General News
3 April, 2023
MDHS oncology unit to receive $40,000 following wildly successful Full Monty night
A group of 14 locals, all touched in some way by cancer, bared it all at the Maryborough Highland Society on Saturday night, raising some $40,000 for the Maryborough District Health Service’s oncology unit. First held in 2020, The Ladies Night Out...
A group of 14 locals, all touched in some way by cancer, bared it all at the Maryborough Highland Society on Saturday night, raising some $40,000 for the Maryborough District Health Service’s oncology unit.
First held in 2020, The Ladies Night Out and The Full Monty returned for another roaring success on the weekend, seeing seven women and seven men take to the stage in a show of empowerment and strength in the fight against cancer.
A packed crowd of more than 400 people turned out to support the event, with just shy of $40,000 raised so far.
Event organiser and participant Nick Weaver said those taking part in the event were blown away by the support of the community.
“We sold all the tickets about two weeks ahead of the event, so had to print some more because there was so much interest,” he said.
“When the ladies performed there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, it was very emotional and very powerful.
“The show itself was amazing, there were tears, there was laughter and there were hugs everywhere. The whole room felt empowered, it was incredible.
“We were amazed by the level of support we saw, it’s honestly changed the lives of the people who performed — we were all overwhelmed by the amount of hugs.”
Mr Weaver said it looks likely the event will become an annual one given the interest from participants and members of the crowd.
“We basically had people asking us whether they could be involved in it next year and that was both men and women, so I think this is going to become an annual thing,” he said.
“There’s been massive support for this, it’s just great.
“It’s for a cause that’s touched everyone and the money is staying here in town to support local people.
“It’s been supported by local businesses and companies that got on board and were a huge part of the event and the community support is evident, so it makes sense for it to continue.”
While the night may be over, donations remain open and can be made directly to BSB 013-720, Account 468096909 with Full Monty as the description.
“From the night itself with the raffle and auction we raised about $18,500 and from ticket sales we raised close to $20,000 which is phenomenal,” Mr Weaver said.
“We still have money from donations coming in too, we’re hoping to get over that $40,000 mark if we can.
“This community continues to show its selflessness and giving nature, we’re so thankful for the support we’ve received so far.”
