Stars of Swinging with the Stars 2026 announced

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This year’s Stars are Fiona Unger (Mount Gambier), Linda Carter (Beachport), Justine Drew (Naracoorte), Meg Malseed (Wandilo), Phil Ackland (Mount Gambier), Tom Williams (Mount Gambier), Will Limbert (Naracoorte) and Jack Lane (Millicent).They began dance rehearsals at the weekend in preparation for the major Limestone Coast charity event at The Barn Palais on Saturday, June 27.

Together they have stepped into four months of dance rehearsals and committed to fundraising to vie for both the People’s Choice award for the highest tally and overall Swinging with the Stars winner on the dancefloor.

“Swinging with the Stars is powered by courage, generosity and community spirit,” Stand Like Stone chairperson Georgie McKay said. “Every year our Stars remind us what’s possible when local people step forward for a cause that supports the Limestone Coast – we can’t wait to see what this year’s dancers bring to the stage.”

Stand Like Stone’s major showcase fundraiser will again be supported by Ray White Mount Gambier as event sponsor, continuing their commitment to the region.

Training for this year’s Stars will be led by Tamara Kilsby and assistant Jade Charlton of Envy Dance Studio, returning as the event choreographers dance partner and,

“This event changes lives,” Stand Like Stone CEO Jason Wallace said. “Funds raised through Swinging with the Stars stay right here in the Limestone Coast supporting grants and scholarships that create real opportunities for our communities. I’m incredibly grateful to our 2026 Stars for saying yes and backing the region in such a meaningful way.”

Tickets for Swinging with the Stars 2026 will go on sale in early May. Follow Stand Like Stone on social media or visit www.standlikestone.com.au for updates.

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Meet the 2026 Stars

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Fiona Unger (partnered with Andrew Lockwood) DONATE

Dancing for the Barrie Holmes Memorial Sub-Fund Fiona is a registered nurse, live music performer and Generations in Jazz Board member who believes deeply in the power of sport to shape young people’s lives through confidence, resilience and connection. With a competitive streak and a long history of tennis, motorbikes, karate, horse riding and gymnastics, she jokes that plenty of sprains and broken bones over the years mean that ice packs may be required.

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Linda Carter (partnered with Toby Riley) DONATE

Dancing for the Beachport Sub-Fund Linda is a mental health social worker and volunteer ambulance officer living in Beachport who is thrilled to join an “incredible fundraiser” and is looking forward to learning to dance properly, meeting new people and having fun. Born and raised in Ireland, she shares that both her parents are good jivers and she hopes some of their moves have rubbed off.

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Justine Drew (partnered with Joshua Dobbe) DONATE

Dancing for the Naracoorte Seeds Sub-Fund Justine, a disaster recovery manager with PIRSA, has long admired the event’s energy and the courage of past dancers. She was motivated by the opportunity to support the newly established Naracoorte Seeds Sub-Fund, which aligns closely with her work in resilience and wellbeing. Known for embracing adventurous challenges – from True Grit to trekking in Nepal – she is ready for what she describes as another uncomfortable but exciting experience.

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Meg Malseed (partnered with Adam Smith) DONATE

Dancing for the Grant High School Sub-Fund Meg, a youth worker from Wandilo, wants to show her daughter that anything is possible and that it’s worth trying something new even when it feels scary. She is passionate about helping families who truly need support and is excited to take on the challenge. Born on New Year’s Day, Meg brings enthusiasm and purpose to her fundraising efforts.

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Phil Ackland (partnered with Jemma Jarnevic) DONATE

Dancing for sub-fund to be determined Phil is a team leader at Limestone Coast Ability and a strong advocate for inclusion. As founder of Mount Gambier parkrun and organiser of Tower Trail Run and Cave Run, Phil is accustomed to encouraging others but is now stepping into the spotlight himself. He is raising funds to support people in the Limestone Coast to overcome barriers to participation and achieving their dreams. A community photographer and former DJ and musician, Phil says that persistence is on his résumé – dancing is not.

Tom Williams (partnered with Shanna Locker) DONATE

Dancing for the Stand Like Stone General Fund Tom, a sheep farmer, believes that anything equal parts fun and charitable “has to be a good thing” and jokes that this may be his last chance to discover whether a dance career awaits. Tom brings a lively household to the journey with three sons and fifteen dogs and is looking forward to contributing to Stand Like Stone’s broad impact across the region.

Will Limbert (partnered with Amelia Clark) DONATE

Dancing for the Naracoorte and Districts Sub-Fund Will was inspired after seeing Sarah Laurie dance in 2024 and felt ready for another challenge following earlier fundraising ventures, including rowing the Zambezi River with his fiancée Lizzie for charity. He shares that navigating crocodile-infested shallows and hippo-watched channels was intense – yet dancing in front of a crowd might be more terrifying. Will is raising funds for the Naracoorte and Districts Sub-Fund to support local causes close to his heart.

Jack Lane (partnered with Zoey Norman) DONATE

Dancing for the Millicent High School Sub-Fund Jack is a Millicent musician, performer and founder of Rock Lock Records. With a long history in music performance, radio and community event organising, he was honoured to be invited after attending Swinging with the Stars in 2024. He sees the event as the perfect mix of community spirit and performance. Jack loves travel, local music and the occasional cheesy horror film – and confesses a reliable weakness for any venue serving Guinness on tap.