It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of our beloved, Mother, Daughter & Sister, Kelly McBride.

Kelly was only 39 years old. She was a proud Indigenous woman, deeply connected to her Songlines and heritage through the Kaantju, Olkola, Djiru, Jirrbal, Butchulla, Bundjalung, Woppaburra and Gunditjmara peoples. Her roots ran strong through Palm Island, K'Gari and beyond, carrying the strength and legacy of our grandparents and Elders.

Above all, Kelly was a devoted mother to her beautiful son, Lorence. He was her whole world. Everything she did — every kilometre travelled, every early morning worked, every long day on the show circuit — was for him.

Kelly had been travelling across Australia working on the show circuit, selling showbags and embracing the journey. From Mossman to Geelong, across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, she met people from all walks of life and found joy in the simple things — especially the smiles on children’s faces. She never saw it as just a job. To her, it was a lifestyle, an adventure, and time shared with her son.

Kelly carried quiet strength. She came from a line of strong women — our grandmother Florence Izzard, Irene McBride and our mother Charmaine McBride — and generations before them. Even through life’s hardships, including losing her father at a young age, she remained resilient, loving, and proud of who she was and where she came from.

Now, as a family, we are facing the unimaginable — saying goodbye far too soon.

We are seeking to raise $18,000 to cover funeral expenses and give Kelly the farewell she deserves. As an Indigenous family with deep cultural ties, it is important for us to honour her properly and lay her to rest with dignity, love, and respect.

This sudden loss has left us heartbroken and unprepared financially. Any contribution — no matter how small — will help ease the burden on our family during this devastating time.

Please donate & please share this page and keeping Kelly, Lorence, and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Our sister was strong. She was loving. She was proud. And she will forever be missed.

Thank you for standing with us and helping us honour Kelly’s life.