BRITTANY Mather’s close, family ties to Moree and Garah brought her back home recently to support and thank Moree Women’s Shed for supporting her Dance for Cancer fundraiser next month.
Brittany has been selected as one of six ‘stars’ in this year’s Byron Bay Dance for Cancer Gala, at the Byron Theatre on November 8.
“It’s a bit like Dancing With The Stars – contestants have been paired with a professional dancer, and we’ve each committed to raising more than $3000 for the Cancer Council,” Brittany said.
Paired with Port Macquarie dance teacher Niusha Ghazanfari, Brittany will perform a vibrant burlesque-inspired routine.
“This cause is close to my heart as my family has been deeply impacted by cancer,” she said.
Brittany lost her grandfather, ‘Tiny’ Mather, in 2021 and her uncle, ‘Gaz’ Mather, early last year.
“My aunty Mel also battled breast cancer with incredible courage and came out stronger than ever,” she said.
“All three are proud locals from the Moree and Garah districts, and I wanted to honour them – and everyone affected by cancer – by doing something positive and uplifting.”
When Moree Women’s Shed members were told about Brittany’s Dance for Cancer fundraiser, the ladies quickly offered support and sponsorship.
“When I told Nan about it all, she mentioned it during one of their morning tea catch-ups. Before I knew it, the ladies were offering donations and sponsorship,” Brittany smiled.
Their support has been heartfelt and hands-on, with the group donating a beautiful range of handmade items for Brittany to sell at a fundraising street stall in Bangalow later this month.
Born in Toowoomba, Brittany spent much of her childhood in Garah, surrounded by her extended Mather family.
“I grew up in Garah with my dad, two brothers, and our grandparents, Brian and Mary Mather,” she said.
“It was a big, bustling family home. I went to Garah Primary School and spent countless weekends at the Garah-Boomi Pony Club – that was such a huge part of my life.”
When Brittany was around 13, her dad joined the Northern Territory Police Force, and the family moved north – but her ties to the region remained strong.
“My mum, Wendy Schwerin, was also born and raised in Moree,” Brittany said.
“So, even when I was living up north, I’d travel back and forth between mum in Toowoomba and my grandparents and cousins in Garah. It always felt like home.”
Brittany’s grandmother, Mary Mather, now lives in Moree.
“When pop got sick with pancreatic cancer, nan and pop moved into town to be closer to doctors and hospitals,” Brittany said.
“Moree, Garah and the wider community are all such a big part of who I am – and it means the world to have their support on this journey.”
Brittany, a wedding celebrant now living in Byron Bay, has so far raised nearly $4000 through online donations.
“I’m blown away by the support from the Byron Bay and Moree communities,” she said.
Brittany called into Moree Women’s Shed last week for morning tea – armed with homemade scones and her signature smile.
“I wanted to personally thank the wonderful ladies for their support,” Brittany said.
“Nan helped co-ordinate some beautiful handmade donations from the group for a street stall fundraiser I’ll be hosting in Byron at the end of October.
“It was so nice meeting with the ladies and I felt so proud to be part of such a community-spirited morning – it was a perfect reminder of why this campaign means so much,” she said.
Donations to Brittany’s Dance for Cancer fundraiser can be made at Brittany Mather Stars of Byron Bay.
