General News
17 June, 2025
Highland Society’s Full Monty returns, raising money for MDHS’ oncology unit
In its fourth year, Maryborough’s own Full Monty is returning to the Highland this weekend, raising much needed money for the Maryborough District Health Service oncology department.
Following many weeks of un-dressed rehearsals, Full Monty organiser and participant Nick Weaver said preparations for the much anticipated event are well underway.
“It’s come along really well. Everyone involved is really excited and confident we have the dances down-pat,” he said.
While the inspiration for the much loved fundraiser came suddenly to Nick years ago now, the importance of the significant cause remains.
“I originally saw it on TV when it was done on channel seven, that’s where I got the inspiration for it. I said ‘you know what we are going to do? We are going to do a Full Monty, let’s do it for a good cause. Let’s keep the money local, for our hospital’,” he said.
“I also lost my father eight years ago to cancer, so that’s been my inspiration. All the people that have been involved have gone through it themselves or been affected by it in some way.
“That’s why we keep doing it, we just want to find that cure. It’s to help those that are going through it and we try to remember the ones we have lost as well.”
Mr Weaver said the lead up to the event is a unique way 12 participants get to know each other.
“We have got people who might only know each other through doing it, It’s just the friendships we form going through this and when we do it on the night, it’s a huge relief. It’s a huge confidence builder too,” he said.
“It is something that puts you out of your comfort zone, but it is all about the cause.”
This year will see many first time performers dance and disrobe for charity.
Chantel Garraway said she has many different feelings leading up to the night.
“It is very exciting, very nerve-racking. It’s my first time doing it, I attended last year and as I was watching I thought ‘I’m so doing this’. When I attended, it was a really amazing event, and the amount of money they raise is also amazing,” she said.
“I’m definitely doing it next year as well, it’s a lot of fun and it’s for a good cause. We live here, why wouldn’t we want to raise as much money as we can?”
With her own personal connection to the cause, Ms Garraway hopes to do her part in giving back.
“My mum had breast cancer, she survived thank goodness. My aunty had a double mastectomy, my uncle has got colon cancer. There is so much cancer around, and losing so many people. What the Highland is doing is amazing,” she said.
“We are still normal people coming together to raise as much money as we possibly can for cancer. We want to give back as much as we can, and if that means I have to do a little bit of a dance, that’s fine.”
Participant Mark Kelaba said it was important to get involved in a cause that impacts everyone.
“I haven’t been involved in the Full Monty before, but Nick asked me personally, because he’s always doing a lot of work for charity and fundraising, but I suppose one of the reasons is my mother passed away from leukemia back in 2022,” he said.
“That was the same day Queen Elizabeth passed away. It just goes to show that there is not a person that does not get touched by cancer.”
Mr Kelaba said much chipping in behind the scenes has also gone into the show’s preparations.
“My partner Karen, she’s actually engineering the pants for the guys so they come off the front really easy, so there’s a lot of background work going on too,” he said.
“I’m really focused on the routine, getting this right, us getting all synchronised onstage. That outweighs any other emotion that I have. I’m really focused on getting this right and presenting a good show so we can raise money for a worthy cause.”
Another first time participant, Sebastian Borg said he wanted to take the stage after watching his brother do it for the past few years.
“He mentioned me doing it and I was like ‘why not?’. I’m pretty nervous, but also pretty excited as well. I think the adrenaline on the night will just kick in and it will be good fun,” he said.
“I have lost a couple of family members to cancer and I just want to try and raise some money and help anyone else.”
With tickets already selling fast, Mr Weaver anticipates another successful night.
“We are hoping to raise over $50,000. Over the last three years that we have done this, we have raised over $200,000 for the hospital oncology department,” he said.
“We would also love some businesses to come onboard with some donations. There will also be a silent auction, a live auction with some sporting memorabilia, and we will have a raffle throughout the night too.
“A big thanks to the people who have donated and supported us over the years.”
The Full Monty returns this Saturday, June 21 at 8 pm with doors opening at 6 pm.