‘Dearly loved’ a tribute to Mackay leader Wayne Blackburn

Mackay motorcycle enthusiast, activist and community leader Wayne Blackburn took one final ride with his friends and family on January 5.

Motorcycle enthusiast Wayne Blackburn’s body was taken on one last ride from his home to the Mackay Harbour and then to his final resting place. Photo: Fergus Gregg

An honour guard of motorcyclists, friends and family carried Wayne Blackburn from Mackay Harbour to his final resting place on Friday, January 5.

Wayne Blackburn, better known by the nickname Preacher, passed away on December 19, 2023 and was laid to rest in a Christian ceremony.

His daughter, Carlene, gave a heartfelt, improvised eulogy and members of many organisations from across the ideological spectrum came together to pay respects to a man who stood as a leader in all of their communities.

A motorcyclist since the age of 16, Wayne never joined a motorcycle club, but rode with many of Australia’s biggest groups, including the Southern Cross Sons and the Rebels.

A devout Christian, Wayne always took it upon himself to bless the bikes of the organisations he rode with before starting a journey.

Wayne Blackburn, a leader of his community and beloved father, was commemorated at the Mackay Seventh-day Adventist Church on Friday, January 5. Photo: contributed

Wayne’s daughter, Carlene, said he worked with a lot of different clubs and organisations, but “he never pushed his beliefs on anyone”.

Wayne worked as a butcher and also coached the North Mackay AFL team The Saints.

He also took the time to coach his daughter’s hockey team at Mackay Christian College.

“He was a Christian man who loved his motorbike, who loved his children and who loved his grandchildren,” she said.

“He would always help out his community.”

Wayne volunteered to mentor people in his community who were struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

He would also help members of his community who had previously been involved in criminal activities to reform and re-enter society.

Wayne had standing commitments at the Handlebar Heaven campground and at a Mackay Men’s Shed.

Members of the different clubs that he rode with gathered at Mackay Harbour at 10am on January 5.

A close friend of Wayne’s attached his coffin to a modified sidecar on his bike and brought Wayne’s body to the harbour.

Wayne Blackburn's honour guard rode with him through Mackay. Photo: Fergus Gregg

There the many motorcycle enthusiasts who had spent time with Wayne over the years formed an honour guard and took their friend for one final ride at 10.30am.

“Our words are always and forever, ‘ride or die’,” said Carlene.

“I feel alone, but I know I’m not alone.

“He is dearly loved by many, always and forever.”

Wayne ‘Preacher’ Blackburn is loved and remembered by his three children, three grandchildren and all those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.