Tributes for respected Indigenous leader Carolyn McCarthy

A mother of five helped domestic violence victims and was a staunch Indigenous advocate before police allege she was stabbed to death by her partner.

Proud Mamu woman Carolyn McCarthy was allegedly killed by her partner Floyd Tomarra at South Innisfail on Friday June 28. Picture: Supplied

A mother of five helped domestic violence victims and was a staunch Indigenous advocate before police allege she was stabbed to death by her partner.

Carolyn McCarthy, a proud Mamu woman, was at her Mighell home in South Innisfail when she was allegedly stabbed by Floyd Tomarra about 4pm on Friday, June 28.

She desperately stumbled up Scullen Ave to a neighbour’s house for help but the 51-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene.

Police set up a crime scene at a Scullen Ave address on Friday after a Carolyn McCarthy was allegedly killed by her partner. Photo: Peter Carruthers

Relative Meleesha Hart said the entire community of Innisfail was reeling after learning of Ms McCarthy’s fate.

“Everyone is shocked,” she said.

“She has a lot of love for the community and she was always a part of events like NAIDOC Week, she was a really beautiful woman and she showed respect and was a good role model for the younger ones.

“She was a beautiful soul and we are still really baffled.”

Carolyn McCarthy (centre) with Chynnasha Tomarra and Glenda Daw at Black Lives Matter protest in Innisfail in 2020. Picture: JOSHUA DAVIES

Identifying as a proud descendant of the Mamu, Bar-Barrum and Yidinji peoples the grandmother was also a board member of the Chjowai Housing Co-Operative Society.

She was a beacon of positivity and hope for those less fortunate, Ms Hart said.

The Scullen Ave address was taped off with evidence markers identifying points of interest on the driveway last week following the death of Carolyn McCarthy. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“She was very family oriented and for the community, she was always making sure the ones that had it rough were looked after and she would take them in,” Ms Hart said.

“She was always doing stuff with victims of DV, she is a beautiful person and was there for a lot of people, it’s a big shock for the whole town

“It’s so sad.”

Just a week before her death, the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer shared her joy at starting a new customer service role with Kmart Innisfail.

“Enjoyed meeting and greeting customers, can’t wait to work my next shift,” she posted on Linkedin.

“Customers were so happy and supportive when I informed them they could take our free NAIDOC posters we had displayed at the entry of the store.

“We will be keeping the fire burning, we will be loud, black and proud.”

Carolyn McCarthy in her Kmart uniform was excited about her new role as a customer support officer. Picture: Supplied

But before that “next shift” the mother of five had her life cut tragically short.

Well known as a traditional owner and community champion, Ms McCarthy was a passionate organiser of annual NAIDOC events and took to the streets in 2020 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Photos from the event show Ms McCarthy dressed in clothing adorned with the Indigenous flag and holding a protest sign.

Another community member with links to the Mamu Aboriginal Corporation, who asked to remain anonymous, paid respect to his elder.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Carolyn, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunty, taken from us far too soon,” he said.

“This tragedy impacts not only her immediate family but also friends, neighbours, and all who knew her. We mourn both her loss and the brutal manner of her death.

“In our sorrow, we stand united to honour Carolyn’s memory and raise awareness about domestic violence, supporting those who may be suffering silently.

“Let us remember Carolyn for her legacy of love and compassion.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this unimaginable time.”

Having been injured after police allege he crashed a getaway car into a truck on the Bruce Hwy on Friday, Ms McCarthy’s alleged killer and partner Floyd Tomarra has been unable to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on a series of charges including murder.

His matter on Tuesday was adjourned to November 15.

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Originally published as Tributes for respected Indigenous leader Carolyn McCarthy