Meet Canegrowers Proserpine Manager

Brendon Nothard

Starting his position in January following the retirement of much-loved previous manager, Mike Porter, the new Manager of Canegrowers Proserpine, Brendon Nothard, certainly hit the ground running.

and thanks to the organisers, volunteers, and sponsors who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event to life.

Their commitment, dedication, and countless hours of hard work are the driving force behind the success of the Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft.

Their passion for preserving our traditions and creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend is amazing.

The Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft event also plays a significant role in boosting our local economy.

Visitors from near and far flock to our region, injecting vitality into our businesses and providing an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality that the Whitsunday region is renowned for.

Just a reminder that the Collinsville Community Catch-up will be held at the Collinsville Community Centre on Wednesday, June 21 from 9am to 11am.

This is the fourth community catch-up and is an initiative of Council to better connect with our local communities, facilitate a two-way flow of information, provide an update on Council projects relevant to you, and hearing residents’ thoughts about these projects and other issues affecting the local community.

Originally from South Africa, Brendon has lived in Australia since 2017 and spent the last five years working for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Mackay where 80 per cent of his time was spent in sugar.

Previously, while in South Africa he worked in a similar position for the South African Canegrowers Association.

Brendon is on-hand every day to assist his membership base of more than 130 growers located between Bloomsbury and south of Bowen.

He helps with a range of queries that includes business support and collective milling agreements, regular mill audits to ensure transparency and fair pay for growers, workplace health and safety, and trans- port. The group also offers member fire insurance cover.

Brendon says he is looking forward to a strong sugar season ahead and will continue to work alongside growers to maximise profitability.

“The crop is a bit smaller than last year in terms of quantity, but we are hoping for higher sugar levels with the prediction of a dryer harvesting season,” he said.

“We also have a very good global price – in fact it is the highest it’s been in 40 years!”

The main reason for the increased global sugar prices is that surplus stock has now been exhausted creating concerns of a supply shortage alongside regular increases in demand.

Overall, despite a late finish to the previous season that has left some lower yielding paddocks this year, the season is looking promising for local farmers.