Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Who’s Who of the Whitsundays Wild West. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.
The 2026 Mayor's Charity Ball brought together faces from across the community to raise money for BMA CQ Rescue.
Held at Proserpine Entertainment Centre, this year's Whispers of the West theme celebrated the region's rural roots, with guests embracing western-inspired fashion.
Bolo ties, broad-brimmed hats and tweed jackets were paired with flowing prairie dresses, fringed garments and polished cowboy boots, in a stylish nod to country fashion.
“It looks pretty fantastic here,” Mayor Ry Collins said at the event.
“A lot of people probably forget that we are 95% rural here in the Whitsundays.
“We have a lot of rodeos every year, there's really cowboy culture and it’s really nice to celebrate that here tonight.”
While the evening was filled with fun and celebration, its lasting impact came through its purpose, raising vital funds for BMA CQ Rescue. The community-funded rescue helicopter service operates around the clock, providing lifesaving care, search and rescue missions, and emergency response across Central and North Queensland.
“Of course, the underlying purpose of the night is that we help each other out,” Mayor Collins said.
“Anyone who has lived here for a period of time has seen that helicopter go over and what that means is they're out trying to save someone’s life.
“It’s important work, in the central Queensland region, we see more visits from CQ Rescue then any other region.
“That could be from saving a mine worker, a truck rolling over on a farm, a tourist in distress on the islands, they do real important work when someone' s at their worst, so it’s something really worth supporting.”
Mayor Collins also acknowledged the event's sponsors and the local business community for their ongoing support, crediting them with helping make the annual fundraiser a success.
So proud that our business community in particular, and such a wonderful range of sponsors are here to support.
A highlight of the evening was the charity auction, where some of the region's most generous supporters dug deep to bid on a range of exclusive items.
The auction featured regional artwork, a signed and framed Cowboys jersey, a private tour of the BMA CQ Rescue base, dinner with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at Parliament House, and many other unique prizes.
Following dinner, guests were treated to a whip-cracking performance, a spectacular fireworks display and an evening of dancing, with many trying their hand at square dancing as the celebrations continued.
By night's end, the Mayor's Charity Ball had once again showcased the Whitsundays' strong community spirit, bringing people together in support of a service that saves lives across the region.
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