Local Beer Legends
The Australian beer world wouldn't be what it is without the people responsible for brewing it and bringing it to consumers through their pubs, bars, bottleshops, tours and events.
In the lead-up to February 24, we're showcasing some of those people, from all parts of the country and in all manner of roles. We're asking what they're up to on Local Beer Day and why they think supporting your local beer businesses matters.
Nick Maschke
Venue Manager
Moonah Hotel & Cellars, TAS
What's your role in the local beer world?
I purchase all the good booze at the Moonah Hotel and Cellars where we work hard to source new independent craft beers that aren’t usually found in Tasmania.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I've been working in the craft beer industry for six and a half years.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We're doing a hyper-local Tasmanian tap takeover with opportunities to meet some of the people from the breweries and a chance to vote for your favourite Tassie beer on tap.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
I love seeing good industries grow and get better. Being a part of that growth is really rewarding.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
You’re not just a customer when you support a small beer business, you are a part of its culture and growth and there is nothing better than a fresh cold local brew.
Tracy Margrain
Co-Founder
Bentspoke Brewing, ACT
What's your role in the local beer world?
I’m co-founder, brewer, Jill of all trades, and head of arts and crafts at BentSpoke Brewing.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
A long time! I started work at the Wig & Pen when I left college in ’96 where I gained an appreciation of craft beer and the pivotal role pubs/breweries play in fostering friendships and community. Rich and I started BentSpoke in 2014 and are looking forward to celebrating our tenth birthday in June.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are launching The Juice, which is a bit of a favourite amongst our regulars. We will be running some food and beer specials and will also have a talented artist who was part of the Canberra buskers festival come and play some tunes.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The friendships and the sense of community, it’s full of great people who share a passion for beer whether you make it or drink it.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Your local supports your community. It's so important to back any independent business: they are created by people who have a passion for what they do and are actively involved in the community in which they operate. Local beer businesses are meeting places, friendship builders, taste bud experimenters, job providers, sponsors, supporters and are integral in creating and maintaining a vibrant community.
Evan Hunter
Head Brewer
Bendigo Brewing, VIC
What's your role in the local beer world?
I make beer for Bendigo Brewing, a brewpub opening soon in central Bendigo, with construction almost done. I also teach brewing at TAFE.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I started brewing professionally in 2008 at Seven Sheds in northern Tasmania and have worked at a few other places since, most recently Holgate.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Beer ‘n’ Buns! A popup laneway party with our friends and independent beer slingers, The Dispensary Bar and Diner. The Bendigo Brewing team will be pouring at least two “trial” beers in Chancery Lane from 2pm until 5pm, accompanied by bao buns and other snacks. All proceeds from beer will be donated to a local charity, so please bring cash. We’ll also run brewery tours throughout the session, just a short walk down the street.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Old VB television ads.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
It's because having a beer with your mates is about community. Whether it’s a NAB, GF, or DIPA*, sinking a couple and having a chat is a tradition older than history itself. We drink beer for celebration, commiseration, marking milestones, and just simple relaxation. All the better if you can do it in the place the beer is made and have a chat to the brewer. You don’t have to know lots about it. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Beer is for everyone. Drink local beer, visit your local brewery, and celebrate being human. *non-alcoholic beer, gluten-free or double IPA, if you’re wondering!
Liam Jackson
Head Brewer
Cupitt's Estate, NSW
What's your role in the local beer world?
To bring people together and bring them joy in the form of delicious beer! That's what I hope to do anyway. We're a little brewery on an idyllic property just out of Ulladulla. It started off as a vineyard, winery and restaurant, but this year will mark the ten year anniversary of our little brewery.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We're celebrating the local beer scene by running a hop-on hop-off that will go between the three great breweries we're lucky to have in our area: Dangerous Ales, Wombat Brewery and Cupitt's Estate.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The camaraderie is great - it genuinely feels like every independent, local brewery is in it together for the noble cause of better beer, and more of it. As we don't have much of a historical beer culture in this country, it means breweries are free to play around a lot, and not be held to strict traditions, which makes for a bit of fun. That said, I do love my classic styles, and I think we need to do a lot more to both celebrate classic styles and also educate the masses as to what they are given a significant majority of the population still drink one style of beer: mass produced lager.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Where to start? Local businesses are what give the world diversity, imagination, community spirit. We employ people locally and engage with our area. We draw visitors to the area who are keen to try something unique. Without local breweries, the beer world would be a very boring one, with the only option being dumbed-down beers from enormous, foreign-owned entities, supplied by our national supermarket duopoly. It's certainly not the kind of world I want to live in.
Chris Brown
Co-Founder
Beaver Brewing, NT
What's your role in the local beer world?
I’d like to think we are the good guys of the local beer world: helping anyone in need or lending a hand if it’s needed. We have helped directly or indirectly every new brewery that has started up here since we began.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Five years.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are having a fundraiser for a mate of ours who is currently battling breast cancer. The aim is to try to raise funds to help them out.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
It’s local and it’s fresh.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
By supporting local, it keeps the community going, keeps jobs local, helps build the economy and gives a sense of pride from supporting local industry. You also can guarantee freshness.
