Australian Distillers
Australian Distillers conference boosts spirits and breaks records Chief Executive, Paul McLeay, discusses the highlights of the organisation’s recent conference, and how this showcases its focuses for the rest of 2022. The exciting potential of Australian spirits
Another program highlight was
generously shared their spirits with Bill Lark,
was showcased in April at a record-breaking
Tasmanian distiller Adam Pinkard’s moving
to create a commemorative blend. A specially
Australian Distillers conference in Melbourne.
recollection of the distillery fire that left an
packaged bottle gifted to each dinner guest is
With more than 400 delegates, the
employee in intensive care with burns to 40
truly priceless, as this delicious whisky will
conference was effectively sold out for
per cent of his body. Adam’s raw honesty as
never be offered for sale.
the first time in our history. That’s quite
he described his own battles with mental
Our final day was designed to allow
an achievement since hosting our first
health in the aftermath of the fire, as well
delegates to relax and socialise, with a
conference in 2014 with just 30 attendees,
as his insights about the operational lessons
bespoke program of four regional tours
and represents a resounding vote of
learned, reduced many in the audience
showcasing local distilleries and produce.
confidence in our industry.
to tears.
While celebrating our achievements,
After a welcome reception hosted by
His presentation was also an appropriate
we at Australian Distillers know this is
Starward Distillery, delegates attended a full
introduction to the launch of the BECA
no time to rest on our laurels. As our
day of informational sessions, with topics
Safety Toolkit for our members.
industry expands quickly, one challenge
including scaling for success and post-
After such an intense program, the gala
will be to maintain a laser focus on safety
COVID changes to retail and hospitality.
dinner was a welcome chance for attendees
and sustainability, as these underpin our
Given May’s federal election, one of the
to kick back and be entertained by celebrity
ongoing social license to operate.
most well-received presentations was an
MCs Hamish Blake and Michael ‘Wippa’
One of my priorities over the next
overview of the political landscape by Spirits
Whipfli. Australian Distillers president Stu
twelve months is to explore how we might
& Cocktails Australia Chief Executive, Greg
Gregor joined the pair on stage to launch
establish accredited, industry-driven
Holland. As I write, the election is yet to
our Hall of Fame and honour the first four
vocational education. This will be the key
be decided. But regardless of the outcome,
inductees: the late Raymond ‘Spike’ Dessert
to generating a skilled, reliable and safe
one of Australian Distillers’ top priorities
the Third, Bill Lark, Patrick Maguire and
workforce as we grow. Working closely with
for the year ahead will remain the same: to
Cameron Syme.
state governments, our plan is to identify
work with the incoming government on fair
The dinner also gave us an opportunity
and engage with local training providers
and sustainable alcohol tax reform. Whilst
to celebrate thirty years of contemporary
to ensure that relevant, practical and
Australian spirits are the third highest taxed
Australian craft distilling in a fittingly
standardised training is available for those
in the world, this will always be a handbrake
memorable way. In anticipation of the
keen to join the exciting world of Australian
to growth.
milestone, 36 Australian distilleries
distilling.
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June 2022 | 21
