First-ever Kimberley carbonated beverage facility on its way thanks to RED grant

The Kimberley will soon have its first-ever carbonated beverage manufacturing plant thanks to round five of Regional Economic Development grants. Hoochery Distillery will receive $200,000 to build the carbonated beverage manufacturing facility that will focus on producing mid-strength and zero-alcohol products. Hoochery Distillery distiller Margaret Lyons said the company would aim to use as much local product as possible at the new distilling and canning facility. “This grant will help a lot with building the new facility,” she said. “We’ve always concentrated on local product, that’s been our ethos, and we’re hoping to use local product in our canning facility as well once we get that set up.” Five other Kimberley businesses were also awarded RED grants, with Generators and Off-Grid Energy, Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation, Walaja Raw Bush Honey, Hoochery Distillery and the Kimberley Arts Network receiving a share in $674,000 of funding. Walaja Raw Bush Honey will receive $90,000 to construct a purpose-built facility to expand its raw honey production and the Kimberley Arts Network will receive $75,000 to refurbish its existing community arts space. Generators and Off-Grid Energy will receive $176,000 to expand its solar power services into the East Kimberley and Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation will receive $82,000 to build a tissue culture laboratory and a processing facility for their gubinge plantation. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan, who travelled to Broome to announce the grants, said it was important to diversify and expand economic opportunities in the Kimberley. “Once again, the RED Grants continue to support local businesses and organisations to develop, grow and diversify to better service regional communities,” she said. Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna, who also attended the announcement in Broome, said it was great to see grants supporting different industries “The Kimberley region is rich in its diversity and the projects are exciting initiatives for the town and communities,” she said. “Congratulations to all of the successful recipients with their innovative concepts that are helping our Kimberley economy and showcasing innovation, arts and Aboriginal businesses.” Over the past eight years the RED grants program has invested $45.8 million in projects across WA.