The locality takes its name from a former railway station, named on 31 August 1922 by the Queensland Railways Department. The name is probably a corruption of the Palestinian place Maadan, a significant base area on the strategic railway built into the Sinai Peninsula in World War I, known to the Australian Light Horse units.[3] Alternatively, the name may originate from Maadi (sometimes spelt Meadi), on the then edge of the desert south of Cairo, where Maadi (Meadi) Camp accommodated AIF Light Horse brigades when staying in Egypt during World War I.[3]
Demographics
In the 2016 census, Maadi had a population of 44 people.[7]
In the 2021 census, Maadi had a population of 49 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Maadi. The nearest government primary schools are El Arish State School in neighbouring El Arish to the north and Feluga State School in Feluga to the south-west. The nearest government secondary school is Tully State High School in Tully to the south-west.[8]