Eight regional stars lit up the dance floor 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.”
Meet our 8 local stars for 2025
Our stars will be learning dance routines in the months leading up to the big night and raising money for their local community. You can read their bios below and show your support by donating to any of the funds supported by our stars.
Adam Smith
Adam Smith, youth and mental health worker, raising funds to support the future of arts and trades through the Lorry Humphreys Arts & Trades Sub Fund. Adam’s goal is to give what he can to make the world a better place, even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone and dancing!
Brody Virgo
Brody Virgo, self-confessed nerd and maths coordinator at Tenison, is raising funds for the sub fund that speaks most to him – the Limestone Coast Agri-Links Mental Health Sub Fund. Brody is dancing to give the students another reason to laugh at him and to step out of his comfort zone.
Josh Hancock
Josh Hancock, farmer and weekend sailor, began his dancing “career” at the Reedy Creek old time dances as a kid, then Kingston and Naracoorte Blue Light Discos. Josh is raising funds for the Kingston Community School educational scholarship sub fund. He’s likes dancing and it felt right to say YES!
Samantha Brown
Samantha Brown, teacher and softball extraordinaire, is supporting the Mount Gambier High School educational scholarship sub fund. A previous classical ballet enthusiast Samantha is dancing to give back and support Mount Gambier High School students.
Sofie Maiorano
Sofie Maiorano, multi-talented barista, receptionist and interior / joinery designer, raising funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing sub fund. Growing up Sofie wanted to be a bus driver and drive all her friends to the local shopping centre, now having recently moved to the Penola area, Sofie is enjoying being involved in the community.
We are in the process of recruiting stars!
Support a star
Our 8 local ‘stars’ need your support to raise much needed funds for causes close to their hearts.
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Support a star
Our 8 local ‘stars’ need your support to raise much needed funds for causes close to their hearts.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip exeasetis commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Become a star
Want to step out of your comfort zone, learn how to dance and raise money for local causes? Get in touch!
Our 8 local 'stars' are given the opportunity to learn dance routines with talented local instructors. It's also a chance to try something different, make new friends, get involved in your wonderful Limestone Coast community and raise funds for a great cause. Why not do something for the greater good and have fun at the same time!
Eight regional stars lit up the dance floor 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.”
Latest news
Keep up to date with all the latest news at Stand Like Stone Foundation with everything from new sponsors to developments around grants and scholarships for the people and communities of the Limestone Coast, plus updates on our exciting events.
Celebrating Youth Generosity Across the Limestone Coast
Stand Like Stone Foundation’s Philanthropic School Award Program launched in 2023 has become a cherished tradition across the Limestone Coast, recognising young people who embody kindness, courage and a spirit of generosity within their school communities.
Stand Like Stone Foundation celebrates it’s ‘20 Years of Giving Back’ anniversary
The Stand Like Stone Foundation has celebrated 20 years of giving back to the Limestone Coast with a luncheon attended by 170 supporters from across the region.
Charlie continues Poppy’s legacy through memorial scholarship
Agricultural studies cut tragically short by the death of Tatiara student Poppy Crozier will be continued by her lifelong friend Charlie Hannemann, following his announcement as the first recipient of a Stand Like Stone Foundation memorial scholarship in her honour.
New CEO to drive impact of Limestone Coast’s dedicated community foundation
Jason Wallace has been appointed CEO of the Stand Like Stone Foundation, bringing extensive regional experience and a passion for community impact as the foundation enters a new phase of philanthropic growth.
Swinging with the Stars 2025 smashes previous records to raise $211,000
A night of dance and generosity with Adam “Hoggett” Merrett named People’s Choice and Brody Virgo and Amelia Clark taking top honours.
SOLD OUT Swinging With The Stars event to boost Limestone Coast community foundation’s impact
Eight local stars will hit the dance floor at a sold-out gala this Saturday, raising vital funds for Limestone Coast communities through Stand Like Stone’s major annual fundraiser, Swinging With The Stars.
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.
