The unveiling will take place at 2pm on Saturday, April 18 at the intersection of Wood and Victoria streets, a site long known locally as Maltese Corner.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the project recognised the immense contribution of Maltese migrants to the city’s social, cultural and economic development.
“Maltese Corner is more than a monument – it is a living reminder of the people who helped build Mackay through hard work, cooperation and strong family values,” Mayor Williamson said.
“For decades, this corner was a meeting place where Maltese migrants gathered to talk business and share stories, ideas and friendship,” he said.
“Today, we are bringing that history into the streetscape in a way that invites everyone to stop, sit and reflect.”
The installation features three life-sized silicon bronze statues depicting Emmanuel Camilleri, John Vassallo and Sam Bezzina, based on an iconic photograph taken at the site in 1994.
The interactive design invites visitors to sit alongside the figures and imagine the conversations that once took place there.
Mackay is regarded as the historical heart of Maltese settlement in Australia, with the region home to the largest population of people of Maltese descent outside Melbourne and Sydney.
Maltese migrants played a vital role in the early sugar industry and continue to contribute strongly across agriculture, business, sport and community life.
Mayor Williamson said the artwork also strengthened Mackay’s identity and sense of place.
“Understanding our shared history helps strengthen community bonds,” he said.
“This tremendous installation promotes understanding, empathy and unity – not just for the Maltese community, but for all migrant groups who have helped make Mackay what it is today.”
The project was delivered by the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc, which formed in 2021 to drive the initiative.
Mackay Regional Council supported the project through a $15,000 Activate My Place grant and a $30,000 Community Grants Program Infrastructure and Assets grant.
Historian and Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc spokesperson Carmel Baretta said in addition to the three bronze statues, two plaques would be unveiled.
“One plaque will tell the story of the Maltese Corner and the other a brief history of the Mosta Permanent Building Society, which evolved as a consequence of the Corner,” Mrs Baretta said.
“It was registered on September 28, 1966, and was situated on the corner of Victoria and Macalister streets, Mackay,” she said.
“The original directors were Joseph Camilleri, Paul Camilleri, Antonio Camilleri and George Formosa.
“After serving the community for 14 years, a meeting was called on April 27, 1980 and a motion passed to merge with the Pioneer Permanent Building Society.
“It is believed that this may have been the first Maltese Building Society in Australia and it is worthy of acknowledgment as part of Mackay’s history.”
The bronze artwork for the corner was created by respected Nebo-based artist Kay Paton, whose work features across rural northern Australia.
The installation also forms part of the Mackay Regional Council Heritage Discovery Trail and supports the vision of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area, enhancing liveability, tourism and activation of the city centre.
Light refreshments will be served following the unveiling at St Patrick’s Hall.