Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mary Steel with one of Mackay Riding for Disabled horses, Clancy. Photo supplied
Mary Steel has been described as a woman of great strength, faith and tireless generosity.
Her spirit of giving, humble leadership and compassion touched many lives and she is dearly missed by the communities she served so faithfully.
Mary passed away on May 3rd 2026 at Mackay Base Hospital, aged 66, following what her family described as a short but courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on 15th April 1960, Mary spent much of her life giving back to the community she loved through Mackay Riding for Disabled, leaving behind a legacy defined by selflessness, service and kindness.
In a statement shared by her family on a social media platform, they reflected on the woman whose warmth touched so many around her.
“Mary will be remembered for her strength, warmth and the deep love she had for those around her. She leaves behind family and many friends who cherished her dearly and will carry her memory with them always.”
For more than two decades, Mary poured her heart into Mackay Riding for Disabled, becoming a pillar of the organisation and a champion for riders with disabilities across the region.
Mary first joined in 2003, assisting in lessons and learning to sidewalk and lead horses before gradually becoming involved in nearly every aspect of the organisation up until 2026. She learned about horse care, helped maintain the 12-acre property and took on hands on tasks such as paddock and fencing maintenance, which was no small undertaking.
Alongside the practical work, she helped drive fundraising efforts, selling raffle tickets, cooking sausage sizzles and speaking publicly and on television to attract sponsors and raise vital funds for the charity.
Within just a few years, Mary’s passion for the organisation saw her voted into the role of President.
“Within the first couple of years Mary was voted in to become President - even though she glared at everyone, (so funny and so Mary) - they all still wanted her,” Lisa said.
Despite her new leadership role, Mary remained hands on. While dedicating countless volunteer hours to the organisation, she also balanced a busy life running a business partnership, caring for her family and home and remaining actively involved in her church community.
After many years as President, Mary eventually handed the role to another volunteer but remained closely involved, joining the committee as Treasurer and using her knowledge to help computerise the charity’s financial records.
Still, she continued to do more. Mary began training to become a Riding for Disabled coach and later stepped into the role of Horse Master, helping care for the organisation’s five horses alongside other passionate team members.
Her extraordinary efforts were recognised nationally in 2024 when she received the Volunteer Service Excellence Award from Riding for the Disabled Association Australia.
Roslyn Ferguson, a fellow member and volunteer at Mackay Riding for Disabled, said Mary’s work often happened quietly, without recognition, but its impact was immeasurable.
“Mary was a quiet achiever, unknown to most of the community but extremely giving to the disabled adults and children of Mackay.
“We will miss her dearly.”
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