Mackay couple Neil and Pamela Pratt count William the Conqueror as their relative

And just like the 11th century monarch left his mark on England, so too has this family on Calen, Bloomsbury, Cameron’s Pocket, Mt Pelion and Mirani.

Heidi Petith and Heidi.Petith@news.com.au

3 min read

May 23, 2021 - 5:00AM

Neil Pratt and wife Pamela Pratt have a rich history throughout the Calen, Bloomsbury and Cameron's Pocket area. Picture: Heidi Petith, as part of the Daily Mercury's and Mackay Regional Council's My Town visits.

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A pioneering Mackay region family can count the late William the Conqueror and Princess Diana as distant relatives.

Pamela Pratt said she could not believe it when she discovered her and husband Neil were royal descendants, thanks to a fellow family member doing genealogical research.

And just like the 11th century monarch left his mark on England, so too have the Pratts on Calen, Pindi Pindi, Bloomsbury, Cameron's Pocket, Mt Pelion, Mirani and Proserpine.

The family's history dates back to David and Isabella Pratt arriving in Mackay from Scotland in September, 1883 - documented in the book We, Us and Co.

Mackay residents Isabel Dunn (nee Pratt) and her son, Alan co-authored We, Us & Co. The Pioneers of St Helens, released in 2016. Picture: Contributed

Mr Pratt said his grandfather was the first to settle in Calen in the early 1920s, going on to establish a cane farm.

He himself took up the cane farmer life at age 15, and now the Pratts' six-year-old grandson was in line to become the sixth generation to work the same land.

"You should see him with all the tractors and loaders," Mrs Pratt said with a laugh.

Neil Pratt and wife Pamela Pratt. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mrs Pratt, who was a Durnsford before marriage, said her grandfather was reared in Nebo and became a stockman.

She said her family acquired land in the St Helen's district which is where she met Neil at a junior farmer's dance.

They married shortly after and will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next year.

This story was thanks to the My Town series - a Daily Mercury and Mackay Regional Council initiative.

At the Daily Mercury's and Mackay Regional Council's My Town visit to Zarby's Cafe at Mount Ossa on Friday, May 14 were (from back left): Lorraine Turner, Councillor Pauline Townsend and Linda Blizzard, and in front: Neil Pratt and his wife Pamela Pratt. Picture: Heidi Petith

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