Charities revealed for 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball

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 our community.

“Proceeds will be split 50-50 between Australian Street Aid Project and new beneficiary Grapevine Group,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities Mackay drops out this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s exciting to see the positive impact of the new family room at the Mackay Base Hospital,” he said.

“Australian Street Aid Project is continuing on for their second year, which is timely, as homelessness support continues to be in high demand for the Mackay region.”

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

She said she was thrilled to be able to continue as a charity for the 2024 event.

“We feel humbled to have the opportunity to be part of the Mayor’s Charity Ball again this year,” Ms Brewster said.

“With such an increase in homelessness in our region and a high demand for our many services, the funds donated will go a long way to continue to help local people who are doing it tough,” she said.

“As a local charity which does not receive state or federal government funding, events such as the Mayor’s Charity Ball make it possible for us to continue offering our homelessness services to vulnerable people in our region.

“This funding will enable us to continue offering support such as meals, healthcare, case management and a safe ‘place to be’ for people who are experiencing primary homelessness.”

Grapevine Group training coordinator Edie Weiss said the group was buzzing with excitement after hearing they were selected as a charity for the Ball.

“Next year will also be a special milestone for Grapevine Group as 2024 marks our 20^th anniversary,” Ms Weiss said.

“We are very grateful to be selected as a beneficiary and be given not just a fundraising opportunity but also an opportunity to build awareness of the importance of suicide prevention within our community,” she said.

“This donation will allow us to continue to provide life-saving training to our local region and expand our network of trainers.

“To date, Grapevine has trained 6600 people, but many more need to be suicide aware, so attempts can be prevented and those struggling can find the vital support they need.

“The theme of our first fundraiser was ‘Have a ball and make a difference’ and that’s what we would like to encourage Mackay to do for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball.”

Platinum partners for the 2024 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 Group, Key Solutions Group and BMA.

Long-term silver sponsor Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure has also come on board again for the 2024 event, as well as new sponsor CQ Soil Testing.

Media partners for the Ball are 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M, and Tropical Exposure.

In-kind sponsors include Signarama and Twilight Mackay.