Three more industry legends were inducted into the Australian Distillers Association Hall Of Fame on Tuesday night as its 20th anniversary conference concluded in Brisbane.

Graham Golchert (1953-2020), a late employee of Bundaberg Rum Distillery, was posthumously inducted by Queensland Distillers Association president Dave Ridden.

Guests heard that Golchert, who became known to his peers as ‘Mr Bundy’, began his career as a chemist in the sugar mills surrounding Bundaberg, while helping out on the family cane farm in his spare time.

“In 1975, Graham came across a special place where he commenced a new job, or actually a journey, that would well and truly cement his identity in the Australian distilling industry,” Ridden told guests.

“Graham spent 42 fulfilling years working at Bundy. It was quite obvious that to him, this was more than a job, and the distillery in fact became part of Graham.”

Graham Golchert’s award was accepted on the night by his daughter Katrina Golchert.

Lorrelle Warren, co-founder of Bellarine Distillery in Victoria, was inducted by Sebastian Reaburn of Anther Distillery, who said Warren had been an invaluable friend and mentor to many of her industry colleagues over the years.

Warren’s induction also recognised her pivotal work in securing $20 million in Victorian Government funding for state’s distillers, provided through the groundbreaking Distillery Door Program.

And Four Pillars Gin co-founder Cameron Mackenzie was inducted by his best friend and former business partner, Stuart Gregor, himself a 2023 inductee.

Mackenzie’s award reflected the generosity of his knowledge sharing with his fellow distillers, and the multitude of accolades won by Four Pillars Gin, a three-time winner of IWSC International Gin Producer Of The Year.

“When we first started out, there were a handful of people making gin in Australia and we were just a few blokes in the back of a winery with a single copper still,” Mackenzie said.

“Now I’m standing in a room alongside hundreds of innovators and leaders in the craft industry… it’s an incredible decade to celebrate.”

Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay said the inductions have become a highlight of the conference since the Hall Of Fame was introduced in 2022.

“I am delighted to welcome these three outstanding individuals to the Hall Of Fame in the Australian Distillers Association’s 20th anniversary year,” he said.

“Graham, Lorelle and Cameron have made a significant contribution to the industry beyond their own businesses. Their effective advocacy and knowledge sharing has built a stronger distilling industry in Australia.

“They rightfully take their place in the Hall Of Fame alongside their fellow industry legends and pioneers.”

McLeay said the Gala Dinner ceremony was a fitting end to the conference, which attracted record attendance of over 500 distillers and exhibitors.

“Having such a great turnout, in spite of the difficult economic circumstances we are all facing, clearly demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Australian distilling industry,” he said.