24 August 2026: One of the Sunshine Coast’s most distinctive event spaces will again be transformed for a major gala event, with the Machjet International hangar at Sunshine Coast Airport set to host the 2026 SunnyKids Mayoral Ball on Saturday 17 October.
Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, more than 300 guests will dine and celebrate alongside luxury aircraft as the operational aviation hangar is transformed into a premium event venue for one of the region’s most anticipated charity events.
The 2025 Mayoral Ball was among the first major events to be staged in Machjet International’s new hangar and demonstrated the potential of the expansive aviation space to host large-scale events in a setting unlike a traditional ballroom or convention venue.
This year, organisers are looking to build on that success, expanding the capacity of the event and making greater use of the scale and height of the hangar as part of the guest experience.
Aerial performers and gymnasts will be among the entertainment on the night, using the hangar’s expansive space to create performances above and around guests, while Machjet’s luxury aircraft will again form part of the event setting.
Machjet International General Manager Abbie McDermott said the company was proud to again open the hangar for an event supporting SunnyKids and local families experiencing domestic and family violence.
“We were delighted to host the SunnyKids Mayoral Ball last year as one of the first major events in our new hangar, and it was incredible to see the space completely transformed for the evening,” Ms McDermott said.
“Machjet is very proud to support such a worthwhile local cause and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Ball back in 2026, this time with the opportunity to expand the capacity and create an even bigger event.
“One of the things that makes the hangar such a unique venue is the scale and flexibility of the space. Having our luxury jets right there in the room creates an incredible backdrop, while the height and size of the hangar opens up opportunities for entertainment and event concepts that simply aren’t possible in many traditional venues.
“We’re excited to showcase that potential again through the Mayoral Ball and to let event organisers know the hangar is also available to hire for other corporate, gala and special events on the Sunshine Coast.”
The Machjet International hangar is available for private event hire, offering event organisers a large-scale, flexible Sunshine Coast event venue within an operational aviation environment at Sunshine Coast Airport.
The 2026 SunnyKids Mayoral Ball will showcase that versatility with a premium three-course dining experience, carefully selected wines, aerial and gymnastics performances, live entertainment, and fundraising auctions and raffles.
Now in its tenth year, the SunnyKids Mayoral Ball has become a fixture on the Sunshine Coast’s social and philanthropic calendar, bringing together business leaders, community champions, philanthropists and supporters.
Last year’s sold-out event attracted more than 300 guests and raised $70,000 for SunnyKids. This year, funds raised will support SunnyKids’ Transitional Housing Project, helping local families escaping domestic and family violence move from crisis towards safe, stable and independent futures.
The project provides families with more than a safe place to live, surrounding them with intensive case management and wraparound support while they rebuild their lives.
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said the project recognised that providing a family with a roof over their head was only the beginning.
“A safe home can provide the breathing space a family desperately needs after experiencing domestic and family violence, but rebuilding a life takes much more than four walls,” Ms Hope said.
“Our Transitional Housing Project surrounds families with the practical and professional support they need to regain stability, rebuild their confidence and create a safer future for themselves and their children.
“The Mayoral Ball is a wonderful example of what can happen when our community comes together with purpose. It is an extraordinary night, but what it makes possible for local families extends well beyond the event itself.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Mayoral Ball was a powerful reflection of the region’s willingness to come together for people in need.
“The Sunshine Coast has an extraordinary community spirit, and the Mayoral Ball is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our businesses, community leaders and residents unite behind a shared purpose,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Every family deserves the opportunity to feel safe and secure and to build a positive future. I’m incredibly proud to support SunnyKids and the important work they do to help local families experiencing domestic and family violence move towards greater stability and independence.”
Tickets and tables for the 2026 SunnyKids Mayoral Ball are now on sale, with another sell-out event anticipated.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 2026 SunnyKids Mayoral Ball
When: Saturday 17 October 2026
Where: Machjet International, Sunshine Coast Airport
Tickets/Tables: https://sunnykids-mayoral-ball-2026.raiselysite.com/
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Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
