Queensland farming family, the MacKays, are today celebrating 75 years in business. Normally this would be cause for a large family gathering to celebrate this great milestone, however today the MacKay’s will be working hard on the farms and celebrating via a Zoom call.
“We have embraced the internet for our communication with each other and marketing, but we aren’t used to celebrating together online” said Stephen MacKay. The family have produced a ‘Brady Bunch’ style picture showing them all celebrating, while at home with their families.
Since the establishment of the initial farm by Stanley MacKay in 1945, the MacKay Farming Group now encompasses four generations, seven farms, seven crops, around 550 staff and an annual output of between 2 to 3 million banana cartons.
Even with COVID-19, business goes on as the MacKay’s continue to produce millions of bananas, employ locals and provide healthy food to Australians. Look out for the special 75th anniversary banana carton in stores. “As an ‘essential’ Australian business, work continues daily to maintain quality produce, liaise with staff and manage transport logistics,” said Daniel MacKay.
“This is an anniversary we will always remember, due to the business effects of COVID-19,” said Gavin MacKay. “We have survived Cyclone Yasi, Winifred, Agnes and Larry, so we are used to rising to a challenge. It’s just the nature of farming.”
“We are continuing to work in close partnership with our customers to ensure bananas, avocados and papayas make it to store and continue to be available to consumers,” said Barrie MacKay.
“As fourth generation farmers we do have a lot of good stories. To be ready for our 100 year anniversary we are taking the time to create some time capsules, capture new photos and make video diaries in order to show the fifth and sixth generation how things were for us at the 75 year mark,” said Cameron MacKay.
“It’s been an amazing journey and we would like to thank our grandparents, parents and everyone who has played a role in the last 75 years,” said Stephen MacKay.
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