Pints flowing with breweries’ support

Good times ahead: Midlands Golf Club general manager, Jason Wallace is happy that life and tapped beer is coming back to his bar. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS

IT’S been “tough” for Midlands Golf Club’s two thousand members without the opportunity to meet at their “social hub.”

Now COVID-19 restrictions are easing, general manager, Jason Wallace said they’re all “excited” to return, with the For the Love of Your Local initiative from Carlton & United Breweries supporting the venue and others around Ballarat.

Many pubs and clubs nationally are sharing in 100,000 litres, or 200,000 pints worth of donated CUB beer to aid their resilience through the pandemic. The beer producer expects $1 million will be generated in venue tills through the next few weeks.

Mr Wallace said CUB transfer money to the club, and patrons hand over vouchers when they visit to claim two pints.

“CUB fund $10 into our account directly and then they make up the second pint to the value of kegs, so they’re donating kegs as well. The club’s not out of pocket at all. It’s very generous,” he said.

His team is “privileged” to be on board.

“It’s a fantastic initiative. The campaign has given us a launchpad of positivity. People get excited to know they’ve got two pints of beer at their local, they know they’re going to go back, and it helps us have a vehicle to drive people back in the door,” Mr Wallace said.

“We’ve got over $2000 worth and it’s fully funded by CUB. It’s really beneficial for us. We’re looking forward to everyone coming back, enjoying the facilities and a couple of pints of beer.

“JobKeeper has been a massive assistance to Midlands as well, to be able to keep our staff, and bounce back really quickly.”

With many rooms, Midlands can currently fit 68 people safely in the club at one time. Bookings are preferred via 5331 4400.

Other beneficiaries of the campaign include The Western Hotel, The Grapes Hotel, Irish Murphy’s, Ballarat Bowling Club, Ballarat Yacht Club, the Black Hill Hotel, the North Britain Hotel, Freight Bar, the Cattle Yards Inn, and the Ballarat Basketball Association.

Visit loveofyourlocal.com.au to see if your favourite venue is involved.