The 2017 Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer has been launched and once again it promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent to raise money for the NSW Cancer Council and local families impacted by the disease.

Now in its fifth year, the Dance for Cancer event has raised more than $220,000 to help support programs including the Transport to Treatment service, Rotary Lodge, provide legal and financial assistance as well as support Cancer Council initiatives from the Eat It To Beat It nutrition campaign to the Improve Your Long Game sun awareness education.

Cancer Council community liaison officer for the Mid North Coast Katie Mead said the organisation prides itself on having a local presence and making a difference to regional communities.

“We also inject about $15 million toward cancer research across the state and for every dollar raised here we invest back into the Port Macquarie-Hastings community,” she said.

Nine local business people will step up on stage this year to battle it out on the dance floor for star honours. They are Zoe Bevez, Dayne Maloney, George Miedecke, Alistair Flower, Skye Petho, Jack Rutledge, Kerrie Winn, Karl McLean and Evelina Kemp.

The event will be a special triumph for businesswoman Skye Petho, inspiration behind the If We All Had Wings campaign – she has been given the tick of health after own battle with cancer.

Every star will have their own fundraising page and will host events in the lead up to the November dance-off at Rydges Port Macquarie.

On the night three awards will be presented – highest fundraiser, judge’s choice and the people’s choice award.

Two judges have been named – last year’s winner Gavin Rippon, Vickii Byram from the Port Macquarie News. A special celebrity judge will be named closer to the event.