Cane Country Legends named at centenary celebrations

Tonight, 39 of them were named Legends of Cane Country before a packed house at Brisbane City Hall.

The gala drew more than 400 growers, families and industry representatives from across Queensland – a rare gathering of cane country in the capital, and a fitting centrepiece of CANEGROWERS' centenary year.

Reaching 100 years is no small feat for a representative organisation. It takes generations of growers seeing the value in standing together, through every change the industry has thrown at them.

A century on, that belief in a collective voice still sits at the heart of CANEGROWERS. 

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the Legends program was about recognising people whose contributions had made a lasting difference to the industry and the communities that depend on it. 

"Every district has people who've gone above and beyond for this industry, often for years on end, without expecting anything in return," Mr Menkens said. 

"They've spoken up for their fellow growers, shared their knowledge, helped others through difficult times and worked to make things better for the people coming after them. 

"Some are well known across the industry, while others have quietly made an enormous difference in their own districts. They all deserve to have their stories told." 

The 39 Legends were selected from around 150 nominations across three categories – Past, Present and Emerging – with some of those in the Past category recognised posthumously. 

Find a full list of Legends here.

The recognition comes 100 years after cane growers gathered in Mackay on 21 January 1926 to establish a united organisation to represent their interests. 

At a time when growers had limited influence over decisions affecting their livelihoods, they recognised that working together gave them a stronger voice. That principle remains at the heart of CANEGROWERS today. 

Throughout 2026, the centenary has been celebrated in districts across Queensland, with local events bringing together growers, their families and the communities that have grown alongside the sugar industry. 

Mr Menkens said it was fitting that the Brisbane gala had brought the statewide celebrations together by recognising people who had helped shape the industry over the past century. 

"CANEGROWERS was built in the districts, and that's still where its strength comes from," he said. 

"And when you look at our Emerging Legends, there's plenty to be encouraged about. We've got young people who are already getting involved, trying new things and making a difference. 

"We're going to need more people like them in the years ahead."