For Lui Raiteri, the time spent within the Proserpine sugar industry is enormous and memorable. Spanning over four generations of the Raiteri clan, Lui has called the Up River farm home for 75 years, and now welcomes his son on to the farm professionally.
During his time in the industry, Lui has held positions on the board of Proserpine mill, BSES and the Co –Operative Federation of QLD and many other industry boards giving back to the industry that has given him so much.
And with Proserpine turning 150 in 2023, Lui could not be prouder of the industry that so heavily influences and promotes Proserpine.
The Proserpine Mill was established in 1897, and led to much of Proserpine’s development, encompassing residential, industry, agricultural and infrastructure development.
From 1931 till 2011, the Proserpine Mill was owned by a grower cooperative, which saw many local growers contribute to the growth and prosperity of the mill.
However, in 2011, while Lui was chairman of the Proserpine Mill Board, the Proserpine Mill was approached by both Wilmar and a Chinese company, who offered to buy out the Mill, and take on ownership.
Taking the offer to the cooperative, the growers of the Mill were initially hesitant, however, after long discussions and much back and forth, the Mill decided to go with the Chinese company’s offer.
“However,” Lui explained, “On the day of settlement, the money wasn’t there. The deal with the Chinese company fell through and the mill went into voluntary administration, as a decision from the growers could not be achieved.
From here, a short fortnight later, the administrator came back to Lui and the Board and gave them one option, to take Wilmar’s offer.
“And the transition was seamless, and each grower received a pay out as well, which was well received, due to previous years not treating us well,” Lui explained.
While this time was hard on Lui and his board, he would do it all over again, as the board at the time were so supportive to him.
“Maybe without all the trauma, but we, as growers, are in a much better spot. As we are now rulers of our own individual destiny.
Over the years, that payout that growers received is one of the most proud moments he remembers as some other areas were not so fortunate.
Lui Raiteri, a third generation Proserpine cane farmer. Photo Credit: Bronte Hodge
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