A welcome message from our CEO
Adrienne Barnett
Hi all,
As you may be aware, the Queensland Government has released the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry’s final report, From Pressure to Purpose: Reforming Child Protection in Queensland.
This report contains 52 recommendations that, if implemented as outlined, have the potential to significantly reshape the child protection system and improve long-term outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities. It presents opportunities for generational reform but also carries significant risks if implementation is not led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, communities and the community-controlled sector.
The Queensland Government is expected to publicly respond by early August, outlining which recommendations it supports. Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP) is leading the sector’s response and consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations, including MARABISDA, to ensure these reforms benefit our communities for generations to come.
MARABISDA has welcomed two new staff members:
- Kahmia Raikaki has joined the Piccaninny Foster & Kinship Care team as a Family Time Worker. She will support the new Family Contact Centre by coordinating and supervising family visits.
- Greta Pauling has joined the Indigenous Family Wellbeing Service team, bringing valuable experience to the program.
As we celebrate 50 Years of NAIDOC, I’ve reflected on more than 30 years of NAIDOC celebrations in Mackay. Thank you to this year’s organising committee for the incredible work they do to deliver the NAIDOC Street Parade, Family Fun Day and community events calendar.
Aunty Sonetta’s Recipe
Curry Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 250g Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- 200g diced bacon
- 2 × 250g grated cheese
- Mixed capsicum
- Shallots
- 1 tsp gherkin relish
- Curry powder
- Paprika
Method
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Divide into two cheese balls.
- Roll in curry powder and paprika until fully coated.
Program Updates
Family Participation Program (FPP)
June has been another month of dedication and commitment from our FPP team. They continue to ensure the voices of their families are heard while actively participating in decision-making, providing culturally safe advocacy and support.
Indigenous Family Wellbeing Service (IFWS)
Our IFWS team has had another month where they continue to get out into the community and support our local families and businesses. This month they attended the ATSICHS Family Fun Day with a very popular weaving workshop. It was the perfect day with an amazing turnout.
Mackay Connected Beginnings (Badi Yalobaga Yuribaya)
The Badi Yalobaga Yuribaya team has had a busy month! Thank you to all the families who came along to the 2026 NAIDOC Baby Show. The turnout was absolutely amazing and it was beautiful to celebrate our youngest generation while seeing families come together for a day filled with smiles and special moments. We also attended the ATSICHS Family Fun Day and loved seeing all the families and children coming together for some fun during the school holidays. Reminder: Our playgroup starts back on 16 July. For more information, please contact Drene on 0432 322 361.
Piccaninny Kinship & Foster Care
We welcome Kahmia Raikaki onboard as our new Family Connection Support Worker! Kahmia will be supporting families through our Cultural Family Contact Centre, providing safe, meaningful family contact and ensuring all visits run smoothly. We are super excited for families to see the hard work that’s been happening behind the scenes to create our beautiful Contact Centre. Reminder: BRO AM is on this Saturday! Enrolment: 7:15am, Start: 8:00am
Delegated Authority
We are looking forward to celebrating NAIDOC with all our families – 50 Years of Deadly. We continue to work hard for our families, bringing Hope, Healing & Holding My Hand. We are working alongside our children and families to help them achieve their goals. If you would like to self-refer, please speak to one of our practitioners.
Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Domestic Family Violence Service (ATSIDFVSS)
Our ATSIDFVSS team continues to provide support to Indigenous families across the community. We are committed to creating safe spaces and walking alongside clients throughout their journeys. If you are in need of support, please contact the MARABISDA office: Phone: (07) 4848 1060
Trading Tracks
We are pleased to welcome Shae Ridgeway to the QTT team as our new Business Development Officer. Shae, a proud Worimi and South Sea Islander woman, commenced with us on 22 June 2026. We are excited to have her join the team and look forward to the valuable knowledge, experience and community connections she will bring to the program. The QTT office is currently located on Brisbane Street and will soon be relocating to Victoria Street. During this transition period, you can find us at: 35 Milton Street, MARABISDA Office. We will provide further updates regarding our permanent move and new office details as they become available.