WITH THANKS: Mayor, Marg Attley thanked her committee members with a presentation of a bottle of wine, pictured with Rolf Koren and Elaine Irwin.

THE first mayoral charity ball for the Mansfield Shire was held on Friday night at Pinnacle Valley, with mayor, Marg Attley, expressing her wishes for it to become an annual event.

About 100 enjoyed an evening of fine dining, wines and dancing.

Over $5000 was raised and this will be distributed by the council to community projects.

Special guest, Bill Sykes, (MLA, Benalla), spoke of how he enjoyed coming to Mansfield and had seen significant events in the Mansfield Shire.

One of great importance was the de-amalgamation from Delatite Shire, second was the start of the Bendigo Community Bank and third he wished to point out was the ongoing ‘Plug the Pipe’ campaign which he urged everyone to continue to support.

Mr Sykes acknowledged Marg Attley’s enthusiasm for her job, particularly as mayor.

"She is a people person with a strong sense of community who loves the community and loves working for it," he said.

During the evening two main items were auctioned - a five-day accommodation package for two people at any of the Accor group’s resorts, and an original painting by Dinah Edwards.

The Accor accommodation package was knocked down for $1350 and the painting went to Richard Kendall for $850.

Table centrepieces were also auctioned within each table group resulting in an additional $570 being raised.

Mayor Attley said she was extremely pleased with how the night went and looked forward to another such ball next year.