The surnames Vella, Camilleri, Baretta, Deguara and many others synonymous with Mackay’s Italian and Maltese history could soon be honoured permanently.
Mackay councillors will on Wednesday vote on a proposal to erect three life-size bronze figures at the corner of Wood and Victoria streets known as the “Maltese Corner.”
It also included erecting an Italian-themed monument within the Waterfront Priority Development Area, with a suggested location of beside the St Patrick’s Church in River Street.
Documents stated councillors were recommended to approve the Maltese figures but send the PDA monument back to the drawing board.
“(The Maltese Corner) is a historical meeting point for the Maltese community and a plaque monument currently exists on the site,” documents stated.
Vietnam Veteran Leslie Palmer officiating the Mackay Anzac Day Main Service. Picture: Heidi Petith
Mr Palmer said despite Mr Payne living in Mackay for 40 years, it was only the third time the oldest surviving Victoria Cross recipient had made a hometown service as he was in high demand.
Photos
Mr Payne shared a touching story for the first time of a woman finding her ‘Gallipoli stone’ while he visited Turkey in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine. Vietnam War veteran and Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne with his wife Florence at the Mackay ANZAC Day march 2021. Picture: Lillian Watkins