News Archives - Bright Brewery | MountainCrafted Beer

We’re hiring: Restaurant Manager

We are on the hunt for a Restaurant Manager to join our amazing team!

Bright Brewery is a local-family-owned business and fiercely independent brewery, bar, and restaurant, located in the heart of Bright, Victoria, which has been established for over 19 years.

Our key values of ACTIVE- SUSTAINABLE -AUTHENTIC – INCLUSIVE are the cornerstones of everything we do at Bright Brewery. From brewing beers that reflect the bold and wild environment in which they are crafted, to embracing the outdoor lifestyle that our region offers, Bright Brewery helps form the heart of our vibrant community.

Bright Brewery serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week, which helps showcase our beers to our fantastic customers.

The Position

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Restaurant Manager to lead our bar and front of house operations and team.

We require a team player who can help lead our Brewery Door staff and ensure customers always have a positive experience when visiting our venue.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Venue Manager and Head Chef and will be responsible for ensuring product and service standards are met, maintaining procedures for maximising operating efficiency and cost-effective purchasing and control of beverage and retail stock.

This is a full-time position and will involve evening and weekend hours, as well as working across public holidays.

In addition to a salary, Bright Brewery provides rewards and recognition programs to all staff, including active lifestyle subsidies, food & beverage discounts, equitable tip sharing and venue points program. All staff are supported with training and advancement opportunities.

This position offers a chance to live in a truly beautiful place, with world class mountain biking, cycling, hiking, camping, paragliding, snow and river sports. We encourage broad and active lifestyles, and flexible working arrangements may be negotiated to accommodate this.

Your Key Responsibilities
-Provide leadership to the Brewery Door team
-Set and monitor quality and service standards
-Provide excellent and efficient customer service
-Train junior staff and ensure smooth daily operations of the bar
-Represent our values of authenticity, sustainability and active lifestyles.

Your Skills & Attributes
-Prior experience in a high-volume hospitality environment
-Experienced at leading a team
-Experience in managing rostering across varying patterns of business and with team involving f/time, p/time and casual staff
-Demonstrated skills in high standards in customer service
-Excellent communication skills
-Ability to spot and resolve problems efficiently
-Ability to effectively prioritise, delegate tasks and manage time
-Set and monitor quality and service standards for staff and direct and manage staff members to meet standards and objectives
-Proven stock control skills
-Ability to maintain consistency of friendly and efficient service
-Ability to develop and document operating systems and procedures and comply with all company policies and procedures
-Mature attitude, honest, loyal and exceptional work ethic
-Computer savvy (POS systems, E-mail, MS Word, MS Excel)
Current Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate
A knowledge of, and passion for, craft beer and brewing are a bonus.

What We Offer
The opportunity to secure a position with one of Australia’s pioneering craft breweries

Employee Benefits Include:
-Green Transport bonus
-Subsidised active lifestyle benefits
-Regular staff social events and gatherings
-Accrual of Brewery points for hours worked to spend in-venue
-Training and development opportunities
-Genuine work-life balance

To read and hear more about working at Bright Brewery

To read and hear more about working at Bright Brewery, please click here.

To Apply

If this position sounds like you, or you have an interest in finding out more about working with us, then please get in touch!

A full Position Description can be supplied on request by emailing: venue@brightbrewery.com.au

Applications can be made confidentially by sending a covering letter and resume to venue@brightbrewery.com.au

For more information please contact:
Jarrod Smith
Venue Manager
03 5755 1301
venue@brightbrewery.com.au

Infinite Barrel Works – Release No. 3 Dark Barelywine

Bright Brewery is proud to announce the upcoming third release in the Infinite Barrel Works Project series – Whiskey Barrel Aged Dark Barleywine (15.7%) — a bold, small-batch blend that continues our commitment to crafting beers with depth, character, and purpose.

This year’s release is a milestone: our first-ever dark barleywine, created from a blend of our 18th anniversary barleywine and a local whiskey barrel-aged imperial stout. Matured for around 15 months in Backwoods and Whipper Snipper whisky barrels, this beer is a rich, layered expression of our Mountaincrafted philosophy.

“This one’s been a real journey,” says Head Brewer, Lewis Kerr. “We took a rich, malty barleywine and a bold imperial stout—two big beers in their own right—and let them rest in Backwoods and Whipper Snapper whisky barrels. The end result is a complex, layered beer that’s incredibly unique and unlike any beer we have released before”

“Our Infinite Barrel Works series is something that our team are incredibly proud of and allows us to really focus on what barrel ageing can do, especially when you are able to give it the time it needs to mature at its own pace,” he said.

A Journey Through Time

The story of Infinite Barrel Works began in 2019 with a collaboration with Backwoods Distilling Co In Yackandandah. It led to the creation of a whisky made from Bright’s Stubborn Imperial Stout. That whisky was aged in barrels that were then repurposed for the Infinite Barrel Works project.

By cycling beer and whisky through the same barrels, we’ve created a closed loop of aging — a process that honours the spirit of sustainability and craftsmanship, ensuring the barrels live on infinitely.