Ben Kraus
Co-Founder
Bridge Road Brewing, VIC
What's your role in the local beer world?
From a local perspective I'm probably personally seen as Bridge Road Brewers. Having established the brewery in 2005, we're probably considered the pioneers of local beer in the region. Just yesterday at the pool with the kids, a mother came up to say that when she sees me she thinks about having an Outsider Lager and pizza.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Now we’re part of a new local community we’re working with inner north brewers on a keg swap initiated by Temple Brewing and showcasing the latest beers from the Brunswick brewhouse. We're also at Bright Brewery for a showcase of High Country brewers.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The way it’s changed over the past 20 years – I’m proud to have been a small part of that change. I only started brewing beer because I was so disappointed in what the major brewers were churning out. I always maintain that if small indie producers were to disappear the majors would rub their hands together and return to the status quo of yellow lagers for everyone. Heck, they're already dumbing down craft beer as best they can at the moment.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
If you love the diversity of flavour, storytelling and engagement that comes with enjoying an indie beer, be it alone or with your community, then it goes without saying. Local beer is more than just interesting beverages, it sparks conversation, encourages connection and builds community.
Grace Fowler
Founder & Head of Operations
Reckless Brewing, NSW
What's your role in the local beer world?
Founder and head of operations of Reckless Brewing Co, a regional brewery in Bathurst, NSW.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
From slinging beers in pubs and bottleshops to brewing beers for small and large independent breweries I’d say close to 15 years now!
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Reckless Brewing Academy: Ingredients Workshop. One of our brewers, Anne-Marie, is a Cicerone and great teacher so has been running education sessions on all things beer & brewing. They were too good not to offer to the public!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Aussies make good beer! We have great local ingredients, and a heap of talented people. Our wonderful industry is really good at innovating and making beer styles our own, just look at XPA. So beer is my favourite things about Aussie beer… No, it’s the people, of course. Our team here is amazing, but the industry as a whole is such a great collaborative space. Everyone’s always happy to lend a hand!
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
If you needed more motivation than what you’re hearing in the news recently then please think of my children! Nah, but really the simple fact is Reckless employs 40 local people; a large non-independent brewery ten times our size employs ten people, and probably not locally. We can’t exist without the people, just like all small businesses.
Ryan Allen
Head Brewer
Margaret River Beer Co, WA
What's your role in the local beer world?
Getting out there and supporting those small local breweries by enjoying the good beer they have to offer. By choosing your local breweries you know the money you spent is being kept within your community and helping produce a product that everyone is really passionate about.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I'm relatively new to Margaret River's community but they have been very welcoming, and everyone in the industry is so nice down here. I've been working in the craft beer industry for 6.5 years.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We're having a Head Brewer Hangout on our Brewer's Deck at the Brewhouse… we'll put on three free tastings for punters and then I'll run through a tasting of each one. We'll also have heaps of games and giveaways, live music and some feed for everyone to enjoy.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
I love being able to work in a job that allows me to be creative every day and to produce a product I know people will enjoy. Free beer doesn't hurt either.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Getting out there and supporting those small local breweries by enjoying the good beer they have to offer. By choosing your local breweries you know the money you spent is being kept within your community and helping produce a product that everyone is really passionate about.
Janet Prout
Warehouse Manager
Aether Brewing, QLD
What's your role in the local beer world?
I do a bit of everything! We’re a small business, so we all wear many hats, and I love that. We hustle hard to get our quality brews out, so people can ditch those macro beers for something with soul. I suppose as a mother, I’ve fostered the next generation of indie brewer champions / advocates!
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I’ve been with Aether for three fantastic years, but a mother for much longer, ha!
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We’re proudly re-introducing our Black XPA as part of the core lineup! We’ll have beers on tap from breweries up north, down south and out west, plus live music, giveaways, food trucks and more. It should be a really fun day. Hope to see you at Northgate!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
For me it’s the community, whether it’s our little Aether family team, our taproom locals, or people enjoying our beer at home, in venues or at festivals. It’s fun to meet enthusiasts and share their excitement.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Aussies need to band together to stick it to The Man! We need to keep our dollars inside Australia and give small businesses the chance they need to thrive and enrich our communities.
Jade McManus
Co-Founder
Ryefield Hops, NSW
What's your role in the local beer world?
To grow and produce high quality, sustainably grown local hops for craft breweries. We are a key supply chain option for breweries to be able to create wholly independent, local and sustainable beer for the market.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
We had our first harvest in 2017, which feels like a lifetime ago now. So all up we have been in the craft beer world for seven years but, over the past two, have really been able to start supplying commercial quantities and now T90 pellets to the market.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Well and truly into the swing of harvest! Bringing in our much tended and cared-for crop ready to be turned into delicious local beers throughout the rest of the year.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
It is such a wonderful and unique industry. The best part is the companionship and camaraderie of all the fellow beer industry folk – it is a very supportive, creative and fun industry.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Because it is so integral to local society and economy, and buying local beer that supports local supply chain products means that money is bolstering well beyond the brewery's front door, and drives local economic resilience.
