A Covid silver lining

A new Local Produce Hub at the Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant and Bar is helping promote Phillip Island producers and has forged new business relationships.

Like most local businesses, this year’s Covid lockdown had a devastating impact on business.

But it also brought a new opportunity.

“When Covid hit initially, we closed down for two weeks,” said Neil Gillin.

“In those two weeks, we looked at what was happening in the restaurant trade on the island. Everybody reverted to takeaway.”

Neil was keen to create a point of difference and came up with the concept of creating space in their restaurant for local produce.

“We always wanted to do something like this, but you get busy doing the day to day routine, and we never got around to it.

“Covid gave us the opportunity to sit down and analyse how we wanted it to work, what products to have in there, and give it a trial.”

The new Local Produce Hub at Rusty Water Brewery features products from Phillip Island and Bass Coast businesses.

Purple Hen Wines. Green Gully Brewing Company, Phillip Island Wine Estates, French Island Vineyards, The Gurdies Winery, Phillip Island Honey, Bassine Specialty Cheeses, Farmhouse Fudge Company, Top Hill Farm Meats, Kitehaven Olive Oil, Phillip Island Brewing Company, a mix of teas, relish and jams from the Wild Food Farm, and pasta from Prego Pasta are all available.

Neil said the Hub created a point of difference for the restaurant, helped support other businesses and forged new relationships.

“We have always believed in taking a collaborative approach, and we were trying to develop a win-win situation, that was good for all parties.

“For example, the Farmhouse Fudge Company is a relatively new business that focused on selling at markets,” Neil said.

“When those stopped, they needed another way to sell their product. We were able to help with that."

As well as providing an outlet for other producers, the new relationships has led to Phillip Island Brewing Company beers being available at Purple Hen and Phillip Island Wine Estates and will soon arrive on French Island.

Neil’s also working with the other producers to put together Christmas Hampers that will be available locally and through the Click for Vic website.

“We’re excited about the opportunity the hub will provide to showcase the island and Bass Coast produce. And it brings another dimension to our business.

“You’re welcome to drop in and buy something, you don’t have to be eating in,” Neil explained.

“Just drop by, have a look and hopefully take home some local products.”

On display

Initially conceived as a temporary measure, a grant from Bass Coast Shire Council’s Covid support fund has helped turn the Local Produce Hub into a permanent fixture.

“We applied for money to remodel the lower bar area, filling in some walls and creating additional space for the hub,” Neil explained.

“Part of the application was for custom made shelving for the venue.”

Receiving the grant provided support for two more local businesses.

“Dave from McLaren Builders did all the remodelling and restructuring work, while Luke Marshall Cabinets designed and built the custom-made cabinets.

“Now everything is really well displayed and it’s easy for customers to look at and buy,” said Neil.

“We’re really excited about how it will go now Melbourne people are back on the island. There’s people everywhere – it’s great. It’s what we wanted.

“It’s been a pretty tough six months for everybody. Seeing people back is good for the spirits and good for the island.”