Ready to serve up something different

Luke Thomson to swap footy boots for dancing shoes in Swinging with the Stars

Luke Thomson has two clear motivation for saying ‘yes’ to being part of the 2023 Swinging with the Stars event – stepping outside his comfort zone and giving back to the community.

For Luke, taking time out of his busy work and family schedule, to support a community cause is not new.

He was at the forefront of this year’s hugely successful headspace Mental Health Charity Football Match that included the likes of Dane Swan and Shane Mumford and raised more than $40,000 but taking to the football field is right in Luke’s wheelhouse – dancing a tango, not so much. “I thought ‘why not’ – I can raise some money for the community and do something different that I would never usually do,” Luke said. Prior to joining the 2023 group of eight local identities, Luke knew very little about the event or its beneficiary the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

“I knew a little bit about it but not actually what was the driving force behind it and it is amazing what they do,” Luke said.

His funds will be filtered into the Stand Like Stone Foundation general fund.

“It is such a good foundation so hopefully I can raise plenty of money,” he said.

Admitting her has no dancing skills at all, just over a month into rehearsals and Luke is actually enjoying the challenge.

“It is better than what I thought it was going to be,” he said. “It is tricky to get everything going at once, your arms, your feet, but it is good fun and the group is a really fun group.”

The biggest challenge for Luke will be finding those extra times for rehearsing as the June 17 gala performance approaches – his hospitality career leaves scant free time.

“But we are intending to ramp it up as it gets closer,” he said. Luke does have a secret weapon though – his partner Chanel Dimuccio is a dance teacher.

“I have been able to do a little bit of extra practice at home,” he said. “It was also good when I got to the first meeting that I knew a few of the guys involved.”

And while Luke and all the eight stars are looking to do their best on the dance floor, it is the impact they can have in the community that is the main driving force.

“There’s a lot of people out there in the community that need extra help,” Luke said. “I have somehow found myself with a voice and a bit of a following and why would you not use that to help people.” Kahlia Egan recruited the well known community advocate to the 2023 event.

“I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ and then I stopped and thought about it, especially with the time it would take me away from my family but in the end, the chance to do something different and something worthwhile for the community was the reason I was happy to get involved.”

Happy to play football in front of a crowd, hitting the dancefloor in front of a packed Barn Palais is going to be a completely different challenge.

“I know I will be nervous, very nervous,” Luke said. “It is a different sort of performing and in front of different people and I am not the best dancer but I am looking forward to putting on a good show for people and have a laugh at myself.”

Luke has some promotions and events going on at The Globe Hotel and Jens Hotel so follow him on his social media platforms for details on how you can get involved or donate through the Stahd Like Stone Foundation website and follow the links.