Mayor’s Charity Ball to celebrate ‘Iconic Mackay’

So, it was fitting that the official launch was held overlooking the city’s beautiful blue water river.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Pioneer River, one of only two blue rivers in Queensland, was iconic to the region. 

“This year’s Ball is all about celebrating Iconic Mackay – its features, history, events and people,’’ the Mayor said.

“The main musical entertainment will be a world-class Elton John Experience, with Greg Andrews internationally recognised as one of the best Elton John tribute artists in the world,’’ he said.

“That is a nod to the Sir Elton John concert that was held in Mackay at BB Print Stadium in September 2017. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of those who attended.”

Mayor Williamson said “Iconic Mackay” was the room theme for the MECC Plenary Halls, which would look spectacular on the night on Saturday, May 11.

“As always, the Ball isn’t a fancy dress event. Ball-goers should come dressed to suit Mackay’s premier red-carpet social event,’’ he said.

The launch was held at Red Dog Brewery at Bluewater Quay on Friday, April 12.

It was attended by the Mayor, Councillors, other council representatives, the organising committee, sponsors, media partners and representatives of the two charities which will benefit from proceeds this year.

The Ball has raised more than $1 million since its inception.

Mayor Williamson said the aim in recent years had been 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 this year will be split 50-50 between Australian Street Aid Project and new beneficiary Grapevine Group,” Mayor Williamson said.

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 after receiving funding from the 2023 event.

“This funding is important as the demand for support for the homeless continues to increase.

“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 extremely grateful to be a beneficiary of the Mayor’s Charity Ball.

“The ball coincides with our 20th anniversary, which is a very special milestone for our volunteers to reach,’’ she said.

“This donation will enable Grapevine Group to offer medium and large businesses the opportunity to have their own in-house safeTALK Trainers on staff to help train more locals in suicide prevention.

“To date, Grapevine has proudly trained 6800, but many more people need to be suicide aware and know where to find the support they need.”

Mayor Williamson said the Ball, organised by a committee made up of representatives of the community, the MECC and council, kept going from strength to strength each year.

He said sponsorship levels were at an all-time high, with some new sponsors coming onboard in 2024.

Platinum partners, including long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay, were back onboard.

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

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

Media partners include 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M 98.7, as well as Tropical Exposure.

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