2025 Committee Candidates

Starward

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Gindu

I have over 20 years' experience outside of the alcohol industry, specifically in senior management, sales and account management areas across the global travel industry. I am comfortable speaking to all stakeholder groups, and bring a clear strategic mindset to any role I take on.

Bringing a different lens to this role, whilst having now been in the alcohol industry for over 5 years means I am well placed to bring a broader view whilst understanding the challenges we face, especially those of the smaller distiller members. I actively take part in SVA initiatives, most recently at Parliament, and am also taking part in the Export mentoring opportunity.

Starward

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JimmyRum

Over the past six years, I’ve been fortunate to work across a few Victorian distilleries, learning from every Still, every team, and every challenge along the way. I’ve spent my career driving the growth of Victoria’s spirits industry through hands-on innovation, education, and an unwavering commitment to safe and sustainable production. With experience spanning distillery design, recipe creation, and operational management across multiple award-winning distilleries, I’ve seen firsthand how high standards in safety and training form the foundation of a thriving      industry. Having completed my Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products, I’m dedicated to continuing to raise the bar for technical skill, compliance, and professionalism within our craft.

If elected to the Spirits Victoria committee, my focus will be on strengthening safety culture and creating pathways for the next generation of Victorian distillers. I want to see an industry that grows responsibly—where innovation is supported by education, collaboration, and clear standards that protect both people and product integrity. I believe that by investing in training, mentorship, and shared knowledge, we can build a future where Victorian spirits are celebrated globally for their quality, integrity, and unmistakably Australian character.

Brogans Way

My name is Brogan Cukurins, head distiller, and co-founder of Brogan’s Way Distillery, proudly operating in Richmond, Melbourne since 2018. I hold a Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling from Herriot-Watt University and am I am currently a PhD candidate with the University of Melbourne in Agricultural Science, my topic is: An investigation into the volatile constituents of Australian native plants to understand their chemical and sensory contributions to spirit drinks. This project has been supported by the National Industry PhD program to help develop and produce industry relevant research; throughout the project I have been working closely with SVA members to ensure the project is relevant to the Victorian distilling Industry. Aside from my work in the distillery and the laboratory, I have also been contributing to the distilling industry in education, working with the National Distilling Institute (NDI) as a subject matter expert helping with the development of Cert IV in Artisan Fermented Products: Distilling.  I also hold a Cert IV in Training and Assessing and have been enjoying working for the NDI, teaching, and mentoring distilling students across Victoria for the past eighteen months. 

I am incredibly passionate about the potential of our Victorian distilling industry, and am committed to supporting its growth through education, research, advocacy and partnerships with adjacent industries. As a current committee, and sub-committee member for almost two years, I have contributed to education and skill development initiatives and promoting Victorian distillers, and I am eager to continue this work for Victorian distillers. I firmly believe that for the SVA to be of best use to Victorian distillers, is for the committee to continue engaging with community, championing innovation, and strengthening the skills within our industry; overall contributing to a thriving Victorian distilling industry.

Bancroft Bay Distillery