Donald Mackay (anti-drugs campaigner)
| Donald Mackay | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Donald Bruce Mackay 13 September 1933 Griffith, New South Wales |
| Died | 15 July 1977 (aged 43) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Anti-drugs campaigning |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Mackay (m. 1957–77) |
| Children | James, Paul, Ruth and Mary |
Donald Bruce Mackay (13 September 1933 – 15 July 1977) was an Australian anti-drugs campaigner who came to media attention and fame in 1977 through the circumstances of his murder.
Mackay was born in Griffith and raised in Sydney. He and his family ran a local furniture business called Mackay's Furniture.
His wife Barbara (1935–2001) was an active member of the Uniting Church in Griffith and directed a great number of musicals for young children in Griffith, including Spindles and the Lamb and It's cool in the Furnace. Today, the Mackay family still has a property in Griffith. Donald Mackay's son, Paul, runs the family furniture store.
In 1974, Mackay stood as a Liberal Party candidate for the House of Representatives against Al Grassby in the seat of Riverina. He also stood for political office in 1973 and 1976 but was never elected. However, his preferences went to the Country Party candidate John Sullivan, allowing him to unseat Grassby.
Concerned about the growing drug trade in his local area, and learning of a large crop of marijuana in nearby Coleambally, Mackay informed Sydney drug squad detectives, resulting in several arrests and the conviction of four men of Italian descent. At the trial of the arrested men, Mackay was identified as the whistleblower.
An attempt was made to lure Mackay to Jerilderie by a "Mr Adams" who wished to make a large order of furniture from Mackay's family business. Mackay, busy with other matters, sent employee Bruce Pursehouse to meet "Adams", who did not approach Pursehouse. This is believed to have been an attempt to assassinate Mackay. Pursehouse later identified a man he had seen at Jerilderie as a suspect in the Mackay killing.
On 15 July 1977, Mackay disappeared from a hotel car park after having drinks with friends and has never been found. Stains from his blood group were evident on his van and the ground nearby, and his car keys were underneath the van. Nearby were drag marks, hair, and three spent .22 calibre cartridges.
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