Adam Tomlinson’s dream started in December 2008 during a craft brewery tour in the USA and, 12 years later, has come to fruition with the opening of Stalwart Brewing Company at Nambour.
The craft brewery, based at the heritage-listed Club Hotel on Currie Street, provides a high-quality range of ales, two of which draw on his Navajo Indian and Kabi Kabi heritage.
He uses Sunshine Coast hinterland water, fresh grain, hops and yeast, and no preservatives or additives
“I was so excited to move in here at the start of 2020, but then COVID came, so I was left with a pub with no beer,” Adam said.
Despite many challenges, Adam was determined to open his brew pub and achieved his vision on July 18.
Stalwart’s core range of beers reflects Adam’s diverse ancestry: The Sacred Chief honours his great great great grandfather, a Navajo Indian from America’s mid-west who immigrated to Australia in the 1800s during the Gympie gold rush.
Adam’s second commercial release The Dreamtime Warrior is a golden ale in honour of his great grandmother who was a Kabi Kabi woman from the Sunshine Coast.
“A brew pub is about bringing the community together, and having a beer over a great story.”
Adam said Sunshine Coast Council helped by identifying suitable brewery sites and provided pre-lodgement planning advice.
“Council also expedited approvals for plumbing and planning, having suggested the Nambour Entertainment precinct as suitable for this development, and that ensured a swift approval process at minimal cost,” Mr Tomlinson said.
“I was also invited to participate in a craft breweries and distilleries industry forum hosted by council in January to better understand the needs of this growing industry cluster and to consider this in regard to future iterations of the planning scheme.”
His success makes him the perfect candidate for the Local Business Champion series.
Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said the Local Business Champions series was developed in collaboration with the Economic Resurgence Taskforce to inspire confidence in business and industry, and win back consumer trust and confidence, a key theme of the region’s Economic Resurgence Plan.
“Council is working with chambers of commerce, industry groups and the local business community to seek out and promote these great local stories,” Cr Landsberg said.
“I encourage the entire community to get behind these Local Business Champions and share their stories far and wide. If we all eat, shop and support local our region will emerge stronger and more resilient as the economy recovers.”
Adam’s advice to new businesses and start-ups is to:
- Make sure you have a clear plan and vision
- Understand the marketplace you’re in and how you should market your business
- Have clear consultations with council and know the business requirements
- Engage with local community groups and organisations.
Local Business Champions: Sharing Stories highlights the success and capability of our local business community.
The series acknowledges local business efforts, whether it’s a change in their business models to grow current or new business; new business ideas to recover from COVID; or an inspiring story from a local business owner.
