Our committee has been pursuing our goals since formation, and now with structured subcommittees, we're engaging a larger section of our community. From safety to tourism, engagement to export, we're addressing key areas to advance our industry. Stay tuned for more updates and an overview which will be delivered at the ADA Conference in April during our breakout session.

See you at the 2024 Australian Distillers Association Conference

It's time again for the annual ADA Conference! Celebrating the 20th year, this event boasts the biggest and best program yet. With keynotes, panel sessions, and specialty streams covering everything from harnessing success to sustainability, there's something for everyone. Plus, network at the expanded Trade Show and even take time to enjoy regional tours and a Gala Dinner. Don't miss this unrivalled opportunity for professional development and networking. Join us for the first NSW|ACT Distillers breakout session, offering a unique chance for us to engage on a larger scale. See you there!

REGISTER HERE

Networking for NSW|ACT Distillers, if you can’t make it to the conference fear not. We have a virtual event planned mid-year, with details on how to register and attend coming to you soon.

Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Tasman Sea lies Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Island renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique biodiversity. Amidst this idyllic backdrop, Lord Howe Island Distilling Co. was born, founded by two mates, Anthony Riddle and Christian Young, with a shared vision of celebrating the island's rich botanical diversity through exquisite spirits.

Lord Howe Island Distilling Co. stands apart not just for its exceptional spirits but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognizing the fragility of their island home, Anthony and Christian opted for small-batch distillation, minimising their footprint and preserving the island's pristine ecosystem. By distilling locally and shipping only what's necessary, they mitigate environmental impact while sharing the island's essence with the world.

At their research and development distillery on the island, visitors can now embark on an enchanting journey of gin tasting and so to be making. Surrounded by lush subtropical forests and the tranquil sea, participants indulge in a sensory exploration, savouring gins infused with locally foraged botanicals like the endemic Mountain Rose and native Sea Grapes. Lord Howe is home to 114 botanicals that are found nowhere else on the planet. Each sip becomes a celebration of Lord Howe's unique flora and a testament to the craft of artisanal distillation.

But the experience goes beyond mere tasting; it's an immersive dive into the art and science of gin making. Participants learn the intricacies of distillation while fostering a deeper connection with the island's environment. It's a journey that leaves a lasting impression, blending the magic of gin with the timeless allure of Lord Howe Island.

Lord Howe Island Distilling Co. doesn't just make craft award-winning spirits; they craft unforgettable experiences, where every sip tells a story of nature's beauty and human ingenuity intertwined.

As we develop as the NSW|ACT Distillers Association, we realise our strength lies in the people who come together to work and support. We're continuing to build and work on our goals through subcommittees and monthly meetings.

But we need assistance. We're now seeking sponsors to support our industry endeavours. Know a supplier that would love to be involved with NSW|ACT Distillers and have access to over 80 Members? Send them our way!

The International Women's Day lunch, hosted by Women of Australian Distilling at The Waratah in Darlinghurst, was a celebration of women's contributions to the craft distilling industry in Australia. Led by Harriet Messenger of Husk Distillers, the event featured speeches from four female pioneers shaping the industry.

Amanda Lampe, from Diageo Australia, emphasised the importance of gender diversity in business, while Hannah Brecknell of Manly Spirits shared her inspiration drawn from creativity and her co-founder Vanessa Wilton's determination. Silvia Segato, Spirit Blender at Archie Rose, encouraged self-trust as the foundation of success, and Ed Svehla of Banks & Solander Distillery shared her journey from a strict upbringing to co-owning a successful distillery.

The event showcased a set menu highlighting local producers and native produce, paired with cocktails crafted by attending women. It was a reminder of the strides made in inclusivity and a call to celebrate the achievements of women in the industry, both individually and collectively.

What a fantastic turnout at our first ever NSW Distillers "Under Bond" gathering! Held at Bar 26, inside Otter Craft Distilling (OCD). The evening buzzed with excitement and camaraderie. It was heartening to see industry friends, suppliers and supporters come together, sharing war stories and laughs amidst the holiday spirit. The atmosphere was lively, and there was a palpable sense of unity among us. As we sipped on delicious drinks and enjoyed the company, it became clear that we are a growing community. Here's to many more gatherings where we can continue to strengthen our bonds and support each other in this dynamic industry.

NSW|ACT Distillers "Under Bond" gathering.
You are invited to attend our first NSW|ACT Distillers Association get-together drinks. Just in time for Xmas, we are hosting at Eduard & Julie Otter's new Bar 26, right next to their Distillery. A chance to catch up with industry friends in our newly formed group and build camaraderie in this tough economic environment.

With a welcome cocktail on arrival and nibbles gratis, we'll have ~$1K on the bar to get things started. Plenty of food and drinks available pay as you go. Come early, come with your crew, but please leave bottles at home for this event.

NSW|ACT Distillers "Under Bond" gathering.Place: Bar 26, Otter Craft Distilling
Address: 26 Halloran St, Lilyfield
Time: 5-7pm

REGISTER HERE

Looking forward to seeing you there! 