Shaun Reeves
Founder
Hip Hops Brewing, QLD
What's your role in the local beer world?
To collaborate with our industry friends and make sure Hip Hops plays our part in lifting craft beer in the eyes of our community.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Honestly, not that long. So I leave the technical stuff to my incredible brew team. Through my day job, my business advises dozens of artisan producers on strategy, financing and excise matters. I certainly hope the industry sees me as a keeper because, frankly, I love it and the people I meet and get to work with.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
A showcase of local beers: more than 30 taps of local beers and seltzers, more in cans; the smoker cranked up; activities for the kids; plenty of other regional products; and brewery tours in case you’re wondering what happens back there. I’m personally loving this amazing new world of knowledge I’ve stepped into.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Most important is the place I’m enjoying it in and the company. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression and still feel the dark clouds at times. The biggest lift I get in those darker times is by having a beer or two with the best of mates who care, talking about AFL, life generally, and beer. Those chats are priceless. That’s when beer plays the most important of supporting roles.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
The people that own these businesses are a part of our community, not an anonymous shareholder. They’re the best local gathering places too: good friends enjoying produce made right there. Let’s celebrate those giving it a go and open our minds to new experiences. You won’t regret it – I didn’t!
James McCall
Co-Founder
Shapeshifter Brewing, SA
What's your role in the local beer world?
I'm the co-founder of Shapeshifter Brewing Co, a small craft brewery in Adelaide. I wear a lot of different hats: beer production, brand direction, social media and marketing plus a whole host of other things.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I started homebrewing in 2012 and hanging around small craft breweries like Little Bang and Big Shed in the early days. I made a career change from graphic design into brewing in 2016, taking the Cert III short course in brewing under Stephen Nelsen at TAFESA. That's where I met Kevin Mulcahy, my co-founder, and we began the process of opening Shapeshifter, first as a contract brewing brand in 2019 before our taproom and brewery opened in Findon in 2021.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Shapeshifter Pours Local: we're #supportinglocal by handing over half our taps to other Adelaide breweries that make beer we love, have helped us along the way, and are just great people too.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The community. Beer people are great people and it's the reason I moved away from a desk job.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
I think there's a different vibe to your local brewery taproom or brewpub. Indie businesses like ours have been created from the imagination and hard work of people just like you. Not a giant multinational with a huge budget, quite often it's a small team who have put everything into building the brewery and venue you enjoy.
Stu Whytcross
Co-Founder & Co-Owner
Voyager Craft Malt, NSW
What's your role in the local beer world?
\I’m co-founder and co-owner of Voyager Craft Malt, a small, independent on-farm maltings facility in regional NSW. We supply locally-grown and malted grains to many of the small, independent breweries around the country.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
This year we’ll celebrate our tenth birthday as a business but my craft beer journey started closer to 20 years ago as an avid craft beer lover and homebrewer… both of which played a massive role in starting a maltings facility.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The choice, quality and ultimately the people behind it: a diverse group of passionate people that work tirelessly to make it all happen. From the grain and hop growers, local transport operators, accountants, graphic designers, tradies, hospitality staff… Indie breweries see the value of supporting other small local businesses that, like themselves, are often family-owned and run by passionate people. When you drink-locally made beer, you’re supporting many other small, independent, local businesses and people in your community as well.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Because if you don’t they won’t exist. Fires, floods, Covid, staff shortages, excise increases, supply chain issues, high interest rates and now the slowing economy – the past few years have been a tough time for most small businesses, but particularly your small local brewery. By supporting them, you’re raising a glass to community resilience, fostering local talent, championing the spirit of hard work and entrepreneurship, supporting your local economy…
Gab Moore
Co-Owner
Sailors Grave, VIC
What's your role in the local beer world?
I’m co-owner of Sailors Grave Brewing; my role here is pretty wide-ranging and hard to define sometimes, but what I’m most passionate about is the creative direction of the brand. I like to challenge the norm within the beer industry: beer styles, branding and just the general vibe of Sailors Grave is very much an expression of the magic that happens between Chris and I.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
August 24 will be our eighth year and we’re about to enter the next era with our new farm-based brewing, malting and hospitality location called Dunetown, so I’m pretty focused on that for the foreseeable future.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
After warming up on February 23 at Trulli Outdoors, our Meeniyan Tap Bar, with the launch of an Italian pilsner brewed with Trulli Pizza, on Local Beer Day we’re at Heartbreaker in Melbourne's CBD for All Hands On Deck: a full Sailors Grave tap takeover plus shuffleboard, sea shanties and rum pairings.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
I love the community of other breweries, and the freedom we have to do fun and creative things everyday. Also the trust we have built within our audience to continue doing that.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
I think now more than ever it’s all about supporting independent, family-run businesses: it all comes down to the power of the dollar and keeping money in your community.
Scott Seymour
Co-Founder
Penguin Beer Co, TAS
What's your role in the local beer world?
