We think global,

Act local

Right across THE Sugar City, everyone knows someone connected to sugar. At Mackay Sugar, we are deeply intertwined with our community by being the primary contributor to our industry’s annual $784 million impact on our local economy – we are also a major employer in the region with approximately 800 employees seasonally, purchasing goods and services from more than 500 local suppliers and businesses, and we provide almost $300 million in cane payments to Mackay Sugar growers and enterprises.

We also make significant contributions to our community through various donations, sponsorships, and initiatives totalling $150,000 annually. The local activities we support are closely aligned to our purpose and values and are aimed at supporting people who live and work in the region, helping to shape Mackay’s reputation as being THE Sugar City of Australia.

Advocating for our local community

Community Involvement

Mackay Sugar is proud of our long history in the region and we’re excited to be a major player in its future, too. We recognize that creating sustainable value goes beyond economic input and we take pride in our longstanding presence as an iconic community member. As a major employer and partner to local sugar cane growers, we acknowledge our social responsibility to foster and advocate for a sustainable future for Mackay's sugar cane industry.

Each year, we make substantial contributions to our local economy and community, directing funds to local charities and organisations dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents and workers. Furthermore, we extend financial and in-kind support to various community groups aiming to highlight and commemorate Mackay's sugar cane heritage, eagerly anticipating Mackay's reinstatement as "THE Sugar City."

In addition to our corporate initiatives, our employees actively demonstrate their support for our community through participation in numerous fundraising events and local campaigns, raising awareness on critical community issues such as mental health, suicide prevention, homelessness, animal welfare, and more.

Some of our regular Corporate Sponsorships and Donations include:

RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter
Ronald McDonald Family Room, Mackay
St Vincent De Paul Society
Red Cross, Mackay Branch
The Salvation Army
Lifeline Mackay
Mackay State High School
Mirani State High School
Calen District College
Sugarcane Competition, Mackay Show
Pioneer Valley Rail Trail
Mackay Sugar Pavilion, Mackay Show
Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo
Chelona State School
Finch Hatton MTB
Homebush State School
Mackay Hospital Foundation
Mackay Women's Services
QLD Police Legacy

Crushing Season

Cane Rail Safety

With a cane train rail network spanning some 852km, 34 locomotives and more than 6,600 sugar cane bins, it’s important to Mackay Sugar that our community remains safe during the annual Crushing season.

To help raise awareness of the risks associated with sugar cane trains during the Crush, Mackay Sugar funds an annual Cane Train Awareness campaign that’s extensively broadcast across mainstream and social media throughout the season.

During the 2023 season, we launched our newest campaign We Share the Same Backyard to highlights the unique attributes we all share by living and working in THE Sugar City.

The campaign focused on four key community hazards including;

Occupational Crossings

Not all level crossings have boom gates, lights, or signs and some may not be where you expect them.

Keeping People Safe

Interfering with rail infrastructure not only risks people’s lives, it is also a criminal offence.

Running Lights

There is never an excuse for running lights at level crossings.

Walking out on Bridges

Walking out on rail bridges is never safe.

There’s a lot to learn about sugar!

Education

At Mackay Sugar we’re experts in the production of raw sugar and molasses, and the cogeneration of green electricity, and we’ve compiled a library of handy fact sheets and information for those who want to know more.

Fact Sheets available to download

Nothing is Wasted

Production of Raw Sugar

Start your Sweet Career

There’s a T-Rex in My Paddock

Authored by a passionate Mackay local, “There’s a T-Rex in my paddock” is a wonderful depiction of the cane farming industry in North Queensland. A great story for kids young and old.

Purchase Here