By JESSE GRAHAM
THERE may be a silver lining in the clouds hanging over the decision to close Healesville’s White Rabbit Brewery, with tourism representatives weighing in on future opportunities for the site.
The Mail reported last week that the brewery, which has become a local icon since setting up five years ago, would close at the end of May 2015.
The decision came from the brewery’s owning company, Lion, who claimed that the ability for growth at the current site was “restricted” and that the brewery would be re-located to their central brewery in Geelong.
Yarra Ranges Tourism Chief Operating Officer Simon O’Callaghan said that the decision was disappointing, and that the beer had established a “strong regional brand” since opening in 2009.
But Mr O’Callaghan said the closure would also provide an “exciting opportunity” for another business to set up or expand into the current brewery site.
“There are a variety of opportunities on this terrific site for any number of prospective businesses,” he said.
“We are confident that this will provide an exciting opportunity for either a new start-up business or allow an existing business to grow.”
Wine Yarra Valley CEO, Richard Howden, expressed a similar point of view and said that, while he was disappointed about the decision, it would open the door to a new tourist icon.
“They were a great asset, and a great place to pop in and have a beer,” he said.
“It’s always disappointing when businesses move out of the Yarra Valley, but it is exciting – it opens the door for something new.
“It will be interesting to see who takes up that site – I’d imagine there’d be a few people looking at it very closely.”
Lion spokeswoman, Elise Gare, said that redundancies would be expected as part of the closure, and that the company would work with staff to provide support during the transition period.
What do you think of the decision to relocate White Rabbit Brewery from Healesville to Geelong? Do you have a favourite memory at the brewery? Write a Letter to the Editor to PO Box 470, Healesville, 3777 or email editor@yvnews.com.au.
