Place Your Bets For A High Stakes Night At Mayor’s Charity Ball

The 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball in May will bring a touch of Monte Carlo to the MECC.

Think James Bond in Casino Royale, roulette wheels, playing cards and bow ties and glamorous gowns.

Mayor Greg Williamson said “James Bond” was the room theme for the MECC Plenary Halls for the Ball on Saturday, May 2.

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

“Following the success of changes to the 2025 Ball, the Community Committee that organises the event has decided to continue with the new format,” he said.

“There will still be a live auction, but it will only be a short segment of the evening, with the focus on having a great social night out.

“A silent auction and raffles will help boost funds raised for charities.”

Musical entertainment on the night will be provided by Brisbane band Beccy and the Jetts, a high energy band that will surely have everyone up on the dancefloor.

In an exciting change, the emcee for this year will be popular Australian comedian Dave O’Neil.

Dave is a regular guest star on ABC’s Spicks & Specks and on TV's Fisk. He’s also a fan-favourite at comedy festivals around the country.

The committee is excited to welcome Mickala Group as Platinum sponsors for 2026, joining BMA, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

General Manager Debbie Pedersen said Mikala Group believed strongly in giving back to the communities they work in, and the Mayor’s Charity Ball was a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

“We’re proud to support an event that raises vital funds for our local community while bringing people together in a shared commitment to making a positive impact,” Ms Pedersen said.

The launch for the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball was held at the MECC last night (Thursday, March 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 in 2004.

Mayor Williamson said the Ball raised funds for two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each charity and make a real difference in our community.

“Proceeds this year will be split 50-50 between Salvation Army’s Samaritan House, in its second year of being a beneficiary and new beneficiary, The Neighbourhood Hub,” Mayor Williamson said.

General Manager Nicolette Ffrost said The Neighbourhood Hub was honoured to be a Mayor’s Charity Ball recipient.

“Our focus is community-based connection, support and engagement,’’ she said.

“We provide crisis support, early childhood engagement, financial well-being services, food donations, educational workshops, support for multicultural communities and newly arrived migrants and so much more.

“This funding will go directly towards our Food Diversion Program, which has diverted more than 138 tonnes of food since 2020 – keeping food out of landfill and on the tables of Mackay families who need it most.”

Hannah Stephen, State Manager Family Violence Programs – NT/QLD, said the Salvation Army Family Violence Services were grateful to be a beneficiary of the funds raised through the Mayor’s Charity Ball for the second year.

“The costs associated with family violence and the long-term impacts on both adult and child victim survivors are significant,’’ she said.

“As a public health issue, a whole-of-community response to end family violence is crucial. The Salvos believe in good, and we are glad to be a part a community who stand together in preventing family violence and in responding to the needs of victim survivors.

“The donation from the Mayor’s Charity Ball will support therapeutic services for victim survivors in Mackay, which will help ensure that women and children are not caught in the cycle of violence but have the opportunity to recover and thrive.”

Platinum partners for the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball include Fergus Builders, Daly Bay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Mickala Group.

Gold sponsors include Pentacon, Summit and Oral Health and Beyond Collective.

Silver sponsors include CQ Soil Testing and North Queensland Bulk Ports.

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

In-kind sponsor is Signarama.

The 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball raised $54,000, which was shared between the Salvation Army and the Grapevine Group. Photo supplie

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