Mayor’s Charity Ball raises more than $67,000 for local charities
Published on 26 May 2026
A spectacular James Bond-inspired evening has delivered a major win for the Mackay community, with the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball raising more than $67,000 for two vital local causes.
Held on Saturday, May 2, the event welcomed 373 guests to the MECC for a night of glamour, entertainment and generosity, raising a total of $67,305.38.
Funds were split equally between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and The Neighbourhood Hub’s Food Diversion Program, with each organisation receiving $33,652.69.
The funds were officially presented today (Tuesday, May 26) at a sponsors’ morning tea.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the continued success of the annual event highlighted the tremendous generosity of the Mackay community.
“The Mayor’s Charity Ball is one of the highlights of our social calendar and, more importantly, a powerful demonstration of what our community can achieve when we come together for a great cause,” Mayor Williamson said.
“To raise more than $67,000 in one night is an outstanding result and will make a real and lasting difference for local families doing it tough,” he said.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended, donated and supported the event.”
The Neighbourhood Hub General Manager Nicolette Ffrost said the funds would directly support local families.
“The funds raised through the Mayor's Charity Ball will go directly to our Food Diversion Program, which has redirected more than 138 tonnes of food to people across Mackay since 2020,” Ms Ffrost said.
“Every dollar raised keeps nutritious food in the hands of people who need it most and out of landfill,” she said.
“This partnership means the community's generosity creates a real, lasting difference for local families doing it tough.”
Hannah Stephen, State Manager Family Violence Programs – NT/QLD, said the Salvation Army Family Violence Services were grateful to be a beneficiary of the funds raised through the Mayor’s Charity Ball for the second year.
She said the funds would support therapeutic services for family violence survivors in Mackay.
“These services will help ensure that women and children are not caught in the cycle of violence but have the opportunity to recover and thrive,” she said.
At the ball, guests were immersed in a James Bond ‘Casino Royale’ theme, complete with casino-style fundraising games, live and silent auctions, and the ever-popular Assassin Game – which kept attendees on their toes until one lucky guest cracked the case and won a $12,500 holiday to Phuket.
The evening also featured live entertainment from Brisbane band Beccy & The Jets, while acclaimed Australian comedian Dave O’Neil brought energy and humour as host and MC.
Attendee feedback reflected the success of the night, with guests calling it “hands down the best Mayor’s Charity Ball I’ve been to”.
Mayor Williamson also acknowledged the event’s sponsors, whose support was instrumental to its success.
“This event simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors,” he said.
“Their commitment to giving back helps ensure the Mayor’s Charity Ball continues to deliver real outcomes for our community year after year.”
Sponsors were formally thanked at a special morning tea, where they were presented with certificates of appreciation.
2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball Sponsors
Platinum: Fergus Builders, Daly Bay, BMA, Mickala Group
Gold: Pentacon, Summit, Oral Health & Beyond Collective
Silver: CQ Soil Testing, NQ Bulk Ports
Media Partners: Mackay and Whitsunday Life, 7 News Mackay, Hit 100.3 and Triple M, Bishopp Outdoor Advertising, Tropical Exposure
In-Kind Sponsors: Signarama, Harvey Norman Mackay, Fitness Cartel Mackay, Splash Pool Care, Greg Neill & Son Fine Jewellers, Guzman y Gomez Mt Pleasant