Purveyor of great drinks and good times. Really just looking to contribute to the growing beer scene in North West Tassie.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Fifteen years, kicking off in Bendigo with the Basement Bar, where I created the Bendigo Home Brewing competition, then as one of the founding members of Bendigo Beer. Just shy of four years ago, I moved to Tassie with my family where my wife Tara and I started Penguin Beer Co. Then, with support from a great group of locals we went on to create Island State Brewing@.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Lagerpalooza! A celebration of the modern Tasmanian lager. Representatives from Spotty Dog Brewers, The Albert Brewery and Island State Brewing will present two lagers each. We will compare, contrast and discuss the nuances of each, enjoy some palate-cleansing snacks and finish the afternoon with plenty of laughs and live music.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The people, without doubt. It is such a great community and nothing brings people together faster than enjoying a couple of beers with each other.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
We need you to! Now more than ever, when Australian independent beer is facing its toughest time in memory, we need you. Support independent bottleshops, bars and venues. Ask for local independent beers on tap at your favourite pub. We have a vibrant and innovative industry and to see it in danger is alarming. Many local breweries and venues provide fantastic, welcoming, inclusive spaces for the community – and we are all about building communities.
Charlie Hodgson
Head Brewer
Woolgoolga Brewing Co, NSW
What's your role in the local beer world?
I get to do all the good stuff in designing, brewing and processing beers for you all! I’m the head brewer at Woolgoolga Brewing Co.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I’ve been brewing professionally for close to 20 years now across three states, in Perth, Brisbane and now on the Coffs Coast in NSW.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
I’ll be here at the brewery with some other fantastic brewers from the Coffs Coast talking all things beer and brewing. We will be judging a homebrewing competition, and then enjoying a few cold ones in the sunshine!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
What’s not to love! For me, it’s all about the amazing people I’ve met and look forward to seeing from all over the country, and sharing thoughts and sometimes tales on what we do – all over a locally-made, fresh Australian craft beer, of course.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
To support local business and industry. Most craft breweries will be family-owned and putting money back into the local economy is super important for small towns like ours and local suburbs in the capital cities.
Cara & John Tynan
Owners
Noosa Hinterland Brewing, QLD
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
John: We have owned and run Noosa Hinterland Brewing for three years now. Before that, I was in various homebrew clubs, and drinking lots of local, independent beer around Brisbane.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Cara: On top of our usual awesome beers, we’re running a scavenger hunt to help people understand the history of our beautiful 90-year-old timber and tin building, and the history of Cooran. Every completed answer sheet goes in the draw for an experience with Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours and Noosa Hinterland merch packs.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
John: Our ability to take influences from all over the beer world, whether traditional or new wave, and put our own twist on them. We can cater for all tastes, without excluding anyone.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Cara: We live 5km from the brewery and it is important to us to be able to provide a focal point and meeting place in our community that doesn't care if you drink beer or not. Our little business employs 14 people on a part-time and casual basis, all of whom live in our immediate area. We source a large majority of our kitchen produce from local suppliers and businesses that are our equivalent in the primary producer world. And we provide a venue for locals and visitors alike that looks to help people build relationships and puts our community at the centre of what we do.
Max Bowering
Senior Brewer
Uraidla Brewery, SA
What's your role in the local beer world?
As senior brewer, it involves anything from recipe development, beer production, cellaring, packaging, social media… and coming up with all the out-there fantasy beer names we have become known for.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Since 2018, slinging pints behind the bar at the Gilbert St Hotel. From there my love for beer spiralled into the process of brewing, followed by studying brewing at TAFE, which is how I landed a job at Uraidla Brewery back in 2021.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are opening the doors to the public for the first time at the brewery for an event called “Craft Beer Crusade”. We think this is a great way to give back to the local community for all the support over the years. Free tastings and tours throughout the day hosted by myself and the rest of the crew.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
I love the increase in quality and flavour over the time I’ve been involved. Since trying my first handful of craft beers back in 2018 to now, I have observed a drastic improvement across the board. There are some seriously good breweries across Australia now that truly rival what is going on around the globe.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Local beer businesses can’t operate without your support. More support = More great beer.
Travis Moore
Founder & GM
PHat Brew Club, WA
What's your role in the local beer world?
I am one of the founders of Phat Brew Club and currently the GM. My role is super diverse and different everyday, which is something I really enjoy.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I started homebrewing about ten years ago, when my love and passion for beer really took flight and led me to packing in my government job and working towards starting our own brewery.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are launching our new "Waller Rub IPA”, which is a beer we have made to celebrate WWE coming to Perth. It’s a tribute to a local Aussie local wrestler who's coming home: Grayson Waller. It’s a juicy and punchy number which comes in at 6 percent ABV.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
I love the creativeness that Aussie brewers have and the willingness to try new things. I think this is something we as a beer community really need to cherish and support.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Local breweries are the lifeblood of any community: they are a meeting place, a place where you can enjoy good food and beers with family and friends, and somewhere that is completely unique to other bar offerings.
Trevor Lowder
Founder
Craft Beer Coopery
What's your role in the local beer world?
