I did not foresee that I would be a brewery owner in my 40s, but life can take you to interesting places. While in this business, which was housed in a beautifully restored original 1930s cinema called The Astor, there were opportunities to continue my interest in many things.
Stefano and I wanted the brewery to be known not only for its locally made beer using as many local ingredients as possible, but also for its commitment to the arts and the environment. We supported Trust for Nature, Victoria Opera and local gallery, The Art Vault. We also made the most of an elegant mezzanine function space for film nights and other events.
For the free alternative film nights (Brewery_EventGuide_July_FA_02) I invited locals to share their passions and interests by hosting an evening once a week over a month. The host would introduce their film and would then be available for a conversation after the screening. Genres included Australian horror, classic Hollywood, gay and transgender film, Japanese film, censored film, human rights, wine-related and contemporary artist documentaries.
Our event guide (Brewery_EventGuide_January14_FA_01) was a useful tool to promote activities that were in our venue, attracting people to come and enjoy what was on offer. The consumption of food and beverage was incidental to that, but it made for a thriving and bustling business. After “In Conversation” (TP Poster) sessions, film nights or performances (Brewery_EventGuide_Oct14_FA_01), guests would linger and continue their discussions over a beer or two.
The guides were sent to a Mildura Brewery database via Vision with a message from me that affirmed my role as host of the venue, encouraged a sense of community, while outlining what was on offer:
Dear Friends,
October seems to be one of those months that just creeps up and taps you on the
shoulder – to your great surprise. There is no holding back time, so here we are at the tenth month of the year with a range of films, music and entertainment for your pleasure.
Last month’s FREE FILM NIGHTS hosted by Ross Lake were a great hit with lovers of
art and photography. The focus was on the American schools and their global influence. Thank you, Ross, for being involved and for your brief, but illuminating introductions before the films.
Our guest curator this month is Geoff Brown who will be screening previously banned films. Geoff wants us to think about censorship generally and ask important questions like who has the right to choose what we can and cannot watch? Come along and see these films for yourself and join in the debate about censorship and its value or hindrance in society. These films are strictly for viewers who are 18 years or older.
On Sunday 13th October we are hosting a violin workshop with Jeri Foreman from
11am in the Theatre Club which is only $20. Jeri’s studied with some of the best fiddle players in the world and is soon to release her own original album of Celtic tunes. If you can’t make the workshop be sure to hear her play from 3 – 6pm later that day in the pub.
There’s always room to spice up our lives with a bit of Burlesque so for your entertainment we’ve enlisted the Rock and Roll Bombshell, Dezzi Damned to
perform for one night only in the Theatre Club from 9pm on Saturday 26th October. Tickets are only $15 from the Mildura Brewery. We imagine this will be a popular event so get your tickets as soon as you can.
Stefano continues to surprise us with simple, delicious specials like Spaghetti with
Prawns and Yabbies, Carpaccio of Beef with Asparagus and fresh South Australian
Oysters, shucked on site. We are open for lunch, snacks and dinner every day.
Hope to see you sometime in October.
Best wishes,
Donata
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