Nambucca Heads bellydancers joined with dozens of others from across the state at South West Rocks on the weekend to raise money for Samaritans Women's Refuge in Kempsey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The South West Rocks Shimmy Mob included dancers from Nambucca Heads, South West Rocks, Maitland, Taree, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Glenn Innes, Coffs Harbour and Kempsey.
On the same day, over 2300 dancers in nearly 200 locations across the world also danced in the same shirts to create the largest ever event of its kind and to support victims of domestic violence.
Team leader of the local event, Julie Bendell from Essence of Ardour Bellydance in South West Rocks, said the generosity and response from the community on Saturday was amazing.
"We raised just over $1000 for Samaritans which was incredible. We had raised around $400 before the event but most of it came from the day," she said.
"We had a meat raffle as well as a car boot sale, but most of the funds we raised came from donations from the local community."
The South West Rocks Shimmy Mob consisted of 43 women.
"It was great to see so many women come together to lift each other up and support each other. Domestic violence is something I am passionate about and to empower women who are in a difficult situation is incredible," Ms Bendell said.
The group also collected sanitary and toiletry products to be donated to Share the Dignity.
"All of the sanitary and toiletry products were donated by locals, we had a great response from the community. We'll be continuing this collection later in the year."
All funds raised on Saturday will be donated to Samaritans, who run the women's refuge in Kempsey and provide support services via The Community Hub.
"The atmosphere on the day was amazing and having the community get behind us and support us made the whole experience even better."