It's a little unique, but I'm essentially tackling mental health a craft beer and an ear at a time. There's no question that the key to positive change is talking about our mental health, and one of the easiest ways to encourage what can often be a slightly awkward conversation is by sharing a beer. So I run a little business that distributes what we call Conversation Crates. Sharing one – or sending one – is the ideal way to say: “Hey, mate. I’ve got your back.”, “Come on, Dad, let's talk.” or "I care for your mental health, brother.”
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
We've turned seven. In that time, there have been been 12,500 Convo Crates mailed and over 250,000 individual conversions generated – many life-saving.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
For those who can't make it to one of the many events, or are keen just to host their own Local Beer Day celebration with a mate or two, we've put together Local Beer Day in a box. You can buy one and have it shipped directly to you in time for the big day.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
It might sound cliché, but I think it's the community that it creates. I've met and am surrounded by so many lovely people who simply have craft beer in common.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Independent craft beer makes up ONLY five percent of the beer market yet generates OVER 50 per cent of brewing jobs in Australia... enough said! Let's vote with our wallets.
Ché Santi
Bar Manager & Event Coordinator
Six String Brewing, NSW
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We’ve teamed up with local breweries to create a hop on and off bus loop between us, Block n Tackle Brewery, Bay Road Brewing and Hawkesbury Brewing Co. It’s a chance to check out what the Central Coast has to offer: a celebration of local beers! With approximately 15 minutes between each, it’s a great little loop. Our Central Coast Local Beer Day Passport gets you a beer at each.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Well, it's definitely not the taxes Aussie brewers have to pay! It’s also more than the beer: it’s the vibrant community, the people within it, and the people you meet along the way. Craft beer lovers, brewers, and industry professionals all have a shared enthusiasm that makes the industry what it is.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Supporting local beer businesses not only celebrates the craftsmanship of brewing but also enriches the community fabric, ensuring the vitality and diversity of the beer scene. Many local breweries are small, independent, family-owned enterprises that rely on community support to thrive. People buying these beers directly contribute to the local economy, helping to create jobs, and support economic growth locally.
Rob Whitehouse
National Sales
Moffat Beach Brewing,QLD
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Moffat Beach has 20 rotating taps at our Production House venue, so we’ve curated tasting paddles to accomodate beer drinkers of all persuasions. They’ll offer a journey to introduce the consumer to styles they may not otherwise readily try, matching our award-winning beers with tasting notes and food pairing suggestions, expanding on flavour profiles and unlocking the doors of perception to break on through to the other side.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
It creates relationships. Those forged with our punters, suppliers, clients, industry peers and within our own business. It also has a diversity and willingness to take inspiration from around the world, which essentially mirrors our country's multiculturalism.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
They start out as a dream or a passion, an aspiration and a willingness to give it a crack. That bold tenacity and risk is something to be admired. We create jobs while utilising other local producers from other industries, which in turn generates similar opportunities. Living and working in the tight knit community of the Sunshine Coast, we directly see how support impacts the region through school-based programs, charities, local sporting clubs, tourism or events. As our good mate and original assistant brewer Jimmy "Chop Chop" Coad said: "Everyday is a school day.”
Lisa Ethe
Marketing & Events Manager
Tallboy & Moose, VIC
What's your role in the local beer world?
You know how it is with a small team - you end up having your fingers in a few pies. I love the variety, especially getting out to festivals, events and local markets. Super recently, I hopped on as a Pink Boots state coordinator and am excited to help organise brew days and networking events and to meet more amazing beer-humans.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We've invited the wrestling legends from Mat Earth Society and Deathmatch Downunder back. Joel from DMDU has always been a big supporter of indie beer. No ring, no big budget, just a knock-out, fun night.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Coming from a small rural town in Eastern Germany, I'll admit I wasn't always the biggest craft beer fan. I remember visiting Melbourne around 2014 and finding myself in a bar with a huge array of IPAs on tap, thinking: “Geez, I just want a lager. Nothing fancy.” Then I moved to Canada and started truly appreciating craft beer. It became part of sightseeing. We’d stop at breweries as it was about more than beer, it was a way to connect with the town and its community.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Backing any local business keeps communities vibrant, helps to create jobs, and can have environmental benefits too. Craft breweries often embody the character of their town or suburb because they’re more than just a place to drink. They foster community by hosting events, collaborating with other local businesses, and providing the space to socialise.
Guy Southern
Freelance Writer
Good Times Craft Beer
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Over a decade, with more before as an enthusiast. I love connecting people – that middle part between amazing producers, the curious and not so curious – and the beer community just drew me in. Early on, I worked out not everyone who loves footy needs to hold the ball, so I ditched any thought of brewing, started drinking as broadly as possible, and began old school blogging as a way to be involved. This led to hosting events, writing, a career change, consulting, Instagramming, judging, retailing and generally getting involved with whatever project would help push beer forward.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Visiting Liquid Gold, a history of WA beer, brewing and culture, which launches at the WA State Library a week earlier. I’ve filmed ten oral history interviews for the project with key local beer identities encompassing nearly 200 years of WA beer culture. At the Copper & Oak shops, we’ll have a WA-only mixed cube available, and I’ll proudly be wearing my Local Beer Day t-shirt.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
People! Beer is a social beverage and I love the unique stories that surround the people that make, design, promote, retail, pour and consume our favourite liquid. There’s no other community and culture like it!
