Brewer spotlight: Tess Campbell leads the charge

Written by Oct 9, 2024The Shout

On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.

We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.

Today we speak with Tess Campbell, Head Brewer at WA’s Spinifex Brewing Co. about finding fulfilment and support among the brewing community, prioritising clear communication, and supporting women brewers.

First entering the brewing industry in a packaging role, Campbell still finds value in the lessons she learned during her early days in the industry.

“I was on a completely different path when I decided to quit my job and take a packaging role in another state, having applied for every brewing or packaging position advertised for about six months straight. I worked my way up to Head Brewer, and I continue to find immense value in my early packaging experience and the support I received from my mentors,” she said.

Over the years, Campbell has gained a deep appreciation for the people that make up the brewing industry.

“While the allure of creating beer initially drew me in, it’s the remarkable people in this industry who have truly made me want to stay.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional packaging and brewing teams, driving innovation in processes and products,” she said.

Among her career highlights are being part of the team that successfully bottled a nitrogenated stout, and playing a key role in the build and commissioning of two new production breweries.

“Yet, my proudest achievement is building a cohesive team of brewers and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support from the ground up, and in between all of this, developing and creating new products showcasing native Australian ingredients while still being sessionable and refreshing.”

Life at Spinifex

As a brewer, Campbell prides herself on ensuring clear communication across the brewery, enabling the team to effectively and efficiently respond to hurdles.

“Ensuring that all team members, from admin and sales to production, are well-versed in every aspect of our brewing process is essential. It’s important that everyone involved with the beer we produce has a solid understanding of the production process