Destination NSW information: Creating EV-friendly Road Trip Experiences:

NSW First Webinar:
Date: Thursday 30 November, 10.30 – 11.30am.

Register here

Distilleries can find out more information about the NSW Government’s EV destination charging grants program, which co-funds up to 75% of the cost of purchasing and installing EV chargers.

More Networking for NSW|ACT Distillers to come, including virtual events so we can all meet from all corners of the state and territory. Stay tuned!

At NSW|ACT Distillers, we are reaching out to members to become a valuable part of one of our subcommittees. Your skills and expertise can play a pivotal role in achieving our shared goals, and we're eager to have some volunteers on board.

To take the first step, we invite you to express your interest by completing our Subcommittee Member Application. This brief form will allow us to understand more about you and how you'd like to contribute.

Kindly submit your responses via the form below.

Your participation is invaluable, and we look forward to learning more about your interests and expertise. Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

The three committees initially will be:

Safety:

Priorities will be to liaise with SafeWork NSW to create an open an mutually beneficial dialogue assisting in helping NSW|ACT Distilleries to know their obligations and become compliant to relevant safety standards in a way which doesn’t financially or operationally cripple them.

Organise seminars for members to educate on responsibilities around safety, changes to relevant standards and sharing of tips, ideas, consultants and everything safety related.

Tourism:

Dedicated to enhancing the visitor economy by promoting our local artisan distillers and their products. Through lobbying for state and territory government support and funding, we seek to raise awareness and create more opportunities for distillers in the region.

Export:

On a mission to champion the premium quality products produced by our distillers on the global stage. With a focus on direct lobbying and government support, our goal is to secure funding for marketing initiatives, trade missions, and grants.

Do take a look at our website for more information and the latest news, events and webinar recordings.

Safety Audits Discussion Webinar recording now available on the ADA site with your member login. Guest speakers Gordon Chalmers, Rick Prosser and Sam Slaney, and all members who were able to join the webinar on the day. The recording of the webinar is now available - use the link below.

SAFETY AUDITS WEBINAR

Investing in Mental Health at Work: Black Dog Institute Secures NSW Government Funding.

The Black Dog Institute has received further funding from the NSW Government to continue to deliver Mental Health at Work training programs. Proudly delivering the programs since 2019, over 38,000 individuals have completed the free training, resulting in a 35% increase in knowledge about workplace mental health issues. Tailored for employees, managers, and leaders, these programs provide individuals with practical skills to protect mental health, respond to mental ill-health, and promote wellbeing in the workplace. Training is free to privately owned NSW businesses with less than 200 employees and not-for-profit organisations of any size.

Article to read

Networking for NSW|ACT Distillers, likely to be held as an initial virtual event - details in the coming weeks.

Joining the Australian Distillers Association and therefore also the NSW|ACT Distillers is a pivotal move for distillers in our thriving region. As we continue to craft exceptional spirits and raise our collective profile, your participation amplifies our shared success.

We strongly recommend encouraging fellow distillers in your network to join this influential community. Uniting we advocate for industry growth, regulatory reform, safety and sustainability. Your membership opens doors to a valuable network, exclusive resources, and the opportunity to actively shape the future of distilling in our region. Together, we'll achieve remarkable results.

Please share this news page with someone in your network who would like to know more.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

The committee of NSW|ACT Distillers Association has been pursuing the goals set since our formation, here's a glimpse of what we've been up to:

Container Deposit Scheme Expansion

We are actively monitoring the expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme. As there is more information about this initiative, we will share details. In the coming weeks, we shall all receive valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions compiled by ADA (Australian Distillers Association).

Networking and Collaboration

One of our achievements was the successful convening of a meeting with representatives from various government departments and other stakeholders interested in craft distilling in NSW. This meeting marked a significant first step in the right direction. It was an opportunity to introduce them to our vibrant community and to explore ways they can contribute and assist. We are optimistic about the follow-up from this meeting and look forward to further collaborative actions that will bring our industry even closer together.

Destination NSW wants to hear from Distilleries!

We are excited to announce a burgeoning partnership with Destination NSW. They are keen to showcase our region's craft distilleries and the unique experiences they offer. They are actively seeking content from our members to promote inbound tourism. This is a fantastic opportunity for our members to gain visibility and connect with a broader audience. If you have a distillery experience to share or if you're interested in getting involved, Get Connected is Destination NSW’s website membership program. Simple and easy to use Get Connected membership is free and is open to all tourism operators within New South Wales. This is a fantastic way to get your distillery door listed, all you need to do is follow the steps here. They also have a resource kit to check out.

And they wanted to share that they have an upcoming webinar on Wednesday 25 October 2023 at 10:30 - 11:30am, Elevate Your Culinary Experience; register here.

In this session, they will discuss how you can enrich the visitor experience by delivering world-class tour, attraction or accommodation experiences that showcase the culinary offering of your destination. Join a panel discussion with experts and discover how you can elevate your current offering through incredible local produce and telling the story of your destination.