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Like art, music and food, good local beer is a key contributor to healthy, vibrant social fabric. Likewise, the venues and retailers that amplify them. Real people believing in what they do and who they do it for make all of us better in ways that go far beyond transactional affairs.
Evin Craney
National Sales Manager
Bright Brewery, VIC
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
2024 marks my 12th year in the local beer community.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
If I'm not enjoying the best of the North East Victorian beer scene on the edge of the Ovens River at the High Country Brewery Trail Showcase, you will probably find me brewery-hopping in South East Melbourne.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The connection and true collaboration with both peers and punters. As an industry, we have long been held back by foreign brewers. Even with so many roadblocks put in front of us, our local scene has grown in leaps and bounds thanks to the people and culture that connects and propels us all.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Australia is truly all about independence and family business. Local beer businesses are the heart and soul of so many communities and extol the virtues of true Australian culture. Independent brewers are in every sense the definition of the word “battlers” – and that’s something all of us can get behind.
Joslyn Erickson
Co-Owner/Operator
Hop On Brewery Tours, QLD
What's your role in the local beer world?
Co-owner/operator of Hop On Brewery Tours with my partner Matt, helping educate the public on all things beer around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. After stewarding at the Royal Queensland Beer Awards since 2016, I've been their Chief Steward since 2021 and became the Indies Coordinator that same year.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
We started by attending festivals and drinking good beer in 2013, but the business has been going since 2016.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We’ve been working with a designer to pull together a map of all the breweries and distilleries across Brisbane and the Gold Coast – something tangible for locals, visitors, tourists and anyone who prefers physical media to digital – and we’re hoping to launch it in collaboration with a local brewery on Local Beer Day. It's not 100% confirmed, but watch this space...
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The community and the collaboration. People within the industry want to see others succeed; there's no shortage of love and shout-outs and willingness to lend a hand. Of course, there's competition, but the beer family as a whole is so supportive. I couldn't imagine working in any other industry.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
The general public never seems to worry about an abundance of cafés or restaurants in a city, yet there's a running commentary about the beer world being too saturated – even when breweries are serving completely different styles and ranges. Our entire business model is about showcasing the value, the diversity, the story and the community around the beer industry and local breweries to encourage more people to support their local.
Cassie O'Neill
Sales Manager
Stomping Ground Brewing Co, VIC
What's your role in the local beer world?
Sharing our beer with local bars, pubs, restaurants and bottleshops. And self-appointed quality control in all of the above. I also have a keen interest in beer education, working with The Australian Cicerone – Certified Professionals Community to share my experience. I want to empower as many hospitality businesses as possible to have a Certified Cicerone on staff, just as they may have a Sommelier. Beer deserves a seat at the table and a fancy glass.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I started in hospitality in Ireland when I was 16 but never really fell in love with beer until I arrived at The Local Taphouse in St Kilda in 2013.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are celebrating our "Localest Local" at both Stomping Ground Collingwood and Moorabbin and ten participating pubs all over Melbourne. A celebration and a thank you to the locals who drink our beer all year 'round.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Quality. The standard of Australian beer in the last ten years has gone through the roof. There's no need to grey import an oxidised double IPA when you can swing past your local brewery for a fresh four-pack. Our next challenge is getting the next generation to love it as much as we do and I think we're up to the challenge.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
The level of quality and service a local brewery can provide is usually just a phone call away. Need training for your bar staff? Call your rep. Local bottleshop sold out of your favourite beer? Email the brewery. There are real life people coming up with, brewing, packaging, selling and pouring your beers. Right now is the time to support them by choosing local, so the hardworking, passionate folk in the industry can keep doing what they love most.
Steve Brockman
Head Brewer
Brightstar Brewing, SA
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Thirteen or 14 years now. I started off in WA, travelled to the US and lived in Las Vegas for a while, and now call SA home. All the beer scenes have been different, and I'm very passionate about all the local beer communities I've been involved with, even if I'm not in them anymore.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We're hosting a Lager Masterclass, where we'll take a really deep dive into lagers, have attendees tasting and looking at differences between the German and Czech styles we brew. It should be a great afternoon leading into some live music.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
I really think Australian brewers bat way above their average – while there might be some pockets of the beer lovers community that laud overseas beers, I really think I can find better, fresher examples of every style right here. And for beers in the lawnmower slot – 3.5 to 5.0% ABV – I don't think Aussie beers can be beat. They’re so perfect for the climate and how we consume beer; I think we often don't reflect on how good some of them are.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
I know it's a tough slog out there for everyone – rising costs on groceries, fuel, mortgages etc – and some might think craft beer is a luxury that's now a "nice-to-have". Those same pressures are on our industry and suppliers. Local spending is a massive driver of the local economy. If you love beer, there’s nothing fresher, cleaner and better than a pint brewed in your local community. You know where it comes from, who makes it, and the stories behind the brewery and beers. If you value that, then get behind your local!
