Everyone in Australia will be entirely aware of the bushfire crisis that has unfolded over recent weeks and months as lives, animals, homes and businesses have been lost to the devastating blazes.
This horror bushfire season has impacted millions of people
across Australia, and our industry is no different. But while it is hard to
escape the shocking magnitude of the damage caused by these fires, the way that
communities and people from all over the world have come to help is one
positive ray of light.
The fires have seen several families having to evacuate
their homes and distilleries as authorities warn of the dangers they would face
if they stayed.
Independent distillers Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed were forced
to leave their gin distillery and restaurant located in Bright, Victoria, along
with their children Lottie and Felix. While they can be thankful they are all
safe, they have no lost their only source of income during a key tourism
period.
This will not only affect trade at present as firefighters
work to control the surrounding fires but will continue to impact visitation to
the area for at least a further 10 weeks.
I have spoken with wineries, breweries, cideries and
distilleries over this week regarding the crisis and a common theme is the
desire for people to stay away while the fires are burning, but to please come
to visit once it is safe.
Nugent said: “We hope that people will return to the region
once authorities have given the all clear. We hope that tourists will return
and support local businesses as they have in the past so we may rebuild our
community.”
And while it is not safe to return Nugent, like many other
producers, is working through his own website and with wholesaler partner Nip
of Courage to keep sales moving for Reed & Co Distillery.
Kathleen Davies, Sales and Marketing manager at Nip of
Courage, said it is now more important than ever to support Australian distillers.
“We have people’s entire livelihoods at risk. Our local
distillers are relying on sales to keep their businesses and their families
afloat. While it may not be possible for us all to visit fire-affected regions
at this stage, we can still show our support.”
In the Southern Highlands of New South Wales Valero and
Elisa Jimenez, owners and distillers at the independent Joadja Distillery have
so far narrowly escaped immediate danger as bushfires continue to rage in the
area.
While prepared to defend their home and the distillery the
family were forced to leave after unpredictable weather conditions combined
with the convergence of several fires made it too dangerous to remain on site.
An array of make-shift water reservoirs and a fire-fighting
pump system are in place at the site, and while it remains intact, Valero has
concerns beyond the physical site. Due to its remote location, Joadja
Distillery cannot operate for tourists when there is a fire ban. “The fires
have deterred people from experiencing Joadja, even weeks before the Southern
Highlands were directly at risk,” says Valero, “and we are going to continue to
be negatively affected for quite some time after the fires have been
controlled.”
It’s a similar story for Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery in
the Snowy Mountains, who on January 2 closed its cellar door for the first time
in 16 years.
Returning to the site today, the team said: “It has been an
extremely devastating few days in the Snowies, but we are relieved to report
that the distillery is still here, and that all of our staff are safe.
“As we continue to prepare for any future bushfires, we’d
like to say a huge thank you to all those involved in fighting fires and
supporting the community through this very difficult time. We know many in
rural Australia have endured terrible losses, and our thoughts are with you.
“The distillery is not currently open to the public because
the road from Jindabyne to Thredbo will remain closed until authorities are
satisfied that those visiting the region will be safe from the threat of fires.”
The key now is helping these businesses and distilleries to
keep going in these horrendously difficult times.
You can show your support by buying a bottle or two and helping in a time of need.
For Reed and Co Distillery, head to their online store www.reedandcodistillery.com/shop,
or contact support@nipofcourage.com.
Stock is available for retail sales and wholesale order with
Joadja Distillery at www.joadjadistillery.com.au.
The online shop for Wildbrumby remains operational and you
can also find out where the schnapps and gin are stocked around Australia at https://wildbrumby.com/stockists/.
Stony Creek Farm Distillery, which is home to North of Eden Gin has been forced to cancel its first ‘Gin School’ program due to the fires, leaving the distillery and business in limbo.
Gavin Hughes issued an emotional plea urging Australians to “support ravaged communities”
He has pledged that every bottle of North of Eden Gin sold will help contribute funds to the local community destroyed by fire. Retail sales are available through https://www.northofeden.com.au/the-shop and wholesale orders via info@northofeden.com.au.
The team at Nip of Courage can really help you with which distilleries need our help. If you are doing something to help the bushfire crisis, please let us know and if you need help, contact us and we will publish your needs. Contact me, Andy, at ayoung@intermedia.com.au.
On behalf of everyone at Bars and Clubs and Food &
Beverage Media, we sincerely hope you all stay safe and we will do what we can
to help.
