The Guinness Book of Record’s previous figure for the longest belly dance shimmy stood at 60 minutes and Mel shimmied for 180 minutes.

Three judges, including professional belly dancer Luiza Urbanik from Batemans Bay, were on hand to certify that the shimmy shimmered continuously whilst two timekeepers time kept.

A bevy of bellies of various sizes shimmied encouragement in shifts as Melanie went through her memorable marathon.

“My feet did get a bit sore but I looked to the clouds and the crowds to distract me and just couldn’t help smiling,” said the relentlessly cheerful Melanie.

“I pulled up OK, no cheek cramps, but I did have restless legs that night, they just wouldn’t be still and I did resort to a little champagne relief.”

Community Association President Marie Zuvich said: “Not only did Melanie treble the world record but publicity for her attempt brought people out of the woodwork for Art on the Path.

“We nearly trebled our usual takings, with $2,150 in total made this morning plus $500 pledged against Mel's attempt by the Tomakin Club, other online donations, and onlookers donating directly $447 towards Mel's efforts.”

Broulee’s Art on the Path is a joint community and Shire Council event that started in 2007 and is held four times a year to showcase local art and the environment and the synergy between them.

“It’s wonderful seeing it continue to develop so magnificently,” said founding organiser and Eurobodalla Shire Council Environmental Education Officer Bernadette Davis.

Community Association Raffles were won by:

• Sasha Postuma-Grbic of Broulee/Canberra - the pastel made and donated by local artist Miranda Keeling;

• Primi Thompson of Tomakin - the mosaic made and donated by Tracey Rich of Broulee Loo-vre fame

• Doreen and young family of Elizabeth Drive Broulee - the fruit basket donated by Banksia Village.