Today, Cancer Council NSW launched the inaugural Stars of the East – Dance for Cancer competition that will see 11 local Eastern Suburbs personalities team up with professional dancers and begin their training in preparation for a gala evening to be held on November 7.

Stars of the East features well known community “stars” paired with local dance instructors. Over a period of 8 weeks stars will learn a dance routine, which they will then perform on the stage of Easts’ League Club in front of a judging panel that includes NRL legend, Anthony Minichiello and Sydney Olympics superstar, turned dance school entrepreneur, Nikki Webster.

Stars that have been announced today include ex-Bachelor contestant Rachel Smith, Easts Group CEO Scott Bennetts and Sophie Henley, the founder and owner of Henley’s Wholefoods. On hand to MC will be husband and wife team, Channel 7’s Jim Wilson and journalist, Chris Bath.

Louisa Fitz-Gerald from Cancer Council NSW’s Metro Sydney office said that she was excited to introduce the ‘Stars’ dance competition into Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and sees the competition as a fun way for the community to support their local celebrities while fundraising to beat cancer.

“We hope everyone in the Eastern Suburbs will rally to support their local stars in this competition – by following their progress on the Stars of The East website and booking in early to join us at the final gala in November to cheer on their favourite local stars.”

“Funds raised from the event will go towards information services such as the Cancer Council Information Centre at Prince of Wales Hospital as well as skin cancer prevention programs in the Eastern Suburbs community such as SunSmart schools and Sun Sound at local beaches.”

For more information on Cancer Council NSW please visit   http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/ or call 9334 1450