Hi everyone, 

It is with a heavy heart that I let you know I will be stepping back from my role as Industry Development Officer for the Victorian Spirits Industry. I have really enjoyed my time here. 

I have been beyond proud of the effort and programs we have created, from setting up education pathways and the National Distilling Institute, to direct grants for distillers in safety, sustainability, export and distillery doors. I am incredibly excited to see the Vic Distilled campaign come to life and pumped to see it take us to the next level. 

I would like to thank the incredible support I have received from all the distillers in Victoria. The ADA and SVA Committees, who have been leading the charge and continue to volunteer their time to better the industry. A huge thank you to the amazing support from the Victorian Government, especially the work from Agricultural Victoria, Global Victoria, Visit Victoria, and Tourism and Events, through the Distillery Door Program, which has benefited this industry. It has been truly transformational, and each member of parliament has worked so hard for this budding industry. 

The industry has grown significantly over the three years I have been in this role, and we have a clear strategy for building into the future. With four clear priorities: Win at Home, Scale & export, Community & Advocacy, and Collaboration.

If we continue to work as a group, we will create an industry that is sustainable into the future, make Victorian Spirits the envy of Australia, and give it a true place to play on the world stage. 

Thank you for sharing your stories and passion with me. I am incredibly honoured that I got to repeat these stories far and wide. 

I will be moving on to start a new chapter of my life with an exciting organisation, The Parenthood. I will be taking a role as a Dad Advocate (yes, it is a real job), which I am really thrilled to start.  

My last day will be the 4th of March. I will have the same mobile number, so I will always be available for a chat. Keep making those great spirits and, more importantly, those incredible experiences that we get right here in Victoria. I look forward to raising a glass with you shortly. 

I will be having farewell drinks at Whisky & Alement, Tuesday, March 3rd, at 4 pm - 9 pm, to tell a few more stories about Victorian Spirits. https://events.humanitix.com/seb-s-farewell

If you do want to stay up to date with the industry, please email info@spiritsvictoria.org.au or sign up for the SVA newsletter. 

I have not named names, as there are way too many to thank. You know who you are. Thank you.

Seb Costello
Industry Development Officer