Record $200,000 Raised At Mayor’s Charity Ball

A record $200,000 raised at the Isaac Mayor’s Charity Ball will support BMA CQ Rescue and local tertiary education, with each receiving $100,000. Photo supplied by Isaac Regional Council  

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A record-breaking $200,000 has been raised to support tertiary education and lifesaving aeromedical services across the Isaac region following the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball.

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A sold-out crowd of 280 people attended the event, with the Isaac Regional Charity Fund splitting the proceeds between two vital regional services. BMA CQ Rescue and Country Universities Centre Isaac each received $100,000, with the cheques officially presented in Moranbah on Monday 7th September.

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Isaac Mayor and Charity Fund Chair Kelly Vea Vea said the result demonstrated what could be achieved when the region rallied behind a common cause.

“In regional communities like ours, access is everything. Access to education, access to emergency services and access to opportunity,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

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“Country Universities Centre Isaac helps local students pursue tertiary education close to home, while BMA CQ Rescue provides lifesaving support when it matters most.”

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The funding comes during a particularly busy year for BMA CQ Rescue, which recorded 182 tasks and more than 326 flight hours between April and June alone. Crews responded to incidents across Central Queensland, including Moranbah, Dysart, Clermont and Nebo.

BMA CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said record tasking numbers demonstrated just how important the aeromedical service remained for regional communities.

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“Every mission represents someone in our community who needs urgent medical care, often in a remote location where time is critical,” Mr Healee said.

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He said the $100,000 contribution would help maintain the skilled crews, specialist medical capabilities and aviation resources needed to respond to emergencies. The other half of the record fundraising total will support Country Universities Centre Isaac, which provides local study facilities and face-to-face assistance to students in Moranbah and Clermont.

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The centre has supported more than 120 students, with almost 55 per cent the first in their family to attend university. Students are currently studying across 42 courses through 34 education providers, with 60 per cent training in teaching or health-related fields.

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CUC Isaac Chair Melissa Westcott said the contribution would help the centre continue giving regional students opportunities to pursue tertiary education without leaving their communities.

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The Isaac Regional Charity Fund is now looking ahead to the 2027 Mayor’s Charity Ball, with sponsorship opportunities available for next year’s event.

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