MOVE over big beer brewers, craft beer is on its way to Bathurst and is promising employment and a historic tale or two.
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But help is needed first.
Walker’s Brewing Co wants to open a brewhouse and bistro in 2015 to bring back the history and stories of the Walkers and Co Limited brewery which operated in Bathurst from 1895 to 1926.
Founder Toney Fitzgerald hopes “crowdfunding” – a digital trend where a large pool of backers finance an initiative – will help them achieve the mammoth task.
The funding method is gaining increasing prominence.
“If you give us the money for our brewery/beer project, we will give back a range of things,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
While the finer details are yet to be decided, Mr Fitzgerald said contributions may start from as little as $10 and, in return, backers may receive free meals, discounts or merchandise.
Mr Fitzgerald said the Walkers and Co Limited award-winning beers included pale ale, bitter, stout and lager.
He said craft beer is just “exploding in sales” as many drinkers turn away from big-name brewers for a more unique taste.
“There’s a huge swing at the moment with craft beer and the big brewers are worried their market share is being taken over by craft beers,” he said.
“What I want to do is bring back to life the stories and the beer of a brewing family.
“To most people it’s a surprise that Bathurst had a number of very successful brewery operations.”
Mr Fitzgerald said the planned brewhouse and bistro will be in the “spiritual home” of Walkers and Co Limited.
“We’ve looked at sites and we have to raise funds to get the show on the road,” he said.
“I believe it will work. Crowd-funding is a beautiful way to raise funds for a project.”
For more information on Walker's Brewing project visit www.facebook.com/WalkersBrewing.
