General News
14 April, 2026
Full Monty done and dusted
After months of undressed rehearsals for the Maryborough Highland Society’s Full Monty, the curtain has closed on another successful fundraiser.
Last Saturday night, 13 dancers took to the stage to bare all for an important cause, raising money for Maryborough District Health Service’s oncology department.
Maryborough Highland Society’s Nick Weaver said this weekend’s performance was as exciting as anticipated, but still a moving experience throughout the room.
“The night was fantastic, it was amazing. We had about 280 people there, it was a very successful night. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of tears, everybody had a great time,” he said.
“Our silent auction did really well, our live auctions were fantastic. Everyone dug really, really deep.”
The night followed nearly three months of practice, particularly for a handful of dancers who performed for the first time.
Mr Weaver said the lengthy dance rehearsals, making of costumes and arranging the auction came to an end instantaneously.
“After the dances were over, [the dancers] were so excited, they thought it was amazing. It’s a big adrenaline rush, most of all they are nervous. Once they are out there, all of the room is dark and all of the lights are going on stage, it’s so much fun,” he said.
“Once it’s all over we all ask ‘is that it?’ It was two and a half months of rehearsals for six minutes of fun, and then it is all done and dusted.”
Changing to a more serious tone, this year’s event had an additional component.
Following the performances, a display was shown featuring names and images of dancer’s loved ones who had been diagnosed with cancer.
“All of the people that had been in the Full Monty over the past five years, we got them to send photos of people they did it for. We put it to a song, all of those who survived cancer were shown first. Then it went really quiet, and we showed all of the ones who had passed,” Mr Weaver said.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the venue. It was beautiful, that really reflected what we do it for.
“We had people from the hospital there which was great, we had oncology staff and doctors at the new hospital, it was really moving. We hope it can continue.”
Mr Weaver said the night wouldn’t have been possible without various support throughout the community.
“We really want to thank everyone that was supportive, staff at the Maryborough Highland Society, all of the businesses that donated, IGA, I definitely want to thank Chantel and Drew Garraway and all of the companies that donated gifts.”
While this year’s event is now over, Mr Weaver is keeping the lines open for any final donations the community wish to make.
“We are going to keep the account open for another month, hopefully we get a few more people that want to come in and donate, they can still do that as well,” he said.
“We hope this continues, we still have a month to go, and if we can get another $10,000 through donations, that would be amazing. We have a goal that we like to get to.”
Donations can be made in person at the Maryborough Highland Society, or by contacting them on 5461-1480.
