Michael’s Putting on His Dancing Shoes!

March 3rd 2026 | Categories: Uncategorized |

Michael Brear (pictured right) is a Coffs Harbour based Financial Adviser who is stepping onto the dance floor in late March all in the name of charity. He’s one of 11 locals partaking in the Cancer Council’s Stars of the Coffs Coast for 2026.

Here, Michael shares with us the inspiration behind getting his groove on, Motown style…

Q. Michael, please tell us a little about this special fundraiser?

Stars of the Coffs Coast is a long-standing Cancer Council event held in Coffs (and in other regions too I believe) loosely inspired by TV’s Dancing with the Stars. It’s all about creating fun in fundraising and culminates in a gala night at the C.Ex Club on 27^th March.

Q.What was your motivation in being part of the line up?

I was nominated by someone and didn’t have to think twice about saying yes. I’m inspired by my father who passed away from cancer 25 years ago. I saw what Mum went through and even all those years ago, the Cancer Council were there to assist her.

My wife at the time was pregnant with our daughter, Emma and I was able to tell Dad that we were having a child which is a moment I look back on with such fondness. Dad probably didn’t know a lot of what was going on at the time. He had a lung cancer that had gone to his brain and toward the end he no longer recognised us. Telling him about the pregnancy was a beautiful moment as his hand came out from under the blanket (he was bedridden by then) and he shook my hand.

Sadly, he never got to meet my kids, Emma (24) and Campbell (20).

Family is my main motivation in supporting the Cancer Council and the valuable work they do in the community, but I’m also inspired by clients and their experiences. I deal with a lot of retirees and unfortunately, they too are often impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Q.I gather it’s a Motown themed event this year? Can you give anything away about your chosen song or dance?

I’m going to do a bit of Lionel Richie….

Q.For many, the idea of performing publicly would be very daunting. How do you feel about it?

I’m looking forward to it and am up for having a go. It can’t be that bad! For me, the focus is to have fun and raise money, and it’s been wonderful to have such great support already from colleagues, friends and family. Hopefully, we can book a few tables on the night, and everyone can cheer me on, loudly!

Q. Participants have just eight weeks of dance rehearsals which means everyone is out of their comfort zone to some degree. Do you think it’s important to try new things in life and always keep an open mind?

Absolutely, it’s important to try new things and keep an open mind. I see it as a comparable to when someone makes that step to meet with a financial adviser for the first time. For many, that initial meeting or introduction can be daunting, and some clients can be pretty timid at first. They soon realise though that we’re just ordinary people. We just have a different skill set. I relate it back to clients of mine who are builders or plumbers or in a trade of some description. I have to call on their help at times because I can’t do what they do. I don’t have those skills and it’s the same for me as a financial planner. I’m here to assist my clients with the goals and objectives they’re trying to achieve.

It’s much like me with my dancing. I’m trusting my dance partner, Aria (pictured above) with the choreography which I’ve got no clue about. I’m keeping an open mind about the whole experience. I’m looking forward to learning and am excited about putting on a dance to the best of my ability.

Q. Michael, how can people support you in your fundraising efforts?

I’d absolutely love everyone to get behind my fundraising efforts and am hoping to raise at least $7,500. Clients have said they’re keen to support me which is fantastic. The money raised goes straight toward the Cancer Council and their amazing work.

All the best of luck Michael with the dance rehearsals and for the big night!

You can head over to the Cancer Council Stars page here to find out more.

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