Anther Gin distillery takes shape in Geelong

Seb Reaburn and Dervilla McGowan have found the perfect retro-cool location in Geelong for their new Anther Gin distillery.

Anther Gin founders Seb Reaburn and Dervilla McGowan in their Geelong distillery.

IN ITS heyday, Geelong’s Federal Woollen Mill was buzzing with industry.

Fleece straight from Western District sheep was scoured, spun and woven into cloth here, with nearly 1000 workers producing uniforms for Aussie troops during two world wars.

Today, the red-brick Federation era buildings are enjoying a renaissance as part of the vibrant new Pivot City Precinct attracting innovative businesses to Geelong.

Tenants include up-and-coming gin makers Dervilla McGowan and Seb Reaburn, who run Anther Distillery.

Inside the now-renovated Federal Mills site in Geelong. The buildings have been redeveloped by The Hamilton Group as a commercial precinct including offices, hospitality and services. Picture: National Wool Museum

“We were immediately impressed with the Hamilton Group’s vision for Geelong,” said Dervilla, remembering the day she first visited the precinct with the development group’s managing director, Cam Hamilton.

“He took us down to this cathedral-like room that was the old power house, and at the end of the room there was this old chimney stack, and we fell in love with this gorgeous space.”

Charmed, the couple moved not just their business, but also their young family to the regional city, leaving Melbourne. Seb and Dervilla have plans to expand the business with new products, hospitality and tourism.

They initially looked for a site in Melbourne where they could house their new still and build the brand, but encountered a cool reception.

Anther Distillery at Geelong’s Pivot City precinct.

The Glasshouse is the most recent part of the Pivot City Precinct, home to Anther Distillery. Picture: Supplied.

“Every time we engaged with city planners, they said it was going to be hard, and you will pretty much go to VCAT straight away and it will take a year,” she said. “But when we engaged with Geelong Council, we were met with overwhelming enthusiasm.”

So, when the lease came up in Hamilton Group’s new development, the couple jumped on it, and have since launched plans for a hospitality venture that could accommodate up to 450 diners and drinkers in the retro-cool surrounds.

“We have been hit pretty hard with COVID,” Dervilla said, explaining their plan to build a tourism destination was on temporary pause.

”We are moving towards contract work and we will be making other people’s products for the time being, to keep everyone in a job.

“Once we start opening up, we can build that hospitality venue and start our offering with tastings, food and coffee.

“We are so hanging out for a party. I think everyone is.”