WOMEN from sugar growing regions around Queensland will converge on Mackay on March 15-16 for the 15th annual Women in Sugar Australia (WISA) conference.
The event is hosted in a different region each year, with the 2016 conference being organised by Mackay’s district Canegrowers network.
Spokesperson and secretary for the network Marice Perna said the group had hosted the WISA Conference every five years for the past 15 years.
“We used to hold them here at Mackay every year before the other regions came on board,” Mrs Perna said.
“We are always very excited when the conference comes around as it gives women in the sugar industry, an opportunity to get together socially, and also discuss and be informed on the latest industry news and other topics of interest.,” she said.
The theme of the 2016 conference is “In Keeping with Reality”, which came about on a return trip from last year’s WISA Conference at Ingham.
“It was all about us returning home - getting back to reality after the conference and we thought this was very fitting for our own event this year.”
She said the group always travelled to attend the WISA Conference in other sugar growing regions.
“It’s always different and there is much fun and learning, but also seeing new things and places - there is usually a tour involved.”
Mrs Perna said the two-day conference would include a day of presentations and speakers followed by a dinner and entertainment on the Tuesday night.
Presentation topics include information on the 38th ASSCT (Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists) Conference being held at Mackay in April, Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS), international trade and finance and the Sarina bio-ethanol operation.
“On day two we go for a tour around the region to show our visitors some of the wonderful places we enjoy here in the Mackay region.”
The conference is aimed at women and men in the sugar industry, but non-industry people interested in learning more about the sugarcane industry or networking with the group are also welcome.
State chairman of Canegrowers Queensland Paul Schembri will open the conference at 9am, and chairman of Canegrowers Mackay Kevin Borg will give a brief presentation throughout the day.
Registrations to attend the event are available at the Canegrowers Mackay Wood Street office, on the Canegrowers Mackay website at www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au or on Canegrowers Mackay’s Facebook page.
WISA 2016 will be held at St Paul’s Church Hall, Macalister Street, Mackay. Registrations close Friday, February 12.