Will Horan
Co-Founder & Head Brewer
Du Cane Brewing, TAS
What's your role in the local beer world?
Showing people beer can be multi-dimensional like wine or spirits, and that there can be a beer for everyone. We make what we think is a good expression of key styles so we can take the community on a journey and almost hold their hands as they go, giving them the right beer for where they are in their journey.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
Will for at least eight years, firstly as a member of the local homebrewers club, then winning a competition that Saint John put on for the club before being snapped up by Paul at Morrison Brewery and becoming head brewer. Eighteen months ago we opened Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall to take good beer to the people of Launceston in a very community-focused space.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
A Lonnie Extravaganza! We’ve got 12 unique taps and we’ve invited five other local breweries who we work with regularly to showcase two of their beers; it’s already got a lot of traction and should be a cracker of a day!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
We love good beer, not just Aussie beer, but we love local beer as almost every local brewery we’ve been to has their community at heart and does their best to make their communities better places to live.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Two main reasons: - We employ a lot more people per litre of beer brewed and sold than the two multinationals, so the more local beer you drink, the more people you employ. - We pay income / company tax, which supports the local economy vs sending any profits offshore.
Annelies Nijskens
Co-Founder & Co-Owner
Madocke Brewing Company, QLD
What's your role in the local beer world?
Being from Belgium - AKA Disneyland of beers - and founder, co-owner, lady-boss and mum for Australia's only Belgian-owned and operated brewery, it’s to make sure that next to all the amazing Australian craft beer, there's still a place for the more traditional European styles.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
We only migrated to Australia in 2016, so no longer than seven years here, although I actively engage by attending beer festivals, judging, participating in podcasts, and just getting out there promoting our local craft beer industry.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are hosting an awesome community festival with other local breweries, distilleries and wineries while raising funds for LIVIN: a local charity that aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health. It's going to be THE event if you’re on the Gold Coast!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The creativity and mindset of Australian brewers! It's so amazing to see the continuous variety they bring out; they're so creative – it’s mind-blowing for me. Whilst we mostly stick to traditional old-school styles, Australian brewers are determined to push boundaries. I can only look at it with amazement and applaud.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Because the world wouldn't have come this far if it weren’t for people backing their locals. In Europe, each country/region has their own traditional dish and/or beverage; it is hard to imagine what the world would be like if it was dominated by one type of food, drink, brand or story. Support your local and create new world flavours!
The Catfish Crew
Co-Owners
The Catfish, VIC
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Operations manager Jaine Eira: We're running a mini beer festival featuring the indie breweries closest to us. We'll have beers on from each of the breweries as well as a cheeky little collab – and an opportunity to meet the makers.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
Jaine: Probably our flexibility and innovation, particularly with changing consumer tastes, a rise in health consciousness and the latest tightening of purse strings. I also love the people that make up the industry. Owner / boozehound Michael O’Shaughnessy: It’s always improving and growing. And what a tasty journey it is. Owner / booze slinger Kieran Yewdall: Teaching people there’s quality out there that’s not just a repackage of the same product. Showcasing truly local businesses that give jobs to the community and helping people learn how fresh beer should taste. Also, the fact we now have great beer and a great, supportive community.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Jaine: Supporting local is always the best option: it’s better for the environment and our carbon footprint; better for the economy, our industries, jobs creation, etc. The breweries we choose to support are independent small businesses and we often have a close personal and professional relationships with their teams. Kieran: For the same reason we should be out supporting all local businesses! Smaller businesses are generally conceived through a love of their craft, and it’s important we keep them afloat before big industry swallows everything. And, of course, having a beer made close to your doorstep means fresher beer for all!
Briony Liebich
Sensory Analyst
Flavour Logic, SA
What's your role in the local beer world?
I see myself helping people appreciate what's in their glass through being a sensory analyst and beer educator. I get involved with improving beer quality processes, judging, consulting and running beer courses.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I got my first brewery job 12 years ago after working in the wine industry since uni. I went from being a wine drinker to a beer drinker thanks to my role running a brewery sensory program. Now I'm running my own business so I can work for a variety of industry groups.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
I'm celebrating by running an educational beer workshop at my local pub which will showcase diverse beers from breweries located in the Westside of Adelaide.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
There is a great deal of passion, innovation and collaboration among all the people I've met in the beer scene. It's a fast-paced and challenging industry that keeps the fun alive.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
It is more important than ever to be a local cheerleader. I encourage everyone to do what they can to support their local brewer, bar, bottleshop and beer events. You don't have to necessarily drink more booze, you could have a meal, check out their entertainment offerings and share your positive experiences with others. Every little bit helps and will be highly valued by local businesses.
Matt Thiele
Head Brewer
Cypher Brewing, ACT
What's your role in the local beer world?
I am a beer producer, beer consumer and all-round fanboy of the wonderful world of craft beer.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I have been brewing professionally since 2016 but I caught the bug a couple of years before that, homebrewing and talking the ear off any unsuspecting victim about the joys of beer and brewing – whether they wanted to hear it or not!
