Women of Australian Distilling celebrated female achievement in the craft distilling industry on International Women’s Day.

The event, held at The Waratah, was hosted by Husk General Manager of Marketing & Hospitality Harriet Messenger and drinks industry veteran Nicole Lestal.

The speakers included Diageo Manager of Corporate Relations Amanda Lampe, Banks & Solander Distillery Co-founder and Head Marketer Ed Svehla, Archie Rose Spirit Blender Silvia Segato and Manly Spirits Venue and Events Manager Hannah Brecknell.

As each woman shared their career highlights and industry insights with attendees, The Waratah served cocktails inspired by the craft spirits created by some of the talented women who attended.

Women of Australian Distilling Chair Kathleen Davies said: “I am incredibly grateful for the inspiring speakers and dedicated individuals who supported our International Women’s Day event at the Waratah. I am bursting with pride for the success of the event and the remarkable people who came together to celebrate empowerment, unity, and progress. Thank you to all who made this day unforgettable.”

Marketing & Communications Assistant Mya Clemente added: “Thank you to everyone for coming and celebrating my first International Women’s Day event at Women of Australian Distilling. I’m honoured to have been a part of it and to witness all these amazing women come together.”

Women of Australian Distilling is a collective to promote, encourage and support women and gender diverse people within the Australian Craft Distilling industry. Collaborating with the industry’s peak associations and organisations, it aims to support career development for women in the field of distilling, ambassadorship, marketing, administration, management, cellar door operations and more. It is a hub for female-led trade and consumer events, courses, networking, PR, mentoring and personal development.

Learn more here.

Pictured main (left to right): Ed Svehla, Silvia Segato, Hannah Brecknell, Harriet Messenger, Amanda Lampe and Nicole Lestal.