Faith, Heritage And A Century Of Connection Carried Through Generations

The family recently gathered for a major reunion at the Mackay Showgrounds. Photo credit: Deanne Woods

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The Deguara-Schembri-Bugeja family story in Mackay traces its origins back to early Maltese migration in the 1920s, when pioneering family members left Malta in search of opportunity and a new life in North Queensland.  

The first arrival of Salvatore (Sam) Deguara in 1912 would later lay the foundation for generations that would grow through hard work in the cane fields, strong family networks and a shared commitment to faith, land and community here in Mackay.

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Over time, those early migrants established deep roots in the region, with descendants spreading across farming, business and community life while maintaining strong ties to their Maltese heritage. Today, more than a century later, that legacy continues to be carried forward by hundreds of descendants across Australia.

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Mrs Maryanne Starrett, Mrs Lyn Deguara and Mrs Lorraine Schembri are among those who now help preserve and share that history, each connected through marriage or direct descent into the original family lines. Together, they represent both continuity and custodianship of a story that spans generations.

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The family recently gathered for a major reunion at the Mackay Showgrounds, where more than 300 relatives and descendants came together under a heritage tree that has become a symbolic meeting point for storytelling, reflection and connection.

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Mrs Maryanne Starrett said the strength of the family lies in its unity across generations.  

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‍“It’s a very united family,” she said. “It was so important to see those young ones there. As we get older, the young ones will hopefully be there to take over and continue our legacy.”

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Mrs Lyn Deguara reflected on the family’s identity that was forged through farming and perseverance.  

“They were incredibly hard workers, mostly all cane farmers… and they encouraged all the men to love the land,” she said.

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Mrs Lorraine Schembri, who compiled an extensive family history publication over eight months, said preserving the story was essential for future generations.  

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“You’ve got to know where you come from, to know where you’re going,” she said. “I’ve researched the DeGuara family back to 1600, and the Schembri line back to 1355. It’s all there.”

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She said the family book now available to purchase captures not only names and dates, but lived experience.  

“I’m very proud of this book… it was quite an effort to complete in eight months,” she said.

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Across the family narrative, early migration stories reflect resilience in the face of hardship, with settlers working the cane fields under difficult conditions while relying on strong community support.  

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Mrs Schembri noted, “There were certainly difficult times, but they all helped each other out and eventually became quite successful.”

Faith, family and respect remain central to the family’s identity.  

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“Faith is very important to us,” Mrs Deguara said.

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Together, the three women reflect a living legacy, one built on endurance, unity and shared history, continuing to grow across North Queensland while remaining firmly anchored in its Maltese beginnings.

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