A record crowd partied away to the sizzling sounds of salsa to produce an ‘absolutely incredible’ result. Find out what it means for new projects in Mackay.
The money raised by the Havana Nights themed 2023 Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball has been split between the Mackay-founded Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the event, drawing a record crowd of 440 people, went from “strength to strength” thanks to the organising committee, the council, the MECC, generous corporate sponsors, and the community.
Since the Sunrise Rotary Club of Mackay launched the event almost two decades ago, the ball has raised more than $1m which Mr Williamson said was a cracking result.
ASAP founder Kayleigh Brewster said it was “absolutely incredible” to receive $45,529.
Committee member Brendan Hughes and Mayor presenting cheque to ASAP Director Kayleigh Brewster. Picture: Mackay Regional Council
“That is the single biggest donation our charity has received and the things that we’re going to be able to do with that, I’m very excited to share,” Ms Brewster said.
“We’re going to establish a homelessness health care service and we’re going to purchase an ex-ambulance with a registered nurse to come and do nursing in our community.
“The impact of that is going to be quite outstanding.
“We know that because we work with people who are rough sleeping on a daily basis … we started this (project) from the ground with zero funding and our community has made it possible for us to get where we are today.”
ASAP, together with Orange Sky, is also pioneering introducing three $100,000 sleep buses in the region so that people experiencing homelessness can sleep safely for the night while accessing vital services.
They have secured funds for the first bus and thanks to the Mackay Community Foundation tipping $75,000, they are well on their way toward a second ‘PINK’ bus which will be for women and children only.
120+ faces: Havana Nights charity ball brings the heat
RMHC community engagement executive Samantha Lee said their share of the mayor’s ball proceedings would keep the Family Room at the Mackay Base Hospital well stocked into the future.
“It’s been absolutely amazing the amount of support that the mayor’s ball has given us,” Ms Lee said.
“The Family Room has supported well over 1000 people already since opening, it’s only been open for about six months.
“The feedback we receive on a daily basis is, ‘Thank God it’s finally here’.”
Committee member Brendan Hughes and Mayor Greg Williamson presenting a chequer to RMHC Engagement Executive Samantha Lee. Picture: Mackay Regional Council
Mr Williamson presented certificates of appreciation to the ball’s sponsors to thank them for their support. They included:
– DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal as platinum partners
– Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group, Key Solutions Group, BMA and Champ as gold sponsors
– Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure as a bronze sponsor
– Daily Mercury, 7 News Mackay, Hit 100.3, Triple M and Tropical Exposure as media partners, and
– Signarama, Twilight Events, Mifsud’s Fresh Fruit Barn and Wricor Photography for their in-kind assistance
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