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Indigenous partners drive brewery to full capacity

David Prestipino -

Part-Indigenous owned craft brewing pioneer Spinifex has ushered a new era with its state-of-the-art WA brewing facility in Nambeelup south of Perth now operating at full capacity.

The development to operating at full capacity from its facility at WA's $20m Food Innovation Precinct coincides with a change in direction for the craft brewer, with a refreshed core range of Spinifex beers as well as a brand-new brewing team on board.

Beer enthusiasts can anticipate a diverse selection of craft and classic brews tailored to suit all preferences, as well as the brewery's seasonal beers with Indigenous flavours.

Two of Spinifex's four key goals was to produce Australia's highest-quality native bush flavour-infused beer range, and a business model that ensured zero harm and maximum benefit for Aboriginal communities.

Since inception in 2019, Spinifex has used Indigenous ingredients to create a unique market position in the competitive craft brewing sector, a tactic which not only succeeded on the books, but gave a range of local Indigenous farmers consistent work.

"Our suppliers consist of a network of Aboriginal farmers who grow and harvest our botanicals for our Indigenous partner supply organisations, Rivergum and Bin Dam Mie," Spinifex Brewing Co chief executive Adam Barnard said.

"We are always on the lookout for Indigenous farmers and producers who would like to join our supply chain across WA."

Spinifex Brewing co-supports Morich Farm, an Aboriginal, family-owned 2000-acre farm in WA's vast Great Southern region that provides the brewery wild harvested and cultivated Lemon Myrtle, Geraldton Wax and Wattle Seed used in its beers.

"They are expanding their supply volume by undertaking an extensive planting and cultivation program to expand supply and to meet our growing demand," Mr Barnard said.

Spinifex also sources Wattle Seed and Pepper Berries from Wolkabunning Kiaka, which sits on 500 acres of land bordered by the Collie River. The rich surrounding soil has been famous for generations, producing some of WA's most flavoursome lemons, limes and oranges.

Spinifex co-founder and Yamatji/Noongar man Mick Little said the brewery was proud to have dedicated producers within its supply chain.

"There is no other beer that can be marketed as being truly made from local and traditional native flavours, produced by our nation's First People," he said.

Spinifex is also putting the money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting local communities, teaming up with North Regional TAFE Hospitality Centre to provide a pathway for employment opportunities for hospitality students.

Mr Little also recently announced Spinifex's partnership with Murdoch University on a climate change program focused on turning waste into profit.

The brewery also supports Indigenous artists, with world-renowned metal sculptor Jordan Spriggs designing the centrepiece installation for the Broome alehouse.

Spinifex has gone from strength to strength since its inception, with the brewery partnering with the popular North Beach Deli – across from the Indian Ocean – for its first Perth venue after a significant makeover, while its biggest project to date – Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach – has been a roaring success since opening late last year.

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National Indigenous Times