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A Report on our People, Planet, Product, and Governance.
A Report on our People, Planet, Product, and Governance.
WHO WE ARE
Good Drinks Australia started over 20 years ago with a vision to make great beer, and we haven't stopped since. Today we're one of the country's largest independent brewers and Australia's largest craft brewer — home to some of the nation's most loved drinks brands and a growing collection of venues that bring those brands to life.
Our home is Palmyra, Western Australia, where our 100HL brewery stands as one of the most efficient independent brewing facilities in the country. Recently upgraded with a state-of-the-art Krones canning and bottling line, it's a facility built for the future.
litres produced annually and growing.
Our people are what make it possible. From brewers fine-tuning recipes on the floor to sales teams embedded in local markets across every state, the Good Drinks team shares one commitment: quality at every level, and a genuine passion for the drinks they represent.
This report is a reflection of that commitment and the standards we hold ourselves to across everything we do.
OUR VALUES
We stay true to our craft, creating remarkable products that meet the highest standards.
We value our people, community, and environment — doing business in ways that benefit all three.
We think long-term, embrace innovation, and take bold steps to create lasting value.
We're upfront about who we are and what we do, building trust through open communication.
We make it simple for customers, suppliers, and partners to do business with us.
We bring commitment and energy to our work while enjoying the journey together.
OUR STORY
Good Drinks Australia started over 20 years ago with humble beginnings in a former margarine factory in Perth's south. Founded by brothers Bill and John Hoedemaker alongside Peter Nolin, we began as Gage Roads Brewing Company. Starting with salvaged second-hand equipment and a vision to create quality craft beer, we've grown to become one of the country's largest independent brewers.
Gage Roads Brewing Co born in a former margarine factory with second-hand equipment.
Became publicly listed to fuel national expansion and growth.
Secured pouring rights at Perth's prestigious Optus Stadium.
Expanded portfolio with iconic Matso's Brewery. Rebranded to Good Drinks Australia.
Opened flagship venue at the historic A-Shed on Fremantle Harbour.
Opened Matso's Sunshine Coast Brewery in Queensland.
"We've built a national platform with a diverse, high-quality portfolio that resonates across the market. Our scalable premium brands, Gage Roads and Matso's, sit at the core, supported by best-in-class brewing and hospitality, with a growing focus on sustainability across how we brew, package and operate. Alongside this, our partner portfolio, including Coors, Miller Chill, Magners and Rekorderlig, gives us one of the most compelling offerings in Australia. Our ambition is simple, a Good Drink in every fridge and pub nationwide."
OUR LOCATIONS
From Fremantle to the Sunshine Coast. 7+ locations across production breweries, flagship venues, and offices.
Gage Roads Brew Co, Fremantle
Gage Roads Brewery, Palmyra
Matso's Broome Brewery, Broome
Matso's Sunshine Coast Brewery, Eumundi
Brisbane Office, Morningside
Sydney Office, North Sydney
Melbourne Office, South Melbourne
OUR BRANDS
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Beyond our own brands, we partner with world-class brewers to bring exceptional beer to market across Australia.
OUR FRAMEWORK
Everything we do is guided by our commitments to our people, our planet, and our product.
We back our team, connect with our communities, and build partnerships that drive meaningful impact.
Sustainability embedded at every stage — from sourcing ingredients to packaging and serving the final pour.
Actively reducing our footprint and protecting the resources we depend on through continuous improvement.
PEOPLE — COMMUNITY & CULTURE
Good Drinks has built a workplace where employees genuinely care about the company's success. With 30% employee ownership, our team are stakeholders in where we're heading, creating a culture of pride and belonging that keeps people here long-term.
Long-tenured staff become cultural ambassadors — they bring knowledge, mentor newcomers, and keep the energy positive.
At Good Drinks, the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, and unique capabilities our team invests represents a significant part of our culture. Our Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Policy drives a skilled workforce, inclusive practices, and improved career development for women.
Good Drinks is a proud signatory to the Respect in Drinks Charter, developed by The Drinks Association's Embrace Difference Council.
We know keeping our team healthy and safe is essential. Our HSE Management Plan covers hazardous substances, chemical management, and workplace-specific concerns.
Free, completely confidential, and available to all employees and their families. Contact numbers posted on notice boards and in staff areas.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
From ocean clean-ups to youth mental health, from food banks to supporting women in brewing — Good Drinks invests in the communities that inspire us.
Supporting women and non-binary individuals in the brewing industry through educational scholarships. $10,000 annually to Leadership Scholarships since 2021. Six limited-edition IWD beers released.
"Their commitment to social impact and fostering diversity in our industry is truly commendable."
Proudly supporting youth mental health and suicide prevention for over 15 years. $0.10 from every pint sold at Gage Roads Freo during the campaign. Limited-edition Gage Roads x Pedal Mafia cycling jersey, 100% of proceeds donated.
"Ride for Youth is an incredible cause that resonates deeply with our team. We're proud to play our part in supporting young people doing it tough."
Since 2021, driving awareness around ocean plastics. Special brews raised $15,000 in direct donations. Also removed 2,304 litres and 10,223 units of debris.
Annual food drives at head office and Gage Roads Freo. 2023: 92kg (167 meals). 2025: 54kg (98 meals).
