Celebrating the 2025 Shirley Treacy Awards – Online Award Presentation

On Sunday 14 September, the Shirley Treacy Awards concluded with a special Online Award Presentation, bringing together dancers, teachers, families, and supporters from across Queensland.

Adjudicator Vicki Attard joined the event online, representing herself and fellow adjudicator Janette Mulligan. Vicki, who grew up in Mackay, reflected on her own dance journey, sharing that Miss Shirley Treacy was one of her examiners when she was young. She recalled travelling to Townsville for ballet workshops, and spoke warmly of the “full circle” moment of now adjudicating the Awards that she once participated in herself.

Vicki congratulated all the dancers for the individuality and strong technique that shone through in their performances and encouraged them to continue their ballet journeys with passion and dedication.

RAD Australia’s National Director, Shelley Yacopetti, attended the online awards presentation and shared her reflections:

“It was such a pleasure to attend the online finals presentation of the Shirley Tracey Awards this year. I am so encouraged by the work of RAD teachers in the regions, providing opportunities for RAD dancers to showcase their talents and love of dance in this truly unique forum. Congratulations to all involved and a big thank you to RAD staff in QLD for hosting this wonderful event.”

This year’s Awards followed a series of regional finals held in Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, and Rockhampton, showcasing the incredible talent of young dancers across Queensland. The Online Award Presentation marked the culmination of these events, with the following prize recipients announced:

Grade 4 and 5

• Encouragement Award – Zara Boldery, The Dance Collective (Townsville)
• Runner Up – Mikaylee Hastie, FNQ Dance Academy (Cairns)
• Winner – Ashley Ekert, Turning Pointe Dance Studios (Cairns)

Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate

• Encouragement Award – Gianna Torres, Capricorn School of Dancing (Rockhampton)
• Runner Up – Madeline Thompson, Leisa Payne School of Dance (Mackay)
• Winner – Cayden Connors, Turning Pointe Dance Studios (Cairns)

Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2

• Encouragement Award – Ella Mackie, Capricorn School of Dancing (Rockhampton)
• Runner Up – Marika Zarzecki, Monique’s Classical Coaching (Mackay)
• Winner – Sienna Westcott, Capricorn School of Dancing (Rockhampton)

RAD congratulates all the dancers who took part in the Shirley Treacy Awards this year – both in the regional finals and at the online presentation. Your hard work, artistry, and dedication are a testament to the vibrant dance community in Queensland.

RAD Australia extends its gratitude to our National Sponsors, Bloch Australia, Energetiks, and Capezio, and event sponsors, volunteers, and the Queensland Regional Advisory Panel for their continued support.