Meet Our Committee

Run by industry, for industry - our committee is made up of passionate Victorian distillers who volunteer their time and expertise. This dedicated group brings together decades of experience in distilling, hospitality, business development, and industry advocacy to help shape the future of Victorian spirits.

President's Message

Welcome to the Spirits Victoria Association (SVA) – the leading advocate for Victoria’s world-class distilling industry.

Victoria boasts an incredibly diverse and world-class distilling industry, ranging from globally recognised spirits to vibrant regional craft distillers. At SVA, we champion local distillers, fuel industry growth, and advocate for a sustainable, thriving future.

Our Distillery Door Program, funded by Agriculture Victoria and led by the SVA, is creating new opportunities for distillers to grow and succeed. Covering essential areas such as safety and training, infrastructure development, and export readiness, this initiative is strengthening Victoria’s position as a global leader in spirits. There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of this industry.

We proudly represent our members by working alongside the Australian Distillers Association, engaging with state government, industry bodies, and tourism sectors to drive meaningful change. Through strategic collaboration and advocacy, the SVA works to advance the interests of its members, promote best practices, and enhance the reputation and sustainability of the industry.

Together, we are shaping an industry that is bold, innovative, and recognised around the world.

Cameron Mackenzie
Seb Costello

Sebastian Costello -
Industry Development Officer

Sebastian (Seb) Costello is the Industry Development Officer for the Victorian Distilling Industry. With a rich background in hospitality, Seb’s journey into the spirits industry began with the launch of Melbourne’s Bad Frankie bar in 2014.

Seb is dedicated to helping the distilling community navigate and leverage government initiatives designed to foster growth. He works closely with industry stakeholders to ensure they can access funding, resources, and support across programs such as the Distillery Door Program, Export Capability Grants, and Business Growth – Fit-for-Purpose Grants. Seb’s focus is on ensuring that distillers have the tools and opportunities to thrive in the evolving market, and he remains committed to making connections between the industry and government to drive positive change.

0438 546 876
seb@australiandistillers.org.au

Committee Members

Cameron Mackenzie
Cameron MacKenzie
President

Formerly Four Pillars

David Vitale Photo
David Vitale
Vice President

Starward

Ian Senior
Ian Senior
Treasurer

Refresh Accounting

Geoff Rowles
Geoff Rowles
Secretary

Barrs Lane Distillery

Sarah Barton
Committee Member

That Spirited Lot

Kristin and Dan Lemura Photo
Kristin & Dan Lemura
Committee Member

Noble Bootleggers

Sam Slaney
Sam Slaney
Committee Member

New World Whisky Distillery

Chris Pratt
Committee Member

Kilderkin

Lorelle Warren
Lorelle Warren
Committee Member

Bellarine Distillery

Photo_Jonathan Harris
Jonathan Harris
Committee Member

Saintlier

Brogan Carr
Brogan Carr
Committee Member

Brogans Way

Liz Beech
Committee Member

Here's Looking at You Kid

Dom Evans
Committee Member

Thirsty Group

Inna Kersman
Inna Kersman
Committee Member

Recollection Spirits

Lauren Bonkowski
Committee Member

Small Fortunes Studio

Photo_Craig Lucas
Craig Lucas
Committee Member

Bancroft Bay Distillery

Shape the Future of Victorian Spirits

Passionate about our industry's growth? We're always keen to hear from members interested in contributing their expertise to our committee. Your experience could help strengthen Victoria's spirits industry. Get in touch to learn more about becoming part of our leadership team.