Brew grant

By Sarah Bartlett

Local Montague-based microbrewery Westside Ale Works has received a $5000 grant from the state government.

Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Nina Taylor visited the business last month to present the grant to owner Casey Wagner, who was one of almost 250 food, drink and produce companies from around Victoria to benefit from the government’s Artisanal Sector Program.

Westside Ale works is a microbrewery located at 36 Alfred St in the Montague Precinct, which brews a range of beers that are sold on site. Locals are able to observe the production process, taste a range of beers and meet the brewers.

The $5000 grant will help the local brewery with investments in commercial grade keg-washing equipment, which will speed up the washing process and improve hygiene practices.

Ms Taylor said that she was pleased to be able to support local producers like Westside Ale Works.

“It is so exciting to support local producers like Westside Ale Works, so they can spread their sustainable and delicious produce further, and build their reputation as a premier, small-scale Victorian producer,” Ms Taylor said.

Across the state, grants have been given to other small-scale and craft food and drink producers to assist with infrastructure, purchasing new equipment or hiring consultancy services for structuring their marketing and business capacities.

The Labor government’s support for local food, beer and spirit companies were a part of a $10 million commitment in its recent 2019/20 state budget.

“We are proud to back producers right across the state to improve their agricultural techniques and business skills, so they can increase their production and share their produce more widely,” Ms Taylor said.

The program has received a large number of applications during its first round, which emphasises the crucial role local produce plays across the state.

You can find out more about Westside Ale Works owner in Meet a Montaguan as part of the Montague Community Alliance’s regular column this month.