A welcome message from our CEO
Adrienne Barnett
The months are flying by now and I can’t believe September is nearly here – that means the Indigenous Rugby League Carnival will be the next big thing happening for Murris here in Mackay. We are visited from mob all over the State to participate in this annual event that is much anticipated by many. I would love to know the economic benefit the Carnival brings to Mackay, as there are at least a couple of thousand people here for 3 days staying in motels, eating out and some partying in the nightclubs! We’re looking forward to seeing visiting mob and enjoying the atmosphere the Carnival brings. Thanks to the Mackay Stallions again for all their hard work in organising and bringing the Carnival to Mackay.
We also had a visit this month from Knowmore Legal Service – they were out and about to remind people of the upcoming deadline for claims under The National Redress Scheme. The Scheme was established by the Australian Government in response to one of the key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
If you are eligible for the Scheme, you may be able to receive a monetary payment up to $150,000, counselling and psychological support, depending on your location and a direct personal response from the responsible institution.
Knowmore are a free and confidential legal service and provide support to people who have survived child sexual abuse. They acknowledge that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also experienced intergenerational trauma from government child removal policies, so they are able to work with Murris in a culturally safe and trauma-informed way. Murris can speak with one of their Aboriginal Engagement Advisors. You can call them 1800 605 762 to speak with an Aboriginal Engagement Advisor about a possible claim before next year’s deadline.
Trading Tracks have moved office to Suite 3, 123 Victoria Street (the old Suncorp Building) and are ready to help any aspiring First Nations business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their vision. Shardai, Kerry and Shae can help if you are just starting
Congratulations to Shae at Trading Tracks who has won CQ Trainee Of The Year and will be off to Brisbane for the Queensland Training Awards later this year. Shae completed her traineeship with Mackay Regional Council before taking the big step of changing employers. Congratulations again Shae from all of us at MARABISDA and we thank you for choosing to come and work with us!
Program Updates
Family Participation Program (FPP) & Indigenous Family Wellbeing Service (IFWS)
Our Family Wellbeing and Family Participation Programs have been out and about supporting our community, attending events such as the Together for Shelter Homeless Expo and delivering an amazing Youth Program in Sarina. The team are now busy planning for the Isaac Family Wellbeing Day on the 1st & 2nd of October! If you’re in the Isaac region, come along and connect with organisations supporting your community. There’ll be something for everyone, including a colour run, jumping castles, sausage sizzle, giveaways, face painting and balloons!
We look forward to seeing you there! 💛
Mackay Connected Beginnings (Badi Yalobaga Yuribaya)
Mackay Connected Beginnings has been keeping busy with their fortnightly playgroups, with new term dates coming soon! The team are also planning some exciting events for later in the year, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can catch them supporting local events, including Party in the Park for Child Protection Week on 9 September at Queens Park
Piccaninny Kinship & Foster Care
2/17 Macalister Street, we are also excited to share that Piccaninny’s Family Connection Safe Place Room is now up and running, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where children and families can come together for family conact visits. Together, we can help children stay connected with the people who matter most. ❤️
Delegated Authority
DA Team were excited to see so many families from the community attend National Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Children’s Day. Thank you to Connected Beginnings for hosting and Slade Point School for opening their school for celebrating our children of community. A big shout out to all the big and little people that contributed to our Art Piece on Canvas – which we hope to have in our office soon. Our next Community engagement is getting ready for Child Protection Week in September.
Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Domestic Family Violence Service (ATSIDFVSS)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family and Domestic Violence Support Service (ATSIFDVSS) was invited to participate in the Sarina Indigenous Family Wellbeing Service (IFWS) Men’s Group on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. Lyndon and the Men’s Group Lead Facilitator, Peter Warcon, provided an overview of MARABISDA’s programs and explained how participants and their family members could access support. Lyndon highlighted the important work delivered by ATSIFDVSS to women and men experiencing domestic and family violence across the regional communities. The discussion included information about programs and services available through MARABISDA, including: The Men’s Respondent Program Weaving Stories – Our Women’s Journey of Healing Trauma-Informed Counselling Referral pathways to other appropriate support services Peter and Lyndon also spoke about the importance of culturally safe groups such as the IFWS Men’s Group. The group provides a supportive environment where men can express themselves openly, share their experiences and participate in
respectful and challenging conversations without judgement. The Men’s Group also connects participants with trusted community organisations and respected community members. Through a culturally responsive approach, participants can access mental health support, strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing, receive advice and encouragement, and maintain meaningful connections with community and culture. Lyndon appreciated the opportunity to meet with the participants and looks forward to continuing his engagement with the Sarina IFWS Men’s Group through further conversations and activities. Male Domestic Violence Support Worker Lyndon Francis travelled to Sarina to meet with participants and discuss how the ATSIFDVSS program, along with MARABISDA’s broader range of services, supports individuals and families throughout the region.
Trading Tracks
Trading Tracks has officially moved into our new office at 123 Victoria Street, Mackay. We’re excited to be settling into the new space and continuing to support Indigenous businesses across the Mackay and Isaac regions.
We’re also celebrating a fantastic achievement from our QTT team! Our BDO, Shae Ridgeway, was recently named a finalist in both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year categories at the Central Queensland Training Awards regional finals. The QTT team travelled to
Rockhampton to celebrate with Shae and we are absolutely thrilled when she took home the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Award!
We couldn’t be prouder of Shae and all that she has achieved since completing her traineeship