Sugar Australia’s Yarraville Refinery turned 150 in August, marking the special milestone with a plaque-unveiling ceremony and morning tea.
Yarraville's longest-serving employees George Azar, Ray Clarke, Martin Speers and Frank Kuczynski unveiled the commemorative plaque.The unveiling duties were given to four of the site’s longest-serving team members: Ray Clarke, Martin Speers, George Azar and Frank Kuczynski.
The ceremony was attended by State Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP, Mayor of Maribyrnong City Council Cr Sarah Carter, and author Carmel Taig, who detailed the rich social history of the Yarraville Refinery in her 2014 book, The Giant by the River.
Yarraville Refinery is the first of Wilmar ANZ’s sites to achieve 150 years of operation, with Macknade Mill in the Herbert region to celebrate the same milestone in 2024.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Sugar Australia Chief Operating Officer Paul Gregory reflected on the refinery’s history, while also looking towards the future of the business.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating 150 years of the Yarraville Sugar Refinery,” Paul said.
“Today presents an important opportunity to reflect on our rich history and acknowledge those who established this extraordinary site.
“We also recognise and express our gratitude to our current team members, whose hard work ensures we continue to deliver some of the world’s best refined sugar to customers around the country.”
State Member for Footscray Ms Katie Hall MP, Mayor of Maribyrnong City Council Councillor Sarah Carter and Sugar Australia COO Paul Gregory.Paul said the business had a responsibility to ensure its actions today created a positive legacy for tomorrow, while always keeping safety top of mind.
“I’m very proud of our Sustainability Vision, which provides a clear pathway to achieving a number of ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality across the business by 2050,” he said.
Yarraville Refinery is Australia’s oldest sugar refinery.
The heritage-listed site remains at the heart of Yarraville and the wider Melbourne community, providing employment opportunities for about 150 Victorians, who help to deliver 60 per cent of Australia’s sugar needs.
More birthday celebrations are planned for Yarraville Refinery over the coming 12 months.
