Local Celebrities Raise $20,000 for Hunter Melanoma Foundation
- intouch Magazine
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 8
On Friday night (4 April 2025), four local celebrities swapped their day jobs for the spotlight, all in the name of melanoma awareness and research.
Paralympian Christie Dawes, NBN News Reporter Jane Goldsmith, Nine’s Travel Guides stars Matt and Brett, and Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull hit the Flamingos Live stage for the first-ever Melodies for Melanoma, helping to raise an incredible $20,000 for the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF).
HMF Executive Officer, Claudia Tolhurst said she was blown away by the amount that was raised.
“We are so proud and honoured to see the community come together in such a fun and meaningful way,” Ms Tolhurst said. “The funds raised from this one night will have a lasting impact helping us reach more people, raise awareness, and ultimately save lives.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the incredible donation provided by the MacDougall Foundation to Jane Goldsmith’s fundraising efforts. It truly speaks to the idea that we are better together than apart.”
Melanoma is the most common cancer for Australians aged 20 to 39, and 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. The Hunter Melanoma Foundation’s mission is simple: to defeat melanoma.
All money raised from the night will go directly back into the Hunter community, funding education programs, early detection and prevention activations, melanoma research, and support for local patients and families.
“We ensure every dollar raised from events like Melodies for Melanoma is injected straight back into the local community through education, awareness, research or patient support,” Ms Tolhurst said.
As a community-funded not-for-profit organisation, HMF relies on the generosity of the local community to continue the important work it does in the Hunter.
“The Foundation is incredibly appreciative of Christie, Jane, Matt, Brett, and Callum for generously donating their time and stepping out of their comfort zones to sing for a cause,” Ms Tolhurst said.
“We are also incredible grateful to everyone who helped bring the show together including our sponsors, prize donors and volunteers.”
With the success of this year’s event, HMF is already looking ahead to making Melodies for Melanoma an annual fixture on Newcastle’s social calendar.
