our TEAM

Cameron Syme in the barrel room

Cameron Syme
FOUNDER & head distiller

Recognised as one of the founders of Australia’s craft gin and whiskey movements, former lawyer turned Head Distiller, Cameron Syme set up Great Southern Distilling Company in 2004. Prior to this he was researching, volunteering and honing his knowledge of the production of craft spirits, pursuing a long held dream of starting his own distillery. 


Since establishing the company, Cameron has led his distilleries and team to having won over 140 medals and trophies, and has been named Distillery Manager of the Year by Icons of World Whisky. Under his lead the company has also been awarded Western Australian Business of the Year at the Telstra Business Awards in 2017 and previously in 2015 Western Australian Regional Business of the Year. 


Garry Zacher in the Albany Cellar Door

Garry Zacher
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Garry has held executive roles across a wide range of industries, including gold mining, iron ore mining, fast moving consumer goods, construction and shipbuilding. He holds degrees in Economics, Finance and eCommerce, and previously had senior international regional supply chain roles at Fonterra. As CEO, Garry oversees a number of departments, in particular production, logistics and wholesale. 


Favourite part of the job? Working in an energetic, growing family-owned company with excellent brands and passionate people, with operations based in regional southern WA where I grew up.

MARGARET RIVER

Damon McMillen at the Margaret River Cellar Door

DAMON MCMILLEN
MARGARET RIVER venue manager

Damon has worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years. He was the General Manager at the Margaret River Tavern for 8 years, before joining our team at the Margaret River Distilling Co.


Favourite part of the job? I love the wonderful products we make! I enjoy being able to spend time with the customers and educate them about our spirits and how to drink them.


Donna Green at the MRDC deck

DONNA GREEN
MARGARET RIVER cHEF

Donna started at MRDC in 2015, and is an essential member of the cellar door team. With a wealth of hospitality experience, Donna splits her time between a wide variety of tasks. Donna is also the master chef behind our popular Barrel Aged Sriracha sauce.


Favourite part of the job? I enjoy the variation in my work, and the opportunity to be given new projects (such as the Sriracha).


Swan Valley

Freddie Batchelor

DANIEL ADAM

SWAN VALLEY VENUE manager

Daniel has over 10 years of experience in Hospitality, Wine, and Spirits within the Perth hospitality scene and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Swan Valley Cellar Door.


Favourite part of the job? Being part of a diverse brand with a rich history which allows me to share the stories behind our spirits with our guests. 


sales

Paul Burke next to the Limeburners and Margaret River Distilling Co logo

paul burke
WA STATE SALES MANAGER

Paul has a wealth of experience from over 22 years working across the liquor industry. Ranging from working in 'supplier land' to wholesaling has given him insight to every part of the sales process. 


Favourite part of the job? I am proud to sell high end craft spirits to the market and enjoy the Retail and Customer positive feedback.


DISTILLERS / BREWERS

John Wallis wearing a Limeburner t-shirt

John wallis
DISTILLER / BREWER

John started his career in hospitality, and when he started working at the Albany cellar door, he became very interested in the process behind making great whisky. This set him off on his journey to becoming a distiller. 


Favourite part of the job? I love the challenges and constantly learning about new innovations in the field, as it keeps the work exciting. 


Production

Manuela Schuster

MANUELA SCHUSTER

PRODUCTION LEAD

Manuela embraces the vibrant winemaking scene in Margaret River, blending efficient work with a fast-paced lifestyle. Her outgoing and fun-loving nature extends beyond the winery. Creating a happy and clos-knit family atmosphere in both work and personal pursuits. Cheers to a life well balanced with work and joy!


Favourite part of the job? Drive for efficiency and pursuit of high standards are key pillars of my work and approach.

Beau Neunuebel

BEAU Neunuebel

GIn distiller / blender 

An experienced Brewer and Distiller with a science and business background and a 16-year track record of leading successful projects and delivering growth in craft beverage production and business operations. Experienced in managing teams and company culture, process optimization, research and new product development, quality assurance, internal auditing and regulatory compliance as well as health & safety standards. Beau has worked at Limeburners in Albany as a Brewer/Distiller and now at Giniversity as the Distiller/Blender


Favourite part of the job? The opportunity to play a role in delivering internationally recognised spirits to the world stage. Spending time in the blending lab expanding knowledge and exploring the vast and ever-growing selection of unique and interesting botanicals and flavour combinations.

ADMIN & FINANCE

Helen Purves

HELEN PURVES

Administration Officer

Helen has extensive sales, marketing, business development and administration experience in tourism, hospitality and more recently in manufacturing. She has a strong customer service centric for both internal and external stakeholders and brings a range of expertise to the administration team.


Favourite part of the job? Whilst I have always enjoyed a good single malt whisky, I love that I became a gin convert on day one! I enjoy learning new product knowledge, and working for these well established, quality, local brands in a dynamic environment with an amazing, friendly, and talented team across 3 exciting venues. Definitely an exciting and challenging role.


Genya Shepard

GENYA SHEPHARD
aCCOUNTS CLERK

Genya has over 25 years experience in finance, administration and customer service. She has worked in several local governments in various roles and is excited to be utilising her skills and knowledge at the company.


Favourite part? Being in a busy and friendly workplace makes the days enjoyable.


Joshua Forster

joshua forster
management accountant

Joshua graduated from Murdoch University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance. He was then employed as a Company Accountant from 2015 through to 2019 for Bergmans Auto Group, where he gained extensive experience in all areas of financial and management accounting. In 2016 Josh commenced the Chartered Accountants program, and in 2019 was fortunate enough to have his graduation at New Zealand House in London, overlooking Trafalgar Square. Upon returning to Australia in late 2019, Josh started his current role as Management Accountant for the Great Southern Distilling Company, which has proven to be very challenging and fulfilling role.


Favourite part of the job? I get to work in a unique industry in the most beautiful part of Western Australia.

Marketing

Toni Carlino with trees in the background

TONI CARLINO

marketing manager

Toni brings with her over 20 years’ experience in the wine industry working in roles in sales and marketing in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne where she worked on brands from around Australian including Margaret River, Great Southern, Perth Hills and Swan Valley. For the last couple of years she has been a Marketing Manager in the Swan Valley where she has embraced the history, culture and experiences the valley has to offer.


Favourite part of the job? Marketing Gin and Whisky has many similarities to premium wines. I love engaging consumers to enjoy our delicious Whiskey, Gin and food experiences and working across the Swan Valley, Margaret River and Albany venues.

Laurane Chalayer in the Swan Valley Cellar Door

LAURANE CHALAYER

marketing coordinator

Laurane is from Lyon in France, where she worked for Marie Claire magazine for many years, before graduating with a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Marketing and Sales specialising in Luxury Brands and Products and Strategic Management. From there she spent five years in New Zealand and Australia where she then worked as Marketing Coordinator at the Community Resource Centre in Beacon where she was involved in the development and marketing of training, workshops and events.


Favourite part of the job? Learning new things and being busy in a friendly and positive environment. I enjoy being part of a company who grow, support and produce locally.