Much too sweet for a sugar mill

HOW SWEET it is to have Marjorie Cox a pioneer who ran Queensland sugar mills predominantly run by men for 40 years living at Immanuel Gardens.

Marjorie began working as a 13-year-old junior chemist analysing juice produce at mills outside of Bundaberg and Mackay.

Trailblazer Marjorie broke new ground in a male-dominated industry and only retired at 62-years-old because of union enforced laws.

“I spent 19 sugar seasons working in Nambour at a sugar mill and many of the small mills I worked at no longer exist,” she said.

“I even worked through World War Two in the 1940s during a time when it cost just a penny to go from Queen St to the Botanical Gardens on a tram.” 

Marjorie said while working in the sugar mills she started working in the industrial chemistry area analysing the size of sugar crystals.

One of her positions required her to oversee the mill and ensure it was doing the right thing by the farmers at a time when there was a minority of women working in trade-based professions.

The work was seasonal and Marjorie used her time off to travel around the world and she even worked in London as a computer calculator operator.

The over 80-year-old has lived at Immanuel Gardens in Buderim for six years in an Independent Living Unit.

“The Sunshine Coast has changed so much since I came to live in the region 44 years ago,” she said.

“I could see three lights at Mooloolaba and five at Christmas back then and now the city landscape is all lit up.

“I am happy at Immanuel Gardens. It’s very convenient and pleasant and it’s given me the opportunity to become a better bridge player.”  

Immanuel Gardens provides the 242 residents with independent living units, low and high care facilities, with a social program including activities such as music, bowling and community lunches.

The retirement community located on the north-eastern slope of Buderim Mountain on the Sunshine Coast enjoys a private bush setting over 77 acres of undulating green space with ocean views.

Immanuel Gardens Manager Steve Stacey said one of the bonuses of Immanuel Gardens Retirement Village was the extended care services including low and high care.

“We also have Community Aged Care Packages (CACPS) available to residents in their home.

“The diversity of care allows couples to remain connected while their individual health needs are met.

“This aged care facility is governed by a not-for-profit service provider built on integrity with strong values ensuring residents’ needs are kept at the forefront of their daily living experiences.”