ONE of Garah’s best-known daughters, Brittany Mather, last weekend won the coveted Judges’ Choice award at the Byron Bay Dance for Cancer Gala fundraiser – and a surprise visit from a family member inspired her to dance up an even bigger storm at the Byron Theatre.

Brittany was selected as one of the stars at this year’s Dance for Cancer event – raising money for Cancer Council NSW – and was paired with Port Macquarie dance teacher, Niusha Ghazanfari.

Together, they wowed judges with a vibrant burlesque-inspired routine.

“It was an incredible night,” Brittany said.

“A particularly special moment for me was being surprised by my Aunty Melissa.

Brittany Mather and dance teacher, Niusha Ghazanfari, won the coveted Judges’ Choice award at the Byron Bay Dance for Cancer Gala fundraiser last weekend.

“Aunty Mel flew down from Darwin to be there. Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer and has come out the other side, strong and thriving – she kicked cancer’s butt,” Brittany smiled.

Brittany also collected third place for her fundraising efforts after raising $5500. Her efforts were boosted by Moree Women’s Shed, with the group donating a range of beautifully crafted items that were sold at a fundraising street stall in Bangalow last month.

“I’m very humbled to place third overall for funds raised,” Brittany said.

“The generosity and support from Moree Women’s Shed and the Moree and Garah communities played a direct role in this achievement, and I am so grateful.

Brittany Mather is congratulated by her aunty Mel, who paid a surprise visit to Byron Bay at the weekend to watch her niece compete at the Dance for Cancer Gala fundraiser.

“I’m also excited that my dance with partner Nuisha was awarded first place as the Judges’ Choice for the night, taking home the top performance award.

“It was such an honour, and something I will cherish for a long time,” she said.

Brittany holds fundraising for cancer-related causes close to her heart. She lost her grandfather, ‘Tiny’ Mather, in 2021 and her uncle, ‘Gaz’ Mather, early last year to the hideous disease.

Her aunty Mel battled and beat breast cancer with incredible courage. Mel was there Saturday night watching proudly as Brittany and Nuisha danced their way to the top spot.

“Having aunty Mel in the audience made the night even more special,” Brittany said.