Dancing to Stop DV: 'Team Whitsundays' swaps boardroom for ballroom, puts region on fundraising map

Dancing to Stop DV: ‘Team Whitsundays' swaps boardroom for ballroom, puts region on fundraising map © Coral Sea Marina Resort

What do Kate Purdie from the Coral Sea Marina, Candice Crossley from Whitsunday Transit, Alice Harriott from Whitsunday Family Dental, and Julie Telford from SeaLink Marine and Tourism all have in common?

Apart from being some of the Whitsundays' best-known women, these four females are about to make to history as the region's inaugural team of 'Dancing CEOs'.

Officially announced as 'Team Whitsundays' at a Southeast Queensland launch last week, this dynamic quartet joins the well-established, Brisbane-based fundraising initiative, through which CEO's and business leaders compete in a dance contest to support Women's Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ).

WLSQ CEO, Nadia Bromley, said it was exciting to see the organisation's signature event expanding through the formation of its first regional Queensland team, with 'Team Whitsundays' the perfect advocates for WLSQ's life-changing, life-saving work.

"Having such prominent Whitsunday women championing our cause helps us not only extend our fundraising reach and thereby increase provision of essential legal services for women and children affected by domestic violence; it also amplifies our message that every woman in every community has the right to live a life free from violence," she said.

Adding their names to an impressive list of philanthropists and company heads who have already swapped the boardroom for the ballroom over the program's 10 years to date, 'Team Whitsundays' will now embark on a schedule of events aimed at gathering donations and raising awareness of this core cause in the lead-up to the May 2025 gala showdown at Brisbane City Hall - alongside the likes of television stars Liz Cantor and Lee Carseldine, and Olympic gold medal-winning runner, Sally Pearson, OAM.

Over the next eight months, the ladies' efforts will be mentored by fellow Whitsundays local, 'Queensland Gives' Emerging Philanthropist of the Year and WLSQ Ambassador, Katelyn Collins (nee Aslett).

Herself a seasoned Dancing CEOs participant, with three contests danced as part of Brisbane and 'All Stars' teams, it was Ms Collins' dream to bring WLSQ's flagship fundraiser to the Whitsundays and to create 'Team Whitsundays'.

"In the 2022-23 Financial Year, the Statewide Helpline answered over 16,000 calls from women seeking WLSQ's free legal and support services, but sadly the following year that number of calls had already increased by 28 per cent, demonstrating how vital it is that we increase the capacity to respond," Ms Collins explained.

"These funds raised by Team Whitsundays and all of the 2025 Dancing CEOs will help provide essential services, including the Financial Abuse Prevention Program, advice clinics, and community legal education sessions, all aimed at addressing the diverse legal, financial, welfare, and safety needs of women affected by domestic and family violence."

Speaking for both herself and her fellow team-mates, Coral Sea Marina CEO, Kate Purdie, said the group would now be calling on local businesses, community members and friends, to come together in support of WLSQ.

"The fight against domestic violence requires a united effort, and your involvement can make a significant difference," she said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for us to give back and connect our networks for a truly important cause, providing crucial assistance to those in our community who need it most."

Sealink Whitsundays Business Development Manager, Julie Telford, echoed these sentiments saying every donation, no matter how small, had the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change.

"Whether it's financial support, prizes for auctions, or simply by spreading the word, the value of your contributions cannot be underestimated," she said.

"It is together, as a community, that we have the power to transform lives and create a safer environment for those affected by domestic violence; so please, join us and let's stand together to support and uplift those who need it most."

To kick off their fundraising endeavours, 'Team Whitsundays' is asking the community to 'save the date' for one, or all three of their upcoming local events:

• Christmas Cocktails for a Cause - Friday, December 6, 2024
• Fundraising Gala - Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Epic Walk for Domestic Violence - Sunday, March 30, 2025

Other ways to make a difference include:

• Donate directly: Your generosity can change lives. Visit here to lend your support to this crucial cause.

• Contribute prizes, donations or giveaways: If you'd like to make a meaningful impact by donating items for auctions or raffles, please reach out to Team Whitsundays at .

• Follow Team Whitsundays on social media: To stay updated and support our Whitsunday Dancing CEOs, follow, like, share and engage with the Team Whitsundays Facebook Page.