Mackay’s Indigenous community came together last week in a powerful celebration of culture, leadership and legacy, with the 2025 NAIDOC Awards and Pageant drawing a large crowd to Pioneer Murri Court on Wednesday evening.
Now in its fifth year, the NAIDOC Pageant continues to grow in recognition and pride, showcasing young leaders and community role models through categories that honour cultural knowledge, dress, and expression of this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”
The evening also incorporated the Mackay NAIDOC Business Awards, recognising outstanding contributions from local Indigenous-led enterprises.
Mayor Greg Williamson paid tribute to the businesses honoured on the night, noting their significance not only to the economy but to the broader story of Indigenous resilience and leadership in the region.
“As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations held last week, we proudly recognised two outstanding local Indigenous businesses at the 2025 Mackay NAIDOC Awards.
“Ramsamy Crane Hire – Awarded the Large Enterprise Award, Ramsamy Cranes is a proud family-run business that has been operating in our region for over 40 years. With Lawrence Ramsamy Sr. and Jr. accepting the award, their legacy is a powerful example of resilience, leadership and long-standing contribution to our local industry.
“VEX Group – A finalist in the Large Enterprise category, VEX is a growing Indigenous business employing over 170 people. Since 2022, VEX has made incredible strides in supporting community, creating opportunity, and giving back to the region.”
A representative from VEX group said, “VEX was honoured to be named a finalist in the Large Enterprise category at the Mackay NAIDOC Awards earlier this week.
“As a growing enterprise, one of the most fulfilling things we can do is give back..by supporting initiatives that empower community, culture, and future leaders.”
Winners from the 2025 NAIDOC Pageant included:
Cultural Knowledge
Winners: Elizabeth Kemp Waters and Lennox Dorante
Runners-up: Mohniece Mallie and Desai Tomarra
NAIDOC Theme
Winners: Lennox Dorante and Mohniece Mallie
Runners-up: Genamai Bourne and Aleah Jones
Judges’ Choice
Winners: Jamelia Womal and Genamai Bourne
Runners-up: Elizabeth Kemp Waters and Desai Tomarra
Best Dressed
Winners: Genamai Bourne and Jamelia Womal
Runners-up: Desai Tomarra and Mohniece Mallie
Mr and Miss NAIDOC 2025
Genamai Bourne and Jamelia Womal
Lennox Dorante and Elizabeth Kemp Waters
Mr and Mrs NAIDOC 2025
Mrs Janice Binsiar and Mr Jeffrey Timor
The event was a wonderful celebration of culture, honouring the next generation of Indigenous leaders, community champions, and businesses whose strength, vision, and legacy continue to shape the region.
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