Zero alcohol down 61 metres

CENTRAL Deborah Gold Mine is dusting off its underground function space for a unique event supporting Dry July.

Dubbed Thirst of July, a non-alcoholic tasting event will take place 61 metres below ground in the space which hasn’t been used since 2019.

CEO of Bendigo Heritage Attractions, James Reade, said the event combines reopening the space with promoting the emerging industry of non-alcoholic drinks.

 “We can’t have alcohol underground, so we thought it’d be a good opportunity to partner with Dry July,” he said. “This year I’m a Dry July ambassador and so we’re combining a few opportunities all into one.”

Mr Reade said he reached out to local non-alcoholic drink champion Briana Cowan, who hosts the podcast Booze Free Bants and has held a previous tasting.

“She’s brought a whole range of contacts; this is the second or third tasting event she’s done through her podcast and really talking about that journey of peer-pressure and alcohol and the alternatives out there,” Mr Reade said.

Non-alcoholic drink creators Heaps Normal Beer, Altina Drinks, Lyres and Smug AF will have their range of beers, wines and cocktails available for tasting, and finger food will also be provided.

Mr Reade said before the COVID-19 pandemic, the underground function space would be used regularly for birthday parties, business events and wedding reception.

“I’m pretty confident we’re the only underground function room the general public can book anywhere in Australia, if not the world,” he said.

With the space open for bookings, and Mr Reade said they’d love to host more corporate functions.

The non-alcoholic tasting event will also raise funds for Bendigo Health’s Cancer Wellness Program, which provides physical and mental support for cancer patients, including yoga, oncology massage and meditation.

Thirst of July goes Friday, 1 July with tickets at $50 and available via central-deborah.com/tours/thirst-of-july.