Sunshine Sugar’s new mural revealed as Harwood Sugar Mill in northern NSW revs up for 150 year milestone celebration

A new mural at the entrance of a northern NSW sugar mill has wowed residents and travellers ahead of a 150 year milestone extravaganza celebrating the region’s sugarcane farming history.

Harwood Sugar Mill, west of Yamba on the Clarence River.

A colourful new mural at the entry of the 150-year-old Harwood Sugar Mill is stopping traffic and creating excitement in the little village boasting the oldest Australian-owned sugar mill.

In the lead up to historic celebrations, famed mural and street artist Austin Nitsua has created an artwork reflecting the sugarcane growing and milling history of the Northern Rivers.

The mural has been getting a lot of attention. Picture: Supplied

The mural at Harwood, near Maclean, on the Clarence River exists thanks to the Aussie partnership between the grower-owned NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative and family-owned Manildra Group.

The artwork was commissioned by Sunshine Sugar as the mill prepares to mark 150 years of continuous operation and Australian ownership on the bank of the mighty Clarence.

Harwood Sugar Mill, near Yamba, on the Clarence River and the cricket ground. Picture: Supplied

Sunshine Sugar chief executive officer Chris Connors said not too many businesses in the nation have achieved such a significant milestone.

“This is why we are making the effort to celebrate and promote the resilient industry we have here in NSW,” he said.

Celebrations will include live music, food, children’s activities, roving entertainers, as well as cooking demonstrations and masterclasses with Peter Nicholson of Nicholson Fine Foods and Belinda Jeffery, formerly of Better Homes and Gardens.

The mill’s history will be a focus during the event at Harwood Cricket Oval on Sunday, August 25. Gates are set to open from 9am and the event is due to finish at 3pm.

The oval is the country’s oldest privately-owned cricket ground, according to owners Sunshine Sugar and the mill.

Celebrations are also set to feature a hobby horse race and a range of community stalls

Harwood Hall will act as a museum and open its train to the public.

Originally published as Sunshine Sugar’s new mural revealed as Harwood Sugar Mill in northern NSW revs up for 150 year milestone celebration