- Hundreds of people are set to gather at the Horsham Showgrounds on Sunday 27 September at 1.00 pm to perform the Nutbush, marking 10 years since Horsham broke a world record with the dance in 2016.
- The event, called Nutbush for Hope, aims to raise vital funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Australia's only regionally based, independent, and community-funded cancer research institute, which is headquartered in Ballarat.
- Schools, businesses, sporting clubs, and community organisations across regional Victoria are being encouraged to film their own Nutbush dances and share them online ahead of the event, with Weekend Sunrise set to broadcast a live cross to Horsham on the morning.
- The event holds particular significance for western Victoria, where some communities in the Grampians region experience rates of bowel cancer incidence and mortality up to 30 per cent higher than the Victorian average.
- Those unable to attend in person can still participate by making a $10 Donation of Hope or sharing a Nutbush video on social media tagging @NutbushforHope.
Regional Victoria is preparing to dance for a cause, with the unmistakable moves of the Nutbush spreading across communities ahead of a major fundraising celebration at the Horsham Agricultural Show.
Nutbush for Hope will bring hundreds of people together at the Horsham Showgrounds at 1.00 pm on Sunday 27 September, marking 10 years since Horsham made history with its first Nutbush world record in 2016.
The dance is an opportunity to bring people together and raise vital funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Australia’s only regionally based, independent and community-funded cancer research institute.
Schools, businesses, sporting clubs, dance groups, emergency services and community organisations across regional Victoria are being encouraged to practise their moves, film their own Nutbush dance and share it online in the lead-up to the event.
The celebration will begin early, with Weekend Sunrise set to conduct a live cross to Horsham on the morning of the event, putting the region and its support for cancer research in the national spotlight.
Founded by regional oncologist and haematologist Professor George Kannourakis, the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute undertakes internationally recognised cancer research from its base in Ballarat.
Professor Kannourakis said the community had been central to the Institute’s work since it was established.
“Everything the Institute has achieved has been made possible by people who believe that important cancer research can and should happen in regional Australia,” Professor Kannourakis said.
“Nutbush for Hope captures that community spirit perfectly. You do not need to be a great dancer. You simply need to be willing to have a go and help us turn a much-loved Australian tradition into hope for people affected by cancer.”
The event has particular significance for western Victoria, where some communities within the Grampians region experience rates of bowel cancer incidence and mortality up to 30 per cent higher than the Victorian average.
Nutbush for Hope aims to raise funds and awareness for the Institute while encouraging conversations about cancer research, regional health and the importance of early detection.
Organisers say the campaign has been designed so everyone can take part, regardless of where they live.
Those unable to travel to Horsham can make a $10 Donation of Hope or record their own Nutbush dance and share it on social media, tagging @NutbushforHope.
People attending the Horsham Agricultural Show can register to Dance online.
The event is expected to create a memorable spectacle, bringing people of all ages together for one of Australia’s most recognisable dances against the colourful backdrop of the Horsham Show.
How to join the movement
- Register to dance at the Horsham Agricultural Show on Sunday 27 September via horshamshow.com.au
- Film a Nutbush practice session and share it on social media, tagging @NutbushforHope.
- Make a $10 Donation of Hope through the Fundraising page: https://nutbushchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/
- Watch Weekend Sunrise cross live to Horsham on the morning of the event.
Event details
What: Nutbush for Hope
When: Sunday 27 September 2026
Mass Dance time: 1.00 pm
Where: Horsham Agricultural Show, Horsham Showgrounds
Contact details:
Vicky De George
0405 151 485
