General News
7 June, 2026
Vale Mary Calvert
COMMUNITY organisations across Cairns are paying tribute to Mary Calvert, nèe Mitrovic, following her recent death after a lifetime of service to sport, multiculturalism and community life in the Far North.
Ms Mitrovic was a founding member and long-serving secretary of the Serbian Cultural and Information Centre Cairns Inc, where she helped establish the organisation’s permanent home on Greenslopes Street.
The organisation described her as one of its longest-serving members and founders, saying she would be “missed and never forgotten”.
Her contribution to Cairns extended well beyond the Serbian community. She assisted new arrivals through the Migrant Resource Centre and held a range of positions with the former Cairns and District Soccer Association and later FNQ Football, including serving as secretary and on boards.
She was also awarded a lifetime membership and remained actively involved with Edge Hill United Football Club.
Ms Mitrovic was a longtime member of the Cairns Cultural Coordinating Association and worked closely with multicultural groups across the region.
Former CARMA president Kesa Strieby said Ms Mitrovic had been a steadfast supporter of the organisation and the wider Cairns community.
“Thank you for your kindness, commitment and endless support for CARMA and the Cairns communities,” Ms Strieby wrote in a tribute.
“Without your support, things would not have been the same for CARMA.”
Football administrator Keiren O’Brien also acknowledged her influence on the sport in Far North Queensland.
“Your mum was a huge positive influence on myself and many others,” he wrote to the family.
“She was a pioneer and champion of football, leading the way in being proper, but yet holding passion for football and community. She truly led the way being a strong advocate for what is right.”
Away from her community work, Ms Mitrovic was known for her involvement in horse racing. Family members said she kept racehorses at her Edge Hill property and won the Cairns Cup through the Cairns Jockey Association. She was also a familiar face at race meetings, known for her love of fashion and bespoke outfits.
Her family said she drew strength from the Cairns community and gave her all in return, leaving a legacy that spans sporting clubs, cultural organisations and migrant support services across the Far North.
