Kellie Nobes and her dance partner Jayden Green win Swinging with the Stars 2023!
The Barn came alive as more than 570 guests gathered for the Stand Like Stone Foundation’s flagship fundraiser, Swinging with the Stars. The evening delivered dazzling performances, heartfelt moments and an extraordinary show of community support, raising just over $110,000 to fuel local philanthropic initiatives.
Eight local identities took to the stage after months of preparation, learning three dance routines under the expert guidance of Kim Cella and Jazmyn Bowd from Hype Dance. Their journey combined choreography with community impact, as each Star also led their own fundraising campaign in support of the foundation.
Foundation CEO Roger Babolka reflected on the night’s success, noting the overwhelming generosity of attendees and sponsors alike. He credited the Stars’ dedication and the community’s enthusiasm for making the event such a powerful force for good. The funds raised, he explained, would enable the foundation to continue delivering vital support across the Limestone Coast.
The standard of dancing in 2023 was particularly high, prompting judges to extend deliberations with a dance-off between the top four performers before narrowing down to a final two. Ultimately, Kellie Nobes and her dance partner Jayden Green were crowned the 2023 winners. The People’s Choice Award, recognising the highest individual fundraiser, went to Chicago Smith, who raised an impressive $23,146.
Mr Babolka also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts that make Swinging with the Stars possible year after year—from local businesses and volunteers to the dance mentors and production crew. He described the Stars’ journey as both courageous and inspiring, highlighting the challenge of learning three routines in just 12 weeks and performing in front of a packed house—all while championing causes close to home.
As the final spotlight faded, the night stood as a testament to what can be achieved when talent, heart, and community come together.
2023 Stars
- Chicago Smith: Customer Service Manager at the renown Koonara Wines raised funds for her local community through the Penola/Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub Fund.
- Don Pratt: Founder of the fantastic local organisation ‘Spare ya Change 4 Kids’ raised funds for the Focis on Youth Sub Fund.
- Kellie Nobes: Looking to give back to the community that has supported her, Kellie raised funds for the Agri Links mental health sub fund and the Stand Like Stone General Sub Fund.
- Kyle Tipene: Owner and basketball skills trainer of KT Hoops raised funds for the Stand Like Stone General Sub Fund.
- Luke Thomson: Manager at The Globe Hotel raised funds for the Stand Like Stone General Sub Fund.
- Nic Tubb: The Mount Gambier High School drama teacher has raised funds for the Mount Gambier High School Scholarship Sub Fund.
- Liza Couzens: Leader of Millicent’s St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School raised funds for Stand Like Stone’s Barrie Holmes Memorial Sub Fund.
- Olivia Magarey: Raising funds for Stand Like Stone’s General Sub Fund was the goal for this Whitehaul Transport Personal Assistant.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
