The show goes on for a worthy cause

IN a milestone fundraising effort, CentreStage’s night of line dancing has raised more than $30,000 for Cancer Council Victoria.

Over the past 20 years, CentreStage has raised more than $1 million for Cancer Council Victoria through musical theatre productions and community fundraising events.

Pauline Greenwood said she was grateful for the continued growth of CentreStage’s fundraising efforts and the ongoing support of the Geelong community.

“When we first started, we never imagined it would grow to this scale. It began with small community efforts, people giving what they could,” she said.

“Over the years, it has become something much bigger than us.”

With so many Australians impacted by cancer, the decision to support Cancer Council Victoria resonated strongly within the CentreStage community.

“This work has always been driven by lived experience,” Pauline said.

“Like so many families, we’ve been touched by cancer, and that gives this purpose real meaning.”

As she begins to step back from her role at CentreStage, Pauline reflected on the sense of community that has grown through the organisation’s fundraising efforts.

“People coming together, supporting each other, and knowing they are part of something that truly matters, that is what I’ll carry with me,” she said.

Pauline’s son and CentreStage managing director David Greenwood will lead the organisation, building on the legacy established by his parents and their commitment to making a tangible difference in the community.

“Growing up around this work, you see first-hand the difference it makes. It shapes your understanding of community responsibility,” he said.

“Stepping into this role is not about replacing what’s been done, it’s about building on it with respect and purpose.”

He said CentreStage would continue to use the arts as a way of bringing people together and strengthening community connections.

“The arts have always been our vehicle for connection,” David said. “Through storytelling, performance and shared experiences, we’ve been able to bring people together and channel that energy into real impact.”