Bundaberg Rum’s $11.5m lifeline to Australian hospitality industry

Any licensed venue in Australia, whether they’re regional or metro, and regardless if they’re a Bundaberg Rum or a Diageo stockist, can apply for support through the ‘Raising the Bar’ initiative that will fund a two-year programme rolling out from next month.

‘Raising the Bar’ will directly support jobs, recovery, and innovation in the Australian hospitality industry.  Pre-COVID-19 Australian pubs, bars and clubs reportedly employed more than 500,000 Australians and contributed $17.2 billion in revenue.

‘Our hospitality industry sits at the heart of our community and Australian culture.” said Angus McPherson, Managing Director at Bundaberg Rum’s parent company Diageo Australia, “The joy of being able to connect with friends and family down at the ‘local’ has been sorely missed throughout this pandemic, while the economic impact on the industry has been unprecedented. Many in the hospitality industry are small businesses that employ thousands across the country and as we start to recover and rebuild, Bundaberg Rum wants to stand by their side and support them in getting back on their feet just like any Australian would do for a mate.’”

Both Government and industry have come out in support of the fund and how it will help this critical industry that accounts for 8% of Australian jobs, get back on its feet.  Registration of interest for access to funding opened this week (see link below) which also opens industry owners and workers to best practice training, resources and be able to participate in global surveys to share insights, as they build back their businesses.

This announcement is part of a broader commitment by Diageo to invest US$100 million globally in ‘Raising the Bar’ programmes that will support venues as they recover from the impact of COVID-19.

The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector has been widespread, with the closure of venues the world over.  As governments begin to ease lockdown measures, the public want to come together again to connect with their community and socialise safely. Through the establishment of ‘Raising the Bar’, Bundaberg Rum and Diageo aims to help any licensed venue anywhere in Australia open its doors again and welcome back their patrons.

Videography: Paul J Avery Outdoors