Last Crush Project

In March 2003, Maroochy Libraries was successful in securing a State Library of Queensland Innovations Grant to fund the recording of "The Last Crush" at the Moreton Sugar Mill in Nambour.

Maroochy Libraries undertook this Project in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Mill and Canegrowers Moreton Area to professionally and sensitively record this event.

The "Last Crush" Project captured through film, photography and oral history the events of this last season – the harvest, transportation to the Mill by cane train and road transport, the activities in the Mill itself, recorded conversations with canefarmers, Mill management, train drivers and mill workers, and the final results were:

• A 40-minute documentary film on DVD
• a photographic exhibition
• an oral history record
• and a Last Crush website.

The project was officially launched by the Governor of Queensland at a gala function at the Nambour Civic Centre on Wednesday 17 March 2004. A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the film "The Last Crush" to a capacity cinema audience.

The audience responded with great enthusiasm:

• "A simply stunning event!"
• "My husband and I were quite moved by the film and the portrayal of our town and its community"

DVDs are on sale at Nambour Library for $10.00.