Local charity event hits high note at the MECC

The event theme was ‘iconic Mackay’ and kicked off with a surprise performance by Mackay’s very own Graeme Connors, singing ‘The Road Less Travelled’.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a great night celebrating the Mackay region and was a credit to our community.

“We had amazing entertainment from The Elton John Experience tribute band, some great auction items in the live and silent auctions and the MECC turned blue to celebrate our iconic blue water river,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It was great to see everyone having a ball at the event and this was reflected in Ball-goers satisfaction levels which increased 13% on last year, reaching 100 percent satisfaction,” he said.

“The main goal of the Ball is to support local charities, who are sometimes overlooked by state and federal funding but are in desperate need of funds.

“This year’s funds have been split equally between Australian Street Aid Project and Grapevine Group, with each receiving $40,117.59.

“Grapevine Group will use the funds to help local businesses have their own in-house safeTALK Trainers on staff to train more locals in suicide prevention.

“Australian Street Aid Project will use their funds to help support people experiencing homelessness in the Mackay region.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of Australian Street Aid Project and Grapevine Group at a council morning tea on Wednesday, May 22 to thank all sponsors.

Sponsors were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their support.

Platinum partners for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball included long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors were Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Key Solutions Group, BMA and Champ Group.

Silver sponsors include Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, Southern Cross Industrial Group and new sponsors CQ Soil Testing and Pentacon.

Media partners included 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M, as well as Tropical Exposure.

In-kind assistance was also provided by Signarama and Twilight Events.

Sponsors for the 2024 event were presented with a thank you certificate at the Mayor’s Charity Ball sponsor’s morning tea, Wednesday, May 22.

Left to right – Mayor Greg Williamson, Ben Hilder (Fergus Builders), Zane Thiel (Champ Group), Soraya Pace (Allure Laser and Skin Studio), John Ryland (DGH Engineering), Ben Sonter (CQ Soil Testing), Matthew Vitale (BMA), Debbie Knight (Grapevine Group), Kayleigh Brewster (Australian Street Aid Project), Nicole Whitley (Southern Cross Industrial Group), Analeise Baldwin (Pentacon), Sharon Johnston (Daly Bay).

Media partners for the Ball were presented with a thank you certificate at the Mayor’s Charity Ball sponsor’s morning tea.
Left to right – Mayor Greg Williamson, Rebecca Trewick (Southern Cross Austereo), Debbie Knight (Grapevine Group), Kayleigh Brewster (ASAP), Janine Jacobson (Channel 7).