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Edward Knox and fellow directors formed The Colonial Sugar Refining Company on the 1st January 1855 as a company to refine imported raw sugar and market sugar products in the Australian colonies. It was a partnership of unlimited liability with a capital of 150,000 pounds.

Demand for sugar products grew and there was a demand for a second Refining company to be established in Melbourne. The Victoria Sugar Company was formed in 1857. Over the next few years demand continued to increase but supplies of raw sugar for refining were difficult to obtain. It was decided that a partial solution was to enter the cane growing industry in the Northern Rivers area of North-eastern NSW. Harwood mill was built in 1870 and several other mills during the 1870's.

From these enterprising beginnings CSR expanded into building materials and Aluminium smelting plus a large number of other industries along the way. The Company now employs approximately 15,000 people and is ranked in the top 100 of Companies on the Australian Share market.

The Company has always been very employee-focused and there are a great many employees who have worked for the Company all their lives – certainly 30 years service was not uncommon and there are many who achieved 40+ years. Similarly there are many 2nd and even 3rd generation employees who demonstrate the loyalty and commitment most staff felt towards the Company. This past employees association was set up to recognize this long association people have to the Company and to the people who have been employed in it. The Association aims to facilitate communication and interaction amongst CSR past and present employees.

This Website has been set up as part of this process and has been designed to allow members to communicate with other previous employees. Listed on the right are the Sections on this Website with a brief description of each.