General News
13 March, 2026
Full Monty tribute returns.
Two brave groups of dancers are already months into rehearsals for the 2026 Full Monty fundraiser, a much loved community event behind an important cause.
As the iconic fundraiser now enters its fifth year, organiser Nick Weaver is keen for another memorable event to give back to a cause special to everyone.
“We are into our fifth year, so we are hoping to raise another 50, 60 or 70 thousand dollars, we will see how we go, tickets are $50, and it all goes straight to the hospital, and of course everything else on the night we have, the raffles, the fundraising, the sporting memorabilia, live auctions, silent auction,” he said.
His work toward the fundraiser, just this year making him a Citizen of the Year, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for the Maryborough District Health Service Oncology unit.
“We have all been affected by cancer in some way, [event preparation] is all going really well, we enjoy it and we are happy,” Mr Weaver said.
“We have had a few boys come back every year, they love it, we enjoy it.”
However, both the men’s and women’s groups have new faces this year.
In his first time taking the stage, James Dewar said he has “a few good reasons” in his life to face the crowd.
“Part way through last year I said to Nick, I’m interested in doing it. I lost my eldest sister to cancer when she was 38, and I lost my brother to cancer when he was 83 ... so, those are valid reasons for doing it,” he said.
Following the loss of other friends, and family to cancer, he said there were still others close to him in his ‘Wacky Wednesday’ group who have battled with cancer, as well as his own.
He said the dance is in honour of them.
“So, I’ve got a few good reasons for doing it. If I stuff up on the night, I stuff up on the night, no one is going to take any notice of it. They have all said, just go with the flow,” he said.
“I’m very close to my two sisters, twin sister especially, and there is only the three of us left, plus other friends who have got cancer and going through the battle at the moment.”
While the decision to bare all can be a tough move, Mr Dewar said he has received much support for those he has told.
“I have got a heap of people around supporting my act of madness, act of whatever, act of stupidity, but the bottom line is, I guess I am putting my money where my mouth is and doing it, that’s it in a nutshell,” he said.
Mr Dewar has only ever missed attending one Full Monty event and feels all dancers and organisers do a fantastic job.
“I have been observing it for a while and I’ve thought ‘my time is up to stand up and be counted’,” he said.
He has no regrets for his involvement in a night that is entertaining, challenging and once the dance is over, a lot of fun.
“The more money that we can raise, the better and doing it, we know it stays in Maryborough, and that’s the most important thing, to know what we are doing, making clowns of ourselves, we are doing it for a reason, and all the money raised goes straight to the oncology department, and that’s a well known fact,” he said.
“My hope is that people continue to support Nick. There is a substantial amount of money for one guy to be responsible for, and I’ve supported him all the way along the line.
“I was most impressed with the way they do it ... in saying that, it’s going to be interesting to see what the final costumes are. It’s going to be well and truly worthwhile watching. We are still working out when we are going to disrobe, but that is still to come.”
With preparations for the night still underway, Mr Weaver said additions to this year’s fundraiser are an important aspect to remembering loved ones that have been lost to cancer, featuring the very names that inspired dancers to throw themselves in front of the crowd.
“We are having a finale dance, which we haven’t had before, that will be good, but it’s more of a remembrance dance for the ones that have obviously passed, but also a survivor dance as well,” Mr Weaver said.
“So we will remember the ones who have survived over the years, and the people that have been involved with the Full Monty, if they are a survivor or had parents, family members or friends that have survived or gone through it, we will have them up on there as well.”
Mr Weaver continues his gratitude for Maryborough District Health Service’s partnership and support. He is also welcoming any local businesses who wish to support the Full Monty, to jump on board.
“The hospital is really coming on board which is great this year,” he said.
“If any company or businesses wants to donate something to the cause to auction, we are up for that as well, if there is a company that want to donate monetary value as well, that wil go straight in too.”
The 2026 Full Monty will be Saturday, April 11 at 8.30 pm.
The event is 18+, with tickets now on sale at $50 per person with a meal included. Tickets can be booked by calling 5461 1480.