team Whitsundays in their pursuit to entertain us with their dancing prowess whilst raising funds for such a worthy cause – especially as this is an issue close to my heart, having previously worked in the office of our Whitsunday MP, Amanda Camm, during her tenure as Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence,” she said.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes an enormous amount of work has already gone into gathering prizes for raffles and organising events – one of which will be truly ‘Epic’.
In another ‘first’ for both the Whitsundays and an established WLSQ fundraiser, Team Whitsundays will be hosting a 2025 ‘Epic Walk for DV’ in Airlie Beach on Sunday, March 30, at the same time as the main event takes place in New Farm Park, Brisbane.
Epic Walk Co-Founder, Brendon Mann, who started the event with his partner, Brendan Smith, as part of their own ‘Dancing CEOs’ team fundraising in 2021, said it was incredible to think that for the first time in its near-five-year history, a sea of purple – the colour synonymous with taking a stand against domestic violence – would be spread across two locations, within the north and south of our state.
“For us it’s not just about the fundraising but also about raising awareness of the services provided by WLSQ and the fact that they are available for women across all of Queensland,” he said.
“This is a Queensland service so it’s important to bring that awareness to regional Queensland, and by having the Epic Walk in a place like the Whitsundays we’re hoping to do that.”
Being familiar with the Epic Walk from her time as a former Dancing CEO and as an ongoing WLSQ Ambassador, Katelyn Collins said this was a fantastic way for the entire Whitsundays community to get behind not just their local ‘Team Whitsundays’, but also form their own walking and fundraising teams, thereby making a truly personal contribution to the overarching cause.
“We’re calling on not just individuals, but groups of friends, businesses, community groups, schools, regional organisations – anyone and everyone – to accept the challenge, form a team, sign up and start your own fundraising to help WLSQ reach more women when they need it most,” she said.
“Bring a blanket, your dog, your family and friends, and join us for a picnic in the park and live entertainment once the walk ends; and if you’re a business interested in sponsoring the 2025 Epic Walk for DV, we need to hear from you so please, reach out to teamwhitsundays@gmail.com.”
The Whitsundays ‘Epic Walk for DV’ will cover 5km from the Coral Sea Marina Gardens, along the Bicentennial Boardwalk and back.
Registration costs $29, or $24 for early birds and kids walk free.
Individuals and teams can sign up at https://www.epicwalkfordv.com.au/o/whitsundays.
Other ‘Team Whitsundays’ Dancing CEOs fundraisers include the ‘Christmas Cocktails for a Cause’ at the Garden Bar from 12.30-3pm on Friday, December 6, and a Fundraising Gala to be held at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Additional ways to make a difference include donating directly via https://www.dancingceos.com.au/kate-purdie-julie-telford-candice-crossley-dr-alice-harriott, contributing prizes, donations or giveaways, or buying a ticket to either or both of the team’s first two raffles.
Up for grabs through the ‘Summer Beach Raffle’ are a four-night stay at The Beach House in stunning Hideaway Bay, two nights at the Tropical Beach Caravan Park in beautiful Bowen, and an ‘Ultimate Beach Fun Package’ valued at $250.
While the Summer Beach Raffle will be drawn at the Christmas Cocktails fundraiser on December 6, a raffle for comprehensive orthodontics packages with Whitsunday Family Dental and Brisbane Orthodontics, valued at $9,000 and $10,000 respectively, will continue running well into the new year.
For more information on when and where raffle tickets will be on sale, follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.
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Media Inquiries: Julie Telford / 0400 275 367 / teamwhitsundays@gmail.com
