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Growers have a strong voice in an important role following the election of Babinda sugarcane grower and CANEGROWERS Cairns Region Chairman
Stephen Calcagno to the Board of Sugar Terminals Limited (STL).
It was the first time CANEGROWERS had taken the step of publicly endorsing a candidate. Mr Calcagno was confirmed as the replacement for retiring director and Mossman grower Drew Watson on the STL board, joining Mackay grower Tony Bartolo who was elected by G-Class shareholders in 2018.
As the sugar industry’s bulk terminal owner, STL plays an important role in maintaining Australia's reputation as a reliable supplier and exporter of raw sugar to the world market, Mr Calcagno said.
“I thank my fellow growers for their support and confidence,” he said. “There is a lot of uncertainty around at the minute, but I see a bright future for this industry and I want to make sure that we make the best decisions possible for growers at all levels.”
Mr Calcagno believes that growers have a unique viewpoint on many issues and said it's important these views are heard, just as the STL Board structure allows for, and that growers voices are not drowned out by other industry players.
A fourth-generation cane grower, Mr Calcagno has represented his fellow growers since 2004 and is currently the Chairman of CANEGROWERS Cairns Region. In 2019, he was elected to the QCGO Board where he has been heavily involved in negotiations and policy-making on some of the toughest challenges facing the industry.
“With Stephen Calcagno, growers are in safe hands,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri said. “He is an experienced representative dedicated to his fellow growers who is also open minded and forward-thinking meaning he will work with other board members for the benefit of the company and the industry as a whole. I wish him well in his new role.”