The current record for the most people dancing to the Nutbush stands at 6,779 participants, achieved at the 2025 Mundi Mundi Bash near Broken Hill. That benchmark eclipses the original Guinness World Record set on November 29, 2015, at the Horsham City Oval, which raised funds for the Horsham Town Hall redevelopment.
Regional Impact and Community Spirit
Communities across Australia continue to rally behind large-scale dance attempts to drive grassroots support for regional health initiatives. According to Professor George Kannourakis, founder of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI) and a long-serving oncologist and haematologist, this fundraising model reflects the core values of the organization.
“Our research has always been powered by communities coming together. Nutbush for Hope continues that tradition in a wonderfully Australian way,” Professor Kannourakis said. “Every person who dances, donates or shares the campaign is helping fund research into cancers affecting families across regional Victoria and throughout Australia.”
Did you know? The original record-setting dance in Horsham in 2015 directly supported local infrastructure by helping fund the redevelopment of the Horsham Town Hall.
Health Awareness and Cancer Screening
Professor Kannourakis noted that public events provide an ideal platform to remind Australians about preventative health measures.
“While the campaign promises plenty of fun, it also carries a serious message for people to keep up to date with recommended cancer screening and speak with their GP about persistent or unexplained changes in their health,” Professor Kannourakis said. He added that cancer diagnosis and mortality rates in parts of Western Victoria remain unacceptably high, reinforcing the need for greater awareness, earlier detection, and continued investment in research.
The Legacy of FECRI
FECRI was established in Ballarat in 1998 following a promise Professor Kannourakis made to his young patient, Fiona Elsey, who lost her fight against cancer at age 14. Fiona wanted research to take place in regional Victoria so other patients might have a better chance at recovery.
Her wish inspired the creation of Australia’s only regionally based, community-funded and independent cancer research institute. Today, FECRI scientists investigate ovarian, breast, bowel, prostate, brain, and other cancers, examining cancer progression, treatment resistance, and ways to harness the human immune system to fight the disease.
How to Participate and Support the Cause
Locals and visitors looking to join upcoming dance initiatives can register as a Horsham History Dancer for $15, a fee that covers both dance registration and entry to the Horsham Show for participants aged eight and older. Children aged seven and under can join the dance floor for a gold coin donation on the day.
Donations and dance registrations can be completed online at fecri.org.au. Combined dance registrations and Horsham Show entry options are accessible through horshamshow.com.au. Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsorship, partnerships, or volunteering opportunities can contact Vicky De George at 0405 151 485 or via email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current record for the Nutbush dance?
The current record stands at 6,779 dancers, set at the 2025 Mundi Mundi Bash near Broken Hill.
Where was the original Guinness World Record set?
The original record was set on the Horsham City Oval on November 29, 2015, to raise money for the Horsham Town Hall redevelopment.
Who does the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute benefit?
Based in Ballarat, FECRI conducts independent research into ovarian, breast, bowel, prostate, brain, and other cancers affecting families across regional Victoria and throughout Australia.
How can I register to dance at the Horsham Show?
Participants aged eight and older can register for $15, which includes entry to the Horsham Show, via horshamshow.com.au. Children aged seven and under can participate for a gold coin donation on the day.
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