Last month, the Central Queensland University Foundation conducted a Sugar Heritage Tour of Mackay.

CQU PhD student Denise Neville provided commentary for the tour, along with local cane farmer Mr Peter Bonaventura.

The tour commenced at Central Queensland University with a presentation by Denise Neville, which highlighted the early history of cane farming in the district.

Participants then enjoyed an air-conditioned tour through Planlands, Ooralea and on to Habana, where they disembarked to inspect some freshly planted sugar cane and view a 40-year old movie depicting early cane harvesting and milling techniques.

After a tour of Farleigh Mill, participants enjoyed a buffet lunch and trivia quiz.

The tour concluded with a photographic display and special presentation by Laraine Schembri of the Mackay Maltese Club.

CQU Foundation Coordinator and tour organiser Natalie Arthur said, “the tour was enjoyed by all participants and some very positive and encouraging feedback was received.".

“Although future tours are not planned at this stage I have received many calls from interested members of the public, and Mackay Tourism would like to see a similar tour become a regular offering for Mackay tourists,” she said.

Photo 1: Tour guide Peter Bonaventura shows participants how sugar cane is grown.

Photo 2: Tour participants inside Farleigh Mill.