Regional New South Wales is now home to Australia's first nationally-accredited Introduction to Distillery Safety course, delivered through a unique collaboration between industry, government and a national registered training organisation.

The course is designed to meet the expanding needs of craft distillers, setting a new benchmark for safety and professionalism in one of Australia's most dynamic sectors. It ensures distillers and their teams are equipped with practical knowledge in workplace health and safety, with a focus on regulatory compliance and hands-on application, with participants receiving an industry-first, nationally-recognised Statement of Attainment.

Co-convenors of NSW Distillers Association, Eddie Brook (chief executive, Cape Byron Distillery) and Christian Young (co-founder, Lord Howe Island Distilling Co.), expressed pride in what the initiative has delivered since its commencement earlier this year.

“We are proud that this initiative not only addresses skills shortages but does so in a way that reflects the industry’s values of collaboration, regional equity, and innovation,” said Brook.

“This program clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, government, and education providers work in true partnership,” Young added.

Four in-person training sessions were delivered in the Northern Rivers, Southern Tablelands, Hunter Region, and Shoalhaven from March to April attracting strong regional participation from 54 students, representing 46 distilleries across New South Wales.

For many small and emerging distilleries, this was the first opportunity to train staff in a program specifically tailored to their workplace environment. The course is helping build a safer, more confident workforce and opens clear pathways for further vocational training in areas such as business operations, sensory analysis, and advanced distilling techniques.

This program directly supports the Australian Distillers Association’s national vision for a safer, better-educated workforce. It positions New South Wales as a national leader in craft distillery safety standards, strengthening the industry’s professionalism and contributing to its long-term sustainability.

The Introduction to Distillery Safety course is proudly delivered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Department of Education under the Targeted Workforce Development Scheme, in collaboration with NSW Distillers Association (a division of Australian Distillers Association) and the National Distilling Institute.