IT WAS a sweet reunion for former workers of the Proserpine Mill on Friday.

The annual reunion once again enjoyed good attendance as former workers shared stories and caught up on old times.

Guests were also given a tour of the mill, which provided a rare insight into the changes it has faced in its time.

Event organiser Ron Read said the mill still held a special place in his heart.

Mr Read started as an apprentice fitter at the mill back in 1953.

"We started this as an annual event in 1999," he said.

"We were just having a beer and someone suggested we have a reunion."

Mr Read worked at the mill for 46 years.

He said one of the highlights was the progress he made going from an apprentice fitter to a maintenance engineer.

He said a lot had changed over the years in terms of its operation.

"Much has changed in regards to safety - everywhere you look there are guards and fences," he said. "There's also a lot of automation involved.

"Everywhere you go things are computerised now."

Former chief engineer Frank Doolan said the amount of machines currently used was "remarkable" and "unheard of" during his time.

"Years ago we took the cane through the town," Mr Doolan said.

"That's a big change how it's now further up through the highway.

"We had all the bins coming past and we carried them, crushed them and squashed our fingers.

"I had a great team - John Dammash, Ron Read, Rob Green and John Catling.

"It was the best mill in Australia when we were here."