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS
Monthly free concerts at Gage Roads Freo give emerging artists from across Australia a platform on the Fremantle waterfront. Intimate indie-rock and alternative performances, creating memorable experiences for all ages.
Since 2023, $1 from every pint sold on World Ocean Day goes to the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Expert panel discussions on ocean health, eco-art installations using washed-up plastic, and community workshops.
We've proudly supported the iconic Fremantle-to-Rottnest open-water swim since 2023. Each year we brew a special limited-release — 'Free Style' in 2023 and 'Onya Marks' in 2024.
Co-hosted the Awards Night after-party in 2023 and 2024, brewing collaborative beers including 'Cross Roads' with King Road Brewery. In 2026, Gage Roads Freo took home WA Good Food Guide Pub of the Year.
Hosting Salty Brain Trivia and film screenings at both Gage Roads Freo and Matso's Sunshine Coast to support fundraising efforts.
We're committed to recognising Indigenous culture year-round. In 2023 and 2024, we hosted free NAIDOC Week screenings of IndigifestOz, alongside Yarns by the Fire storytelling sessions hosted by Steven Jacobs.
BREWING FOR GOOD
20 cents from every Alby schooner sold goes to local charities via a monthly rotating token voting system.
West Coast Ale collaboration with 8 industry legends, raising funds for Rural Aid and the WA Brewers' Association.
Brewed to support the Leeuwin II. Proceeds donated to the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.
Our team partnering with Tangaroa Blue Foundation — 14 beach clean-ups removing 275kg of marine debris since 2021.
PLANET — ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
A dedicated team committed to continuous improvement across four critical areas.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
All waste is handled in accordance with Environmental Protection Regulations, managed by global specialist Veolia.
Across our offices and operations, we provide paper, battery, comingled recycling, soft and hard plastic, and container bins. Veolia provides monthly reporting on diversion vs landfill.
PRODUCT — RESPONSIBLE BREWING
Our product responsibility extends across three key areas: sourcing sustainable ingredients, optimising our brewing processes, and designing packaging that reflects our environmental values.
Spent grain → feed, yeast → fertiliser, hops → bio-energy, water recycled at every step.
99% recyclable. $2.5M invested. Eliminated clips, removed labels, lowest plastic/L in craft.
Ongoing R&D, new products with social and environmental benefits built in.
We implement waste optimisation across all brewing stages, following the hierarchy of avoidance, reuse, recycling, and disposal.
Mashing & Lautering — Spent grain recovery and sale as livestock feed for local pastoral farmers.
Boiling & Whirlpool — Trub recycled, spent hops → fertiliser & bio-energy. Water recovery and vapour condenser systems.
Fermentation & Filtration — Yeast reused up to 5 times, then recycled. Flash pasteurisation uses significantly less water.
Water Efficiency — Bottle rinse recycling, improved centrifuge, tank recirculation, flash pasteurisation.
We are committed to developing a best-in-class process in Australia.
Recycling to cooling tower to minimise water withdrawal
Results in significantly less water usage
Trialling has reduced water usage
Significantly less water than tunnel systems
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
As a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant, we implement comprehensive sustainable packaging strategies.
Replaced with recyclable multi-pack paper wraps from renewable pine forests
Eliminated on all existing bottles to reduce material use
Plan to save approx. 11 tonnes of cardboard annually
One of the lowest plastic per litre ratios in craft beer
SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN HOSPITALITY
Our flagship hospitality venue at A-Shed on the Fremantle waterfront.
Labelled 'a model of sustainable architecture throughout Australia'.
PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT
We eliminated 50,000–80,000 single-use plastic cups per AFL match. From 2026, Optus Stadium becomes Australia's first major stadium with a 100% reusable cup system.
PRODUCT HEALTH
Options for health-conscious consumers without compromising on quality and taste.
Our flagship non-alcohol XPA with less than 0.5% ABV, delivering authentic hoppy flavours for those choosing alcohol-free options without sacrificing taste.
Air Time delivers refreshing beer with reduced carbohydrates. Pinky's Sunset provides crisp cider with lower sugar. Matso's Ginger Beer Lower Sugar offers iconic spicy character with reduced sugar content.
Huey Lager (3.8% ABV) — crisp and refreshing. Matso's Ginger Beer (3.5%) — iconic spicy character. Side Track XPA (3.5%) — hop-forward taste with lower alcohol.
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
We've always held ourselves to the highest possible standards — sourcing quality ingredients, maintaining superior equipment, and fostering a culture of ongoing improvement. Zero non-compliances with health and safety regulations.
All products undergo strict approvals. Packaging includes sourcing info, pregnancy warnings, standard drinks labelling, recycling info, ABV, and container deposit scheme labelling.
ABAC signatory. All venue staff hold RSA certificates. Managers undergo additional training.
Supporting safer drinking culture through evidence-based education campaigns and responsible consumption initiatives.
GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE
Active membership in key industry bodies across ethics, sustainability, safety, and responsible operations.
THE GOOD REPORT
This report represents our progress — but it's just the beginning. We're committed to continuous improvement, building something that's good for our people, our planet, and the communities we serve.
Get In TouchGood Drinks Australia · 14 Absolon St, Palmyra WA 6157
[email protected] · gooddrinks.com.au · ABN: 22 103 014 320
