News and Reviews
Supporting a Resilient Cane Industry
Supporting a Resilient Cane Industry
BY SUNSHINE SUGAR
Sunshine Sugar was recently awarded financial support under the jointly funded State and Federal ‘Supply Chain Support Grant Program’.
The objective of this grant is to enable flood affected agricultural processing businesses and co-operatives to improve their future flood resilience capabilities.
Previously, Sunshine Sugar was successful in receiving flood support under the Anchor Grant program which saw assistance of some $12m under the State and Federal scheme. This funding was a critical contribution towards the immediate rebuild and repair efforts directly following the flood events of 2022.
CEO of Sunshine Sugar, Chris Connors explained; “The first phase of support under the Anchor Grant played an important role in our immediate efforts to get our three sugar mills up and running and our growers’ crops crushed as quickly as possible following the floods. The total cost of this phase was more than $40m, with the balance of funding coming from a combination of insurance and our own funds.”
This recently announced Supply Chain Support Grant (SCSG) will be targeted toward flood mitigation works at the Condong Sugar Mill in the Tweed region. The flood mitigation works at the Condong Sugar Mill are likely to include the construction of levee walls and mounds, along with raising of at-risk equipment.
“We have secured the maximum amount of $2m that we are eligible for under the SCSG, which we will match with an additional $2m,” said Mr Connors.
Condong Sugar Mill during the 2022 floods.
The utilisation of the grant for such flood mitigation works demonstrates a strategic approach to addressing the challenges posed by floods, and given the limitations of the one-off grant, prioritising one site is the most pragmatic decision to maximise the impact of the available funds.
Done properly, a comprehensive flood mitigation program across all three sugar mills and the refinery would likely take multiple years and cost upwards of $30m.
Mr Connors’ emphasised the significance of flood mitigation in the absence of viable insurance coverage as the best approach to protecting the business and its assets long term.
As such, Sunshine Sugar will continue advocating for and exploring additional funding avenues to implement comprehensive flood resilience measures across all its facilities.
“Overall, we feel this proactive approach along with the support received from government grants are essential steps in safeguarding the cane industry against the impact of floods and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business and the communities it serves.”
Sunshine Sugar stands out as the sole 100% Australian grown, made, and owned sugar manufacturer, operating in partnership with the grower-owned NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative and the family-owned Manildra Group.
For more rural news, click here.
New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.
Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”
At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.
The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”
A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.
For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.
Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore
Albert Park Baseball Grounds
Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024
Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness
Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.
There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.
Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!
To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway
Dementia awareness
Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness
Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.
“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.
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