Tully Chosen As New Home For Historic Collection

Established at Mourilyan in 1977, the Australian Sugar Industry Museum had its origins in the former Sugarama Theatre, built by the Micale family in the 1950s. Almost 50 years later, the collection is preparing for a new home in Tully, as part of a broader celebration of the region's rich agricultural history

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It's the news Tully has been waiting for – the Australian Sugar Industry Museum committee has voted to bring its historic collection to Tully, choosing the town over a competing proposal from Gordonvale.

The decision, made at a committee meeting on Tuesday night, is a significant victory for the local group working to establish the Wet Tropics Agricultural Heritage Centre at the former Tully Visitor Information Centre.

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Dr Rob Magarey, who has been closely involved in developing the proposal alongside William Moran and other local supporters, welcomed the decision as an exciting step forward for the town.

"All the museum exhibits are coming to Tully and all the finance seems to be coming to Tully as well," Rob said.

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While the financial arrangements are yet to be formally documented or confirmed, the decision by the committee, chaired by Sam Spina, provides the green light for the Tully group to begin putting its plans into action.

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The announcement follows the recent decision by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to approve a Facility Use Agreement for the former Visitor Information Centre on the Bruce Highway at Tully, subject to conditions that included the outcome of the museum committee's deliberations.

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Rob confirmed that Council had already been in contact to progress arrangements for the lease, including ensuring the building is in good condition before it is handed over.

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But the vision for the new centre extends well beyond sugar.

The Wet Tropics Agricultural Heritage Centre aims to celebrate the remarkable agricultural history of the Tully district and surrounding region – from the pioneering timber cutters and cattle graziers to the development of the sugar and banana industries that have become synonymous with Far North Queensland.

The proposal brings together the stories of these industries, the families who established them, and the machinery, innovations and hard work that transformed the district.

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The former Australian Sugar Heritage Centre collection, previously housed at Mourilyan before the devastating floods associated with Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, includes historic locomotives, tractors, harvesters, photographs, documents and other artefacts.

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As William Moran explained when the proposal was first announced, "We want to bring them all together in a museum right here on the highway."

The immediate priority will be to reopen the existing building as a Visitor Information Centre, incorporating a selection of heritage exhibits and potentially providing opportunities to book local attractions and Tully Sugar mill tours.

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A business plan has already been prepared, and the local committee is expected to meet shortly to consider the next steps.

However, Rob emphasised that while the decision is cause for celebration, there is still considerable work ahead.

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The longer-term vision includes purpose-built exhibition sheds to accommodate larger machinery and collections, including a dedicated display celebrating the banana industry. These plans remain subject to development approvals, including from State Government authorities.

The group also intends to continue discussions with Dr Valerie Keenan and supporters of the proposed Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct about opportunities for collaboration.

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And while there are still plans to finalise, approvals to secure and plenty of hard work ahead, one thing is certain – Tully has taken a significant step towards preserving and celebrating its rich agricultural history, ensuring the stories of the industries and people who shaped the district are shared with generations to come.

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