Get to know the Stars of Macleay Valley Dance for Cancer

Community Relations Coordinator from Coffs Coast Cancer Council, Brittany Raven, said although the ten stars are names locals might recognise, they might not know everything about them.

“They’re people who are quite prominent in the community, but some people might not know them,” she said. 

Here is the list of stars and some information about them:

Emily Breckell-Smyth from Kempsey Stock and Land 

Emily is the Office Manager at Kempsey Stock and Land the Macleay Valley’s specialist stock and station agency. 

Emily comes from a background in business administration having working in the real estate industry for 7 years. Emily has a passion for performing on stage and in community theatre.

Emily is dancing with Tisana Millar from Garvey School of Dance.

Principal of St Paul’s College Kevin Lewis

After holidaying in the area for many years Kevin was excited to finally settle in the Macleay Valley as the Principal of St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College. Originally born and raised in the Western suburbs of Sydney, the Mid-North coast has always been home to Kevin.

Kevin is dancing with Jess Brown from Garvey School of Dance.

Principal of Macleay Valley Workplace Learning Centre Mark Morrison 

 Mark is the principal of the Macleay Vocation College and is fortunate to have an outstanding staff who are committed to their purpose of providing positive experiences for young people.

Since jumping off the boat from Nauru in 1970 Mark has participated in many sports, has musical interests and has lived among fascinating people who have helped him understand the need to give back to the community, 

Mark is dancing with Grace Jeffery from Danae Cantwell School of Dance. 

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey

Melinda has been the Member for Oxley since 2015 as well as the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight.

Melinda Pavey grew up on a dairy farm and spent more than a decade working for the people of regional NSW in the Legislative Council.

As the mother of two young children, Melinda is keenly focussed on the issues that matter to families across the state.

Melinda is dancing with Ray Neil.

Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Promotions Manager at South West Rocks Country Club Michelle Mitchell 

Michelle looks after all things Events and Entertainment related plus more at South West Rocks Country Club. 

Michelle was born and raised in Sydney although her heart has always been in the Macleay where she regularly holidayed. Michelle moved to South West Rocks with her husband 6 years ago.

Michelle is dancing with Stevie Heffernan from Danae Cantwell School of Dance.

Phani Prakhya from Prakhya Dental

Phani is the owner and principal dentist at Prakhya Dental. Prakhya Dental is a solo private dental practice that has been serving the Macleay Valley for around 40 years.

Phani graduated from dental school in India. Moved to Australia in 2007 to pursue MSC at the University of Wollongong and passed Australian dental council exams simultaneously. Phani started working in Kempsey at Prakhya Dental in July 2010.

Phani is dancing with Sean Borger from Garvey School of Dance. 

Community Engagement Coordinator Mid North Coast Local Health District Ro Stirling-Kelly 

Ro is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mid North Coast Local Health District. 

Ro was born and raised in Kempsey moved to Sydney to commence her nursing career before returning home to the Macleay Valley in 1992. 

Ro is dancing with her son Jim Stirling-Kelly who has danced with Danae Cantwell School of Dance.

Owner of West Kempsey Hotel Tammy Hancock

Tammy and her husband Tim purchased the West Kempsey Hotel in July 2011. They both currently own and operate The West Kempsey Hotel as well as the Nambucca Hotel in Macksville.

Tammy was born and raised in Kempsey, she moved to Lismore to study Paralegal at Southern Cross University where she met her husband Tim. After graduating from University, Tim and Tammy did a lot travelling before eventually settling in Sydney. They relocated back to the area in 2008 to start their family. 

Tammy is dancing with Neil Monckton from Neil’s Magic Melodies and Kempsey RSL Dance Club.

Kempsey Shire Council general manager Craig Milburn 

Craig the general manager of Kempsey Shire Council has over 40 years experience in private industry, local government and the not for profit sector.

After growing up in Tasmania where Craig undertook a plumbing apprenticeship and also established his own plumbing business. Craig has worked and furthered his studies in the Western Desert, Melbourne, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Shoalhaven. 

Craig is dancing with Madison Sinclair from Danae Cantwell School of Dance.

Alicia Fox from Wildflower Portraits

Alicia is the owner and photographer at Wildflower Portraits based in Crescent Head.

Alicia grew up in Brisbane before travelling around Europe for two years working in the field of photography for magazines, tourism operators and charity organisations. In 2014 I moved to Crescent Head and opened Wildflower Portraits servicing the Mid North Coast.

Alicia is dancing with Stacey Knight (Shamilah) from Ishtar Goddess Belly Dance.

To stay up to date with Stars of Macleay Valley, head over to their Facebook page.

Tickets for the event on March 30 are $70 and include a drink on arrival, dinner and the entertainment for the evening. Tickets can be purchased here.

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