Justine Elliot (Richmond, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am always thrilled to see businesses in my electorate thrive and today I am so excited to talk about the Stone & Wood Brewing Company, a fantastic local business making fantastic local beer and an outstanding player in my area. The founders, Jamie Cook, Ross Jurisich and Brad Rogers started brewing beer out of a small brewery in Byron Bay in 2008. They wanted to make beer that reflected the lifestyle of Byron Bay and the New South Wales North Coast. Before long, the incredible success of Stone & Wood meant that the brewer literally could not brew beer as quickly as they could sell it. Last year, they opened up a new factory in Murwillumbah to keep up with the huge demand. Beers such Pacific Ale, Stone & Wood Lager and Jasper Ale are now firm favourites. They have won many awards and last year Stone & Wood was named the regional winner in the prestigious Telstra Business Awards. They were the only New South Wales business among the national winners.

Also, Stone & Wood have an impressive track record in supporting local causes such as the Far North Coast Disabled Surfers Association, the Lismore Soup Kitchen and Bay FM Community Radio. They have also demonstrated a very impressive commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing and recycling plastic waste and continuously working towards minimising the environmental footprint of their brewery—so, a great result. They are now recognised as one of the finest beer brewers in Australia. Stone & Wood have a great beer and also a commendable business philosophy. They are making a huge contribution to the community in my electorate of Richmond.