Sugar Shed and Ibis Mackay recognised nationally in tourism industry

The Sarina Sugar Shed and Ibis Mackay will put the Mackay region on the map at the upcoming 2016 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday (24 February) in Darwin.

They are among 19 other Queensland finalists vying for a national award.

This is the second year in a row Sarina Sugar Shed, Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distiller, has contested the Australian Tourism Awards.

The Mackay Regional Council-owned tourism facility took out two gold awards for Excellence in Food Tourism and Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries at the Queensland Tourism Awards late last year.

That automatically qualified the Sugar Shed for the national awards in both categories – the same categories it contested at last year’s Australian Tourism Awards in Melbourne.

Cr Karen May, of Sarina, and Sugar Shed co-ordinator Glenys Mansfield will travel to Darwin for the awards.

“We are extremely proud that Sarina Sugar Shed is again in the running for national awards,’’ Cr May said.

“This facility continues to punch above its weight against some of the heavyweights in food tourism and wineries, distilleries and breweries in Australia,’’ she said.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to promote Sarina Sugar Shed and the Mackay region on a national stage.” 

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