And now, under the watchful eye of Head Brewer Lewis Kerr, Infinite Barrel Works sees a curated selection of hand-picked barrels reserved only for Bright’s most premium beers.

Can Art by Ben Keys
Each edition of Infinite Barrel Works features the work of a local photographer — a way for us to celebrate the creative spirit of our community and showcase the beauty of the High Country through their eyes.

For Infinite No. 3, we’re proud to feature a breathtaking image by Freeburgh local Ben Keys, captured on his first-ever hike to Mt Feathertop. His photo reveals the mystique of the Razorback walking trail at Mt Hotham, bathed in the golden light of sunrise.

Ben began his hike under moonlight, without a head torch, reaching the summit just in time to brew a coffee and witness the sun rise through the clouds — a moment of quiet awe now immortalised on our label.

Extremely Limited Release

Infinite Barrel Works releases are rare — only released when our brew team and the beer itself agree its ready to leave its barrel, it is truly crafted at the discretion of time. Due to the small-batch nature of barrel aging, quantities are extremely limited and available online only.

Presale Details

Bright Mash Club Members: Early access begins Monday, 29 September at 10 AM AEST

General Public: Presale opens Wednesday, 1 October at 10 AM AEST – Wednesday, 15 October.

Available exclusively online via Bright Brewery

To secure early access, join the Mash Club or sign up to our Brew Crew mailing list on this website.

For more info about the Infinite Barrel Works Project, click here.

Bright Brewery Welcomes You: Visiting Bright & Porepunkah – FAQs

Can I visit, and is it safe?
Yes! We’re open and ready to welcome you. Please stay alert, make your own assessment of risk, note that Mount Buffalo National Park is closed and we recommend you avoid remote areas.

Are the roads open?
Most roads are open, but there may be temporary road closures. Check the VicRoads app before you travel.

Where do I get the latest updates?
Stay informed via the VicEmergency app.

What if I don’t want to travel right now?
That’s okay—we’ll be here to welcome you when the time is right.

How can I support local businesses if I can’t visit?
Shop online, buy vouchers, or order delivery where available.

What can I expect if I visit now?
Friendly faces, open shops, cafés, and restaurants excited to see you!

Bright Brewery Postpones In The Paddock Event

Bright Brewery has announced the postponement of its live music event, In The Paddock, originally scheduled for Saturday 20th September.

The decision comes in light of unforeseen circumstances affecting the surrounding region. While Bright remains open and ready to welcome visitors, the current environment has made it challenging to proceed with the event as planned.

“We’re incredibly saddened to have to postpone In The Paddock,” said Bright Brewery Marketing Manager Selina Blair-Holt. Our priority is to ensure the best possible experience for our guests, artists, and local community — and that simply wasn’t currently possible for an event of this size.”

“We look forward to announcing a new date and bringing together our local and distant communities to celebrate what makes our town so special.”

Bright Brewery has confirmed that all tickets holders will be fully refunded.

“We want to thank everyone for their support and understanding,” said Selina. “We’re looking forward to bringing this event back when the time is right.”

Updates on the rescheduled event date will be shared via the Bright Brewery website and social media.

Bright Remains Open and United During Difficult Week

As many would be aware, our region has recently been shaken by an act of senseless violence. Our hearts go out to everyone affected—here in Bright, Porepunkah and beyond.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders and emergency services who have worked tirelessly, and continue to do so, to keep our community safe. Their bravery and continued presence have provided strength and reassurance during this difficult time.

Victoria Police have advised that Bright can resume “business as usual.” Accordingly, our venue and brewing operations will remain open unless directed otherwise. However, as the situation is still active at the time of this post, Victoria Police are asking all travellers to avoid Porepunkah and to use alternative routes. We strongly encourage everyone to respect this advice and plan ahead.

To our community and visitors: our doors remain open as a safe and welcoming space.

Rageflower Headlines Bright Brewery’s All-New “In The Paddock” Music Series

Bright Brewery is turning up the volume this Spring with the all-new “In The Paddock”, a high-energy evolution of its much-loved Picnic in the Paddock series.

On Saturday, 20th September, locals and visitors alike are invited to Bright Brewery’s Paddock for a vibrant evening of live music, food, drinks, and springtime celebration under the alpine stars.

Previously a relaxed afternoon picnic event, the reimagined In The Paddock now takes on a fresh, upbeat twist. With an exciting 5:00pm to 10:30pm evening format and a focus on live music, the 2025 edition is all about shaking off the winter chill and dancing into Spring.

Headlining the event is Sydney’s rising star, Rageflower, bringing an electric alt-pop live set to the alpine stage.

RAGEFLOWER is the project of Gadigal/Sydney-based singer/songwriter Madeleine Powers, blending hard-hitting indie rock with ethereal, melancholic textures to create raw and immersive soundscapes. Named one of Thomas Bleach’s Top 5 Unsigned Artists to Watch and featured in The Buoys’ Top 10 for Triple J’s Hottest Seat, she’s set to release a debut EP in August that explores the duality of pleasure and pain, softness and strength. In the Paddock is stoked to be featuring Rageflower hot off the release of her debut EP.

