UPDATE: The devastating bushfires in Victoria have obliterated the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Stores, a vital hub for local wine and beer producers, during the night of October 13, 2023. This tragic event has left many businesses reeling, with estimates indicating losses of up to 80% of stock among affected producers.
Trevor Peeler, who dedicated 50 years to managing the Cool Stores, was unable to witness the inferno that consumed the facility while he worked to protect his own home. “You can’t be happy about it,” Peeler stated, expressing his deep sorrow for the numerous local families who have lost everything. The Cool Stores were essential for around 85 customers, including notable names like Bress Winery, acting as a refrigerated storage space for their valuable products.
Among those impacted is French winemaker Gilles Lapalus, who lost his entire stock, including rare wines aged over 20 years. “You can never replace that, because you can’t replace time,” Lapalus lamented, highlighting the emotional toll of the disaster. The fires have not only destroyed physical property but have also devastated the creative spirit of the community.
The GilGraves vineyard, owned by Ken Gilchrist and Kaye Graves, was spared from the flames but still suffered an estimated 97% loss of their stock. “We decided, GilGraves will rise from the ashes,” Graves stated, pledging to rebuild and recover despite the overwhelming odds.
Love Shack Brewing Co, located less than 10 km from Harcourt, reported losses of approximately $120,000. Co-director Conna Mallett emphasized the emotional connections within the industry, saying, “We lost a lot, but people lost their homes. We can make more beer.”
The community has rallied to support one another, with local businesses coming together for a fundraising event. Boomtown Winery owner Tim Sproal, despite not being directly affected, organized a free lunch that transformed into a fundraiser, quickly amassing over $130,000 in donations. “Castlemaine is the biggest well of goodwill ever,” he remarked, underscoring the community spirit that persists amid tragedy.
Doug Falconer of Shedshaker Brewery estimated similar losses, stressing the Cool Stores’ pivotal role for local producers within a 100 km radius. “It was a meeting place,” he said, reflecting on the strong bonds formed within this tight-knit community.
As the fires continue to burn in Harcourt and Ravenswood, local producers are grappling with the immediate aftermath and the uncertainty surrounding their futures. Many are turning to each other for support, sharing their grief and resilience in the face of adversity.
Peeler expressed hope for the future, envisioning a rebuilt Cool Stores that will better serve the community. “One thing I have learned in this process is if you treat people well, it’ll come back to you,” he said, revealing a lesson learned through hardship.
For now, the focus remains on recovery and rebuilding, as the Harcourt community seeks to navigate this devastating situation together. Those wishing to support local producers are encouraged to buy local and contribute to their recovery efforts as they work to rise from the ashes of this catastrophic event.
