Published June 2025
Phenomenal dance routines and even a couple of backflips couldn’t top the achievement of raising over $877,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) at Dancing CEOs this year.
Held annually, Dancing CEOs is a fundraiser that brings the business community together to champion the vital work WLSQ does for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Among the standout local performers were Ascot local Lauren Holland, owner of Joli Boutique, dancing alongside New Farm’s Joanne Fricker, owner of The Diamond Group; Ascot’s Nicole Parés, State Sales Manager for Suntory Oceania; and Tilli Conias, fitness entrepreneur and founder of We Are Mum Run.
Ms Fricker and Ms Holland – together, The Diamond Divas – raised over $236,000 through their fundraising efforts, including The Diamond Day Out in May, a 50 50 Charity Raffle at the AFL, and major sponsorships including Hanworth House Labels on the Lawn and Silverstone Developments.
“We didn’t dance for the applause, but for something far greater – to support the life-saving and life-changing work of Women’s Legal Services Queensland,” Ms Fricker said.
“This has been one of the most challenging, terrifying, and ultimately rewarding experiences. From our first lesson to our final bow, there were moments of fear and vulnerability, but we found strength in our purpose.
“Silverstone Developments added an incredible $80,000 to our fundraising total on Saturday during the event, the amount required to fund a new social worker for Women’s Legal Service Queensland.”
It was the most tightly contested event for the coveted title of fundraising champions, with the lead changing multiple times throughout the night, before the inaugural team from North Queensland claimed the title in the final moments.
WLSQ CEO Nadia Bromley shared her thanks for our local fundraisers.
“Women’s Legal Service Queensland are so grateful to our Dancing CEOs Joanne, Lauren, Tilli and Nicole from New Farm and Ascot and to the community for your very generous support of our organisation,” Ms Bromley said.
“The funds generated by your local area in support of these women dancing, combined with our fundraising tally, has well exceeded our aims and means that we can help more women achieve a safer future. Thank you.”
Another local, Elisa McMahon, proudly attended the event for her third consecutive year having raised about $27,000 this year to continue her support of WLSQ.
“It’s more than a night out — it’s real impact,” Ms McMahon said.
Photography: Mark Duffus, MD Photography