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
I will be down at the brewery giving tours and chatting all things beer. The taproom will have live music and there will be some good deals on paddles and four-packs. Absolute day for it!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
There are some hard-working people in this industry and a lot more willing to break into it. It's very exciting. That drive and passion for improvement means I get the opportunity to sample something new and exciting on a weekly basis. It’s also that drive that fuels the innovation, progress and quality we are seeing. There are some incredibly passionate and creative people from all over the country that have put some truly amazing beers on the market.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Local brewpubs, bars and bottleshops are only in it for their customers. They have a ground zero relationship and are always willing to serve and educate. Locals having regulars and regulars having locals is what it's all about. Let's keep it that way.
Bronte O'Donoghue
Marketing & Brand Manager
Eagle Bay Brewing Co, WA
What's your role in the local beer world?
I’ve always worked in marketing AKA organising things at a rapid fire pace: events, new product development, partnerships, festivals, social media. No two days are the same when you’re the marketing manager for a local, craft brewery.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I got my first job in the local beer community on the same day that I graduated uni – way back in 2017. In some ways it feels like not that long ago, but the local beer landscape has grown and evolved drastically since then!
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
Eagle Bay are teaming up with Rocky Ridge to launch Eagle Rock V5, one of our fave collab series. You’ll find me at the Rocky Ridge Taphouse slinging pints, playing games and (of course) listening to Eagle Rock.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
There’s this sense of excitement – fuelled by innovation, collaboration, and the never-ending curiosity of Aussie brewers – that is so unique to Aussie beer. It’s addictive. There’s a level of passion unparalleled in other industry I’ve seen. And people are there to have fun. Even when shit hits the fan, and everyone needs to buckle down a bit harder, the industry will always find the fun.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
I cannot emphasise how much of a difference you make to your local beer businesses when you support them… whether you’re buying a cube of local beer as your fridge staple, swinging into your local brewpub for lunch, or visiting their stall at a beer festival. Every little decision you make to support local, instead of macro, means you’re actively helping to keep your local beer community alive.
Shivam Tandon
Co-Owner & Chief Beer Engineer
The Zythologist, VIC
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
As a professional, I have been in the industry for a little over four years but, as a craft beer consumer, I got bitten by the bug back in 2017.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
We are taking it back to where it all started: Wines on Poath Bar & Bottleshop – my local for the last seven years and the place which introduced me to craft beer. Jack and the lovely team at WOP are hosting us for a Science+Art masterclass which consists of a guided tasting of five of our analytically brewed beers. From hoppy hypothesis and malt marvels to experimental yeasts and exotic fruits, we will be diving into the fascinating science behind each sip and discovering the world of Zythology together.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
A number of things come to mind but if I had to pick one, it's gotta be the sense of community and togetherness. Whether it's the good times or the more recent tough ones, everyone is in it together.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
Local businesses value you more and keep your dollars in the local economy, create local jobs, rep your community on the map via beer tourism, offer innovative products and unique experiences and, most importantly, offer a personal touch and an extra level of care unmatchable by macro lager businesses.
Adsy Schell
Beer Ambassador and New Product Development
Catchment Brewing Group, QLD
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I did a week of work experience at the Australian Brewery – now Esker Brewing – in March of 2020 before going to QLD TAFE to learn brewing. From then I was at Helios in 2021, but Untappd shows me drinking craft beer since 2014.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
I did a week of work experience at the Australian Brewery – now Esker Brewing – in March of 2020 before going to QLD TAFE to learn brewing. From then I was at Helios in 2021, but Untappd shows me drinking craft beer since 2014.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
I’m helping to organise the events for the day at most of our venues. Will probably end up at Ballistic Springfield as we attempt Australia’s largest sack race!
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
The honesty and passion that the industry as a whole puts into it. We get a lot of influence from around the world but we’re not afraid to stick our necks out and try something different.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
It’s been tough with COVID and the economy the last few years, but if we don’t support the small business breweries now, we will end up back in the cookie-cutter world of the large pubs with their limited tap range. Big beer thinks it has won by buying up some tasty craft beer labels, but we can persevere with a little help from the community. There’s a beer for everyone, and brewers are trying their best to continue to improve their quality and flavour for you to experience it. Give things a chance, your taste buds may have changed, or dare I say, matured…
Liam Pereira
Hospitality & Community Manager
White Bay Beer Co, NSW
What's your role in the local beer world?
I see my role as an even split between a fan, a cheerleader and an educator of great local beer. Splitting my time behind the bar serving beer at the brewery and education roles like proctoring exams for the Cicerone® Certification Program.
How long have you been part of the local beer community?
The short answer is far too long, but realistically the last 10 or so years.
What are you doing for Local Beer Day?
I will be here at White Bay hosting our Local Beer Day event. We will be opening up the brewery for a VIP Open Brewday and tasting for 12 very lucky punters.
What do you love most about Aussie beer?
So many things, but let's go with the wide breadth of amazing quality beer made all over the country by some legendary people.
Why do you think people should get behind their local beer businesses?
That's a question I could answer over 10 pages. But to put it simply, there are amazing breweries all over the country, each with their own unique style, brewing cracking beer and employing some awesome people.