Supporting the night’s energy is exciting Melbourne duo Loose Tooth who’ll be delivering delightful harmonies, colour pointed lyricism, and synthy interludes giving way to soaring grunge guitar moments to get us all moving on the dance floor. To cap of this stellar line up, loved local, the one and only DJ Saucy Soph, is spinning feel-good beats across the evening!

“We’re so excited to bring this new energy to our refreshed Paddock. It’s everything we love about live music, great food and drink, and our gorgeous alpine setting – but with a fresh spring twist,” Lydia Divine the Event Coordinator at the Bright Brewery

Alongside the music, guests can enjoy a ‘Spitz and Spritz’ garden area with a mouthwatering spit-roast cooked over the coals by Bright Brewery Chef Jarrod Smith, paired with a curated selection of spring-inspired drinks from the Paddock Bar. There’ll be door prizes and other local food on offer!

Event Details
Date: Saturday 20th September
Time: 5:00pm – 10:30pm
Location: The Paddock, Bright Brewery
Tickets go on sale 5pm, Wednesday August 6, 2025
General Admission $45 | Under 18s $15
Click here for tickets and more info.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Picnic in the Paddock or brand new to the scene, In The Paddock is set to become your favourite way to welcome in the new season.

New CO₂ Tank Turbocharges Brewery Efficiency

Things just got a whole lot smoother at Bright Brewery, thanks to a brand-new 3,000L Aligal 2 CO₂ skid vessel with telemetry. This shiny new setup is helping the team brew more beer, more efficiently — and with fewer truck visits.

As the brewery’s production has grown, so has the need for a more powerful and reliable CO₂ supply. The new tank delivers just that, making operations faster, cleaner, and more sustainable.

Here’s what the upgrade means:

✅ A steady CO₂ supply, even in chilly winter months
✅ Fewer truck trips from Gippsland — down from 24 to just 10–12 a year
✅ Higher flow rate = more brewing, kegging, and canning happening at once
✅ Lower transport costs and a small but mighty environmental win 🌱

This upgrade is part of the brewery’s ongoing commitment to smart growth and sustainability, making sure every pint is brewed with care and efficiency.

Jimmy Conquers the Tour Divide!

And he’s done it… in just 16 days!

Our front of house legend, Jimmy Ashby, has officially completed the Tour Divide—one of the toughest ultra-endurance cycling events on the planet!

Spanning over 4,400 km from Banff, Canada to the Mexican border at Antelope Wells, New Mexico, the Tour Divide is a fully self-supported bikepacking race that pushes even the most seasoned riders to their limits. Jimmy battled through high mountain passes in Canada, Montana, and Colorado, endured scorching desert heat nearing 50°C, and powered through brutal headwinds gusting up to 70 km/h.

Out of nearly 300 riders, Jimmy crossed the finish line in 16th place—an absolutely phenomenal result!

We couldn’t be prouder of his grit, determination, and sheer endurance. We can’t wait to welcome him back and raise a few crisp beers in celebration of this epic feat!

Crisp Air, Cold Brews, and Fiery Vibes: A Perfect Darker Days

Another year, another sell-out—and what a party it was! Darker Days 2025 turned up the heat in Bright with the perfect combo of crisp alpine air, golden winter sunshine, roaring bonfires, and brews flowing faster than you could say “Bubblegum Hazy IPA.”

Locals and visitors rugged up and rolled in, ready to raise a glass to the solstice with top-notch drinks, killer tunes, and good vibes all around.

The taps were working overtime with dark beer bars, spirits, cider and wine. Craft beer fans were in heaven with pours from Urbanaut (NZ), Seeker Brewing (whose Honeycomb Pastry Stout flew out faster than we could pour it), Boatrocker, and Stomping Ground, dishing out everything from crisp pilsners to tangy sours and barrel-aged beauties.

Blanc Space Tattoos were inking non-stop, and the Hot Dawg Toss brought the laughs and some surprisingly competitive energy. DJ Zabi kept the beats flowing between epic live sets from Wild Gloriosa, Patrick Wilson, Liv Cartledge, Hassall, and headliners British India, who totally rocked with three encores and a crowd that didn’t want the night to end.

And of course, the bonfire—always a Darker Days highlight —blazed bright as the ultimate symbol of the solstice, marking the moment darkness descended in spectacular style.

A big thanks to our amazing sponsors: Liquex Logistics, Bintani, Alpine Shire, and East Coast Canning—you helped make the magic happen.

This year’s official festival beer? A cheeky collab with Urbanaut Brewing called “Tax Deductable Work Trip”—a smooth, sessionable NZ Low Carb IPA that’s as fun as it sounds. Keep an eye out—it’s available online and at the venue now.

Already counting down? Mark your calendars for the third weekend of June 2026—we’ll be back, bigger, bolder, and darker than ever.