Beneficiaries of the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball named, $70k already donated

The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball has been launched and already $70,000 has been raised to help hundreds of the region’s most vulnerable. DETAILS.

Tickets for the mayors charity ball have already gone on sale as mayor Greg Williamson promises 2024 will be ‘the biggest yet’. Picture:Michaela Harlow

The Mackay mayor’s 2024 charity ball is shaping up to be one of the most successful yet with $70,000 already raised by for its two beneficiaries.

Already more than 180 tickets have been purchased with the proceeds, as well as generous contributions from the events sponsors going to the Australian Street Aid project and the Grapevine Group.

“It’s all off to a great start,” mayor Greg Williamson announces over 70k already raised for benefiting charities. Picture:Michaela Harlow

“It’s all off to a great start,” mayor Greg Williamson said.

“This is one of the events we do in terms of supporting the community that makes me really proud as a civic leader.”

Returning as a beneficiary from last year's ball, the Australian Street Aid project will use the additional funds to continue running their new homeless drop-in hub, Chances House and potentially expand their services.

“We had a blast last year and most importantly, almost $50,000 was raised for our organisation, which is absolutely incredible,” Australian Street Aid Project’s creator, Kayleigh Brewster said.

‘Community champion’ Kayleigh Brewster will once again be benefiting from the Mackay mayors ball. Picture: Michaela Harlow

“Chances House is used by up to 55 people every day.

“We see people from 15 years old to 80 years old, people with disabilities, people, women with children and currently we don’t perceive any state government funding.

“Events like this are our bread and butter.”

Recent estimates by the council reveal there are between 70 and 100 visible homeless in Mackay, but Mr Williamson had even greater estimates for the number of residents sleeping rough.

“There are people who don’t have a house to go to, but could afford one and are sleeping rough,” he said.

“There’s probably 700 of those in Mackay at any given night.

“That’s people sleeping in caravans, tents in backyards and couch surfing because they can’t rent a house.”
Funds raised at this year's ball will go to adding up to two showers to Chances House for free use by those experiencing homelessness and funding their ongoing services.

Also benefiting from the funds raised is the suicide prevention service Grapevine Group, run by Edie Weiss.

Grapevine Group started over 20 years ago after a young lady committed suicide and today provides resources to promote suicide prevention via a helpline and an app.

“In Australia every year there are 3300 people who take their lives, that is almost twice the number who die on our roads,” Mrs Weiss said.

“That equates to eight people every day, six males and two females.”

The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball will be held on May 11 and tickets can be purchased here.

Originally published as Beneficiaries of the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball named, $70k already donated