This centenary mural celebrates 100 years of service by the Rotary Club of Mackay. Designed by artist Martin Jegou following extensive conversations with club members, the artwork reflects Rotary’s local impact in the Mackay region and its humanitarian work across the world.
The mural brings together themes of compassion, reconciliation, youth empowerment, medical outreach, homelessness support, environmental responsibility and Rotary’s global mission to create lasting change.
Flora and Fauna – A Sense of Place
The mural features native and tropical plant life familiar to the Mackay region, grounding the artwork firmly in its local environment. These include:
- Bird of Paradise
- Monstera deliciosa leaves
- Golden palm fronds
- A beautiful typical Mackay sky
A Mackay yellow-bellied sunbird is depicted within the composition, symbolising vitality and connection to our natural surroundings.
At the centre of the artwork sits a globe, representing Rotary’s international presence and its enduring commitment to protecting the environment worldwide. Rotary is a global organisation, and Mackay is part of that worldwide network of service.
Medical and Health Projects
The Rotary Club of Mackay has delivered life-saving health initiatives both locally and internationally.
In Timor-Leste, where newborn mortality rates are among the highest in the world, the club funded the training of 12 midwives at Central Queensland University in Mackay. This initiative has directly contributed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
In Vanuatu and Mackay Rotary Mackay has:
- Funded university education for nurses
- Supported the training of medical students and pharmacists in Mackay
- Renovated a hospital on the island of Ambae
The Ambae connection carries deep historical meaning. One of the ancestors of three-time Club President Greg Sutherland was taken from this island during the era of blackbirding to work in the cane fields of Mackay. Through these projects, the Club acknowledges this shared history and works toward healing and positive partnership.
The club has raised over $100,000 to support the building of a Ronald McDonald Room at the Mackay Base Hospital, give remote families much needed accommodation in a time of need.
Supporting the Homeless in Mackay
Rotary Mackay plays an active role in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
The Club has:
- Helped fund the Mackay Sleep bus program, providing safe overnight accommodation
- Supplied stainless steel benches and showers at Chances House, Mackay’s homeless drop-in centre
- Installed secure 24-hour access lockers so individuals experiencing homelessness can safely store essential belongings
These initiatives reflect Rotary’s commitment to dignity, safety and practical community support.
Ending Domestic and Family Violence
Each May, the Rotary Club of Mackay leads a region-wide campaign to prevent domestic and family violence.
The program:
- Engages 12 Mackay Region high schools
- Mobilises students, families and businesses
- Closes Mackay CBD streets for the annual
“Respect in Every Step – March to End Domestic and Family Violence”
The campaign promotes respect, accountability and help-seeking behaviour, encouraging the community to “Stop the Silence – End the Violence.”
The club has provided funding to support the Mackay Women’s Services as they provide support for people suffering Domestic and Family Violence.
Youth Programs
Investing in young people has always been central to Rotary’s mission.
The Club supports:
- The Interact Club at Mackay State High School
- Student participation in the National Youth Science Forum
- International Youth Exchange, sending Mackay students overseas and hosting students in local schools
- The Road Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program, equipping young drivers with life-saving road safety skills
The young Vanuatu student featured in the mural represents Rotary’s long-standing investment in education and global youth development.
Overseas Projects and Reconciliation
Mackay’s history includes the blackbirding era, beginning in 1867, when approximately 3,000 South Sea Islanders were brought to the region to work in the cane fields.
In recognition of this history, the Rotary Club of Mackay has undertaken numerous projects in Vanuatu to build meaningful partnerships and give back.
Major initiatives include:
- 2001 – Supporting the Pilgrimage to Vanuatu, reconnecting Mackay South Sea Islander descendants with relatives
- 2004 – Refurbishment of the medical centre on West Ambae
- 2006 – Installation of generators and computers in schools
- 2008 – Distribution of stationery and textbooks on Efate
- 2010–2012 – Delivery of containers of desks, chairs, school supplies and computers
- 2013–2016 – Funding education and training for Vanuatu nurses, teachers and university students
These projects represent Rotary’s commitment to reconciliation, partnership and sustainable development.
End Polio Now
The young student’s shirt bears the End Polio Now emblem — Rotary’s signature global initiative.
For more than 45 years, Rotary and its partners have worked to eradicate polio worldwide. Through sustained advocacy, vaccination campaigns and international collaboration, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent.
Rotary remains committed to finishing the job and ensuring future generations are free from this preventable disease.
A Century of Service
This mural is more than a celebration of 100 years. It is a visual story of compassion in action — local and global, past and present.
It reflects Rotary’s enduring belief that:
Service Above Self can change lives, strengthen communities and build a better world.
