Mackay's My Hospital Foundation has announced a new fundraising event after its major annual fundraiser was cancelled.

The charity's long-running Dinner on the Runway event has been called off following the withdrawal of support from its previous venue partner. The event had raised significant funds for healthcare across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

Rather than abandoning its fundraising efforts, the foundation has introduced a replacement event called Gather & Graze 2026.

The new event is planned as a cocktail-style fundraising evening at Note Park Grazing Co. in Homebush, south of Mackay. It is designed to continue raising money for local healthcare while giving supporters a different way to contribute to the foundation.

The change is important because the My Hospital Foundation uses fundraising income to support healthcare services and projects across the region. Funds raised by the organisation can contribute towards medical equipment, healthcare programs and patient support.

The foundation's previous fundraiser had become an important event on the local calendar, raising more than $500,000 over five years for healthcare improvements across Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac. The previous year's event alone generated more than $150,000.

The cancellation therefore created a significant gap in the foundation's fundraising program. Introducing Gather & Graze provides the organisation with an opportunity to maintain momentum and continue engaging supporters.

For the Mackay community, the new event is also an example of how local organisations can adapt when circumstances change. Instead of cancelling fundraising activities altogether, the foundation has developed an alternative event that can continue generating support.

Community fundraising plays an important role in regional healthcare. Donations can help hospitals and health services obtain equipment and support initiatives that may not otherwise receive immediate funding.

The new event is expected to bring together local supporters, businesses and community members while maintaining the foundation's focus on improving healthcare outcomes.

The announcement is also relevant to businesses that have previously supported the foundation's fundraising activities. Community events can provide opportunities for local businesses to contribute while strengthening connections with residents.

For people searching for Mackay news today, this development is particularly relevant because it combines local healthcare, fundraising and community activity.