WISA 2025

Honouring All Women In Sugar

Eighty women from across Queensland’s sugarcane growing and associated industries gathered at the Mantra, Mackay Harbour, for the 2025 Women in Sugar Australia (WISA) Conference on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April. Held annually on a rotating basis, the conference welcomed attendees from the Herbert River, Burdekin, Bundaberg and Mackay districts.

Hosted by the Canegrowers Network Mackay District, this year’s theme was “Honouring All Women in Sugar.” A diverse speaker line-up included gold sponsor representatives and invited guests.

Mrs Monica Galea, a fourth-generation canefarmer’s wife and professional celebrant, brought flair and energy to her role as MC. Canegrowers Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg officially opened the conference, thanking Mackay for hosting and acknowledging the recent hardships faced by growers due to extreme weather.

Mackay Sugar’s Adele Lorimer (GM People and Culture) and Hayley Clancy (Communications and Engagement Coordinator) lightened the mood by inviting attendees to share childhood aspirations with one another, sparking laughter and reflection across the room.

Bronwyn Venus from Sugar Research Australia (SRA) spoke about her work managing innovation projects and highlighted the growing number of women entering plant breeding, agronomy, and crop protection roles.

Crokers Fuels and Oils provided a video showcasing their operations and the Mackay region. Established in 1889, the company supplies bulk fuel and lubricants to farming and other industries throughout Central and North Queensland.

Achmea Australia’s Alison Treston, a Mackay-based senior farm insurance specialist originally from Innisfail, offered insights into custom insurance solutions. Drawing on personal experience with cyclones, floods, and fires, she spoke of Achmea’s commitment to sustainability and protecting rural communities.

Queensland Canegrowers’ Project and Education Coordinator Shikira Kalatzis introduced the new “Bringing Cane Back to the Classroom” initiative. The program features curriculum-aligned resources that explore sugarcane’s journey from farm to product, aiming to inspire the next generation about the industry. It drew significant interest from attendees.

Guest speaker Kerri Carrol of Silent Grove Organics and KC’s Clutter Cure shared her powerful story of personal reinvention. After being made redundant, she embraced change and launched two successful ventures. Now a supplier of local produce and a decluttering coach, Kerri’s journey resonated deeply with the audience.

Misty Di-Filippo (Statewide Conveyancing) and Erin Gibson (McKays Solicitors) co-hosted a Q&A session on common legal scenarios relevant to farming families. Topics included crop and property purchase terms, insurance coverage, and boundary issues—generating useful discussion.

Wade Sanders from Rabobank detailed the bank’s succession planning and financial workshops, alongside charitable initiatives such as Boys to the Bush, George the Farmer, and the Heart Truck of Australia. He also spoke about the Rabo Community Fund’s investment in sustainable agriculture.

Suzie Case, General Counsel and Company Secretary of Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), reflected on her career in a competitive market environment. A Beijing Olympics bronze medallist in water polo, Suzie likened the drive and resilience in sport to QSL’s world-class sugar marketing and finance work.

Gold sponsor Alman Partners presented a video outlining their mission to align clients’ financial decisions with their personal values and life goals.

The day’s second guest speaker, Georgina Devlin (née Jansen), Acting Senior Archival Officer with the National Archives of Australia, delivered an engaging session on accessing government records. A Mt Ossa canefarmer’s daughter, Georgina highlighted sources ranging from cyclone naming history to photos of the sugar industry—inviting attendees to help identify faces and locations from archival images.

Each district—Herbert, Burdekin, Bundaberg and Mackay—shared a visual report of their past year’s activities, concluding the formal conference program.

That evening, guests enjoyed a dinner at the Mantra, with live entertainment from local artist Anette Worthington. Though guest speaker Sarah Brown (Sarina) was unable to attend due to illness, her business profile—Sarah Hearts Photography—was read by MC Monica Galea. Georgina Devlin’s video was replayed for those who missed the earlier session. The evening ended with dancing and plenty of laughter.

Despite wet weather forcing a change in plans for Day 2, the group enjoyed a scenic drive with commentary from Chairperson Ann Jansen, visiting local sites of interest. A last-minute stop at The Leap Hotel provided shelter for morning tea, with the mobile coffee van a welcome addition.

A visit to Corals Down Under followed, where attendees learned about sustainable coral farming for Australian and international markets. The facility’s vivid coral tanks offered a glimpse into a unique and colourful world. Staff welcomed the idea of more school tours in the future.

Lunch at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club wrapped up the two-day conference. WISA 2026 will be hosted by the Burdekin district.

Information provided by Mary Wallace, PR, Canegrowers Network Mackay District

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Group photos of the WISA 2025 attendees. Photos supplied

Canegrowers Network Mackay District Ladies

Mackay Sugar Delegates

Wilmar Sugar Delegates

Guest Speaker Kerri Carroll KC Clutter Cure and Conference MC Monica Galea

Georgina Devlin, Guest Speaker from NAA

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