Charities revealed for 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball

Published: 15 Dec 2022

After raising a record amount of more than $120,000 for local charities in 2022, the Mayor’s Charity Ball committee has announced the beneficiaries for the 2023 event.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the event was to fund two charities for two years, to enable significant funds to be raised for each charity and to make a real difference in the community.

“After careful consideration the committee has chosen two worthy beneficiaries for the 2023 Ball,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Proceeds will be split 50-50 between Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and new beneficiary, Australian Street Aid Project,” he said.

“RMHC will use the proceeds to equip and stock their recently opened Mackay Family Room.”

“The Mayor’s Charity Ball committee had a tour through the family room recently and we all agreed it looked amazing.

“HeartKids Mackay drops out this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s exciting to see the positive impact of the funds raised over the past two events.

“For example, they have been able to employ a local convenor and set up their previously unfunded organisation that looks after 300 local kids suffering from congenital heart disease.

“Our new beneficiary, Australian Street Aid Project, is a local Mackay charity in urgent need of funds to help support people experiencing homelessness.”

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) was established in 2018 by Mackay nurse, Kayleigh Brewster.

Miss Brewster said it was an honour to have ASAP nominated as one of the charities for the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball.

“I founded ASAP because I had some experiences with people who were suffering badly due to homelessness,” Miss Brewster said.

“After this I wanted to create an organisation that filled some of the many gaps that were visible, whilst also providing a community of support for people who were marginalised and vulnerable.

“The funds received from the 2023 event will help to create a much-needed homelessness healthcare and case management program for the Mackay region which will greatly reduce suffering and increase physical and mental health for people experiencing homelessness in our region.

“This program will help individuals suffering from complex comorbidities in particular, as it aims to help increase their quality of life and their chances of gaining sustainable accommodation.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer Tamara South was also delighted with the announcement.

“Our sincerest thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson for selecting RMHC North Australia for a second year as a beneficiary of the Mayor’s Charity Ball,’’ she said.

“Now that construction of the facility has been completed, funds raised from the 2023 event will make a vital difference in the ongoing operations of our Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital.”

Platinum partners for the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball include long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors include Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group, Champ and new sponsor Key Solutions Group.

Long-term bronze sponsor Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure has also come on board again for the 2023 event, as well as media partners 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M and Tropical Exposure.

In-kind sponsors for the event include Signarama, In The Booth, and photographer Daryl Wright of Wricor Photography.