This June, Grapevine Group is once again calling on the Mackay community to come together for a cause, as Pizza for a Purpose returns for its fifth year supporting suicide prevention awareness across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
Kicking off with a family-friendly launch event at Caneland Central on Saturday, May 30 from 9am to 12pm, the much-loved fundraiser continues to grow — raising an incredible $12,730 for Grapevine in 2025, with sights set even higher this year.
For every large pizza sold at Laffos Bar & Pizzeria throughout June, $5 will again be donated to support Grapevine’s free, lifesaving suicide prevention training programs and awareness initiatives. In 2026, the campaign will also introduce a new online fundraising platform, making it easier than ever for individuals and businesses to contribute directly to make a difference.
Community members who donate online will go into the draw to win a $100 Caneland Central Gift Card, with one winner drawn each week throughout the four-week campaign. Participating businesses will also have the chance to win a $5,000 advertising package with Star FM and 4MK.
The launch event will be held in Centre Court, between Myer and Timezone, and promises plenty of fun for the whole family, including a Pizza Hunt, colouring-in competition, free balloon twisting and face painting.
Children can join the Pizza Hunt during the launch event and throughout the entire month of June, following a treasure map trail around Caneland Central to collect the names of pizzas. Entry forms will be available from the Centre’s Customer Service Desk, with every completed entry receiving a prize at the finish line, plus the chance to win a Caneland Central Gift Card.
Volunteers from Grapevine Group and TRACC will also be on hand at the launch to answer questions, share information about local mental health services, and promote free suicide prevention training and toolbox talks available to individuals, workplaces and community organisations.
As an added incentive, the first 100 organisations to book a pizza party will receive a party pack filled with balloons, party hats, lollies and more. This year, Grapevine is again encouraging workplaces and community groups to go a step further by hosting their own pizza parties and booking suicide prevention training for their teams.
Grapevine Group President Debbie Knight said the initiative continues to play an important role in raising awareness and building community capability.
“An average of nine Australians die by suicide every day — more than double the road toll.” Ms Knight said.
“With an estimated 55,000 attempts nationally each year, that’s one every 10 minutes.
“Every dollar raised helps us continue delivering free training that empowers people with the skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling and start a conversation that could save a life.”
Laffos Bar & Pizzeria owner Nicole Batzloff said her team is proud to continue supporting the initiative.
“We’ve seen the impact this campaign has on the community, and after raising more than $12,000 last year, we’re excited to be part of it again and help make an even bigger difference,” Ms Batzloff said.
Pizza for a Purpose is proudly supported by major sponsors Caneland Central and Bright Light Marketing, alongside Laffos Bar & Pizzeria, with the ongoing collaboration highlighting the power of local businesses coming together for a meaningful cause.
To get involved, enjoy a large pizza at Laffos throughout June, host a pizza party, or make a donation online at grapevinegroup.org.au to support suicide prevention in the region.
Eat pizza. Start conversations. Save lives.
