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VALE GRAHAM DAVIES AM

Photo supplied by Mackay Sugar Limited

The sugarcane industry has farewelled a leader of the sector.

Former Mackay Sugar Chairman Graham Davies AM is being remembered as an instrumental leader in the sugarcane industry, with his influence in the formation of Mackay Sugar Cooperative cited among his greatest legacies.

Tributes have reflected on Mr Davies’ more than 40 years of service in leadership positions. He has been commemorated as the driving force in the merger of the Mackay District mills and the acquisition of Pleystowe mill to form Mackay Sugar Co-operative in the late 1980s.

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg extended condolences to Mr Davies’ family on behalf of the organisation, acknowledging his enduring legacy as an industry leader.

“Mr Davies leaves a legacy of leadership of significant change to Mackay’s sugar industry,” he said. “He was instrumental in the rationalisation of Mackay Sugar Limited. It was a controversial move, but he had a vision, believed in it and was able to deliver it, which is a rare quality.”

Prior to the merger, Mr Davies was a long-term board member and subsequent chairman of Racecourse Mill Co-operative. He and his family have been growers and suppliers to the Racecourse Mill for many years. Following the amalgamation, Mr Davies became the inaugural chairman of Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited and subsequently Mackay Sugar Limited between 1988 and 2003. He was also a representative of numerous sugar industry association working parties and boards, including Queensland Sugar Limited.

In 2011, Mr Davies was made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to primary industry, particularly the Australian sugar industry through executive roles, and to the development of agribusiness and regional communities.

Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral on April 21.