Media Release

Mayor’s Charity Ball Exceeds Fundraising Expectations

Friday 7 October 2022

Balonne ball-goers prove they really know how to party and raise money for a great local cause.

The inaugural Balonne Mayoral Ball, which had a James Bond theme, was held at the Cultural Centre at the Hub in St George last month and exceeded fundraising expectations.

The Ball raised nearly $45,000 for this year’s beneficiary, the student bursary of the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Balonne.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole said it was a wonderful night, with 140 people attending the event.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the Mayoral Ball was such a fantastic event and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives from the community, council and the Country Universities Centre Balonne,” said Mayor O’Toole.

“There was big-hearted bidding throughout the auction, which combined with generous contributions from our corporate sponsors, has given us a substantial sum of money to support local students in achieving their further education goals, without having to leave their hometown.”

Including the student bursary, the event generated almost $100,000 economic benefit to the Shire, including the use of local services and products for the event, visitor expenditure and accommodation.

Country Universities Centre Balonne manager Alix Greenhill said the aim of the organisation was to drive change in rural and remote education and empower the Balonne community to fulfil their potential through higher education, by providing highly connected learning communities in St George and Dirranbandi.

“We are extremely grateful for the amazing sponsors, organisers, and attendees of the 2022 Balonne Mayoral Ball,’’ she said.

“Their generosity affords students at CUC Balonne with quality opportunities to pursue their dreams without having to relocate, while creating vibrant and more prosperous futures for themselves and the wider community.”

Gold sponsors for the 2022 Balonne Mayoral Ball included AH & JH Earthmoving, Field Solutions Group, Leading Roles, Lonergan Projects and O’Brien Toyota. Silver sponsors were Safeway Excavations and Tierney Crushing & Transport. The St George Cotton Growers Association were bronze sponsors. Sponsors have been presented with certificates of appreciation for their support.

Planning has already begun to make the 2023 ball a huge success and more details will be released in early 2023.