No Drama, Just Cane

A colourful new children’s book by Mackay author and teacher Nikki Townley is winning hearts across the region and even making its way to Canberra.

No Drama Cane Farmer, released in April, is a charming, rhyming story that takes young readers on an educational journey through the sugar industry. From planting and harvesting to processing and sweet treats, Nikki breaks down the sugarcane industry in a fun and inclusive way, helping children understand where the food on their table really comes from.

The illustrations are vibrant and feature real moments from a sugar cane farmers day-to-day operations.

Since its release, No Drama Cane Farmer has quickly grown in popularity, especially among families in rural communities. It’s also stocked at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre beside the Big Mango, joining the range of locally themed merchandise available to tourists and locals alike.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team were always looking for new merchandise to expand the range on offer at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango.

“We love stocking local and regional products,” she said.

“Many of our visitors are looking for gifts for family and friends – and this is an excellent educational present.

“It tells the story of cane-farming in an easy-to-read format with great illustrations.

“We actually contacted the author after a visitor had asked if we were going to stock it as they had already heard about it.”

The book has even earned a place in Parliament House.

Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox MP has added the book to their office collection, describing it as “A fantastic story of our sugar cane growing industry, in a family friendly manner,” and “A great conversation starter and a welcome change from the usual paperwork!”

“With Dawson being the largest cane growing region of our country, I was proud to bring this little piece of home to our nations capital.”

Readers have praised the book for its accuracy and appeal, with calls for it to be made available in school libraries, especially in city areas where children may have little exposure to the agricultural sector or a small understanding on where their food comes from.

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