General News
17 July, 2026
Full Monty raises $32,600 for oncology
Maryborough Highland Society and Maryborough District Health Service celebrated the fundraiser last week.
Maryborough Highland Society’s iconic Full Monty fundraiser has raised almost $32,600 to improve local healthcare.
Last Friday, the culmination of months of work by a group willing to bare all against cancer was presented to Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).
The money raised will go towards improving MDHS’ oncology department — whose specialty is cancer treatment.
It’s a goal the fundraiser contributes to every year to improve the experience and care for oncology patients.
Organiser Nick Weaver said it was an “amazing” fundraiser for the Full Monty group and wider community.
“It’s a part of a brand we now have here at the Highland,” he said.
“We’ll definitely go with the Full Monty again.”
MDHS acting CEO Leanne Shea thanked the community for their generosity and support.
“It’s that kind of engagement and support that enables us to do that bit more as a consequence of what they raise,” she said.
Previously, the Full Monty helped MDHS purchase a mammography unit — a historic first for women’s health locally.
While MDHS hasn’t decided what this money will go towards, Ms Shea said it’ll directly support patient care.
“We’re always seeking to improve the service and what we’re delivering. Always looking to see how we can expand the service because one of our real key principles is around people being able to get care closer to home,” she said.
Nurse unit manager Rosie O’Keeffe said it’ll make an “enormous difference” to patients.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be able to serve this community. The community spirit is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” she said.
It’s embodied by the fundraiser’s performers, a small tight-knit group, all touched by cancer in their own way.
Chantel Garraway said the Full Monty was a community she felt comfortable in.
“If we didn’t love each other,
we got to love each other and now we’re just the best of friends,” she said.
“We’re doing this for a great cause.”
Ms Garraway choreographed this year’s performance, creating a “vibe” as well as a dance.
That may be best seen by the tribute, her idea, at the end of the performance.
“It was my favourite part because we were able to celebrate those
who have been part of the Full Monty, encourage those who have survived or are currently going through treatment, celebrating those lives that have been lost and all
their loved ones who were here,” she said.
“It was a beautiful and sad moment that came out the way I wanted it to.”
Mr Weaver said the fundraiser is nearing $400,000 raised since it began, but he wants to take it further, to half a million.
It won’t be a goal he reaches on stage, however, instead behind the scenes.
“I think this will be my last year,” he said.
“It’s time to have a rest and let someone else do it.”
Reflecting on the fundraiser, Mr Weaver said it’s the friendships which stand out.
“It’s just so special to be involved in and be part of. That’s what I love about it. The friendships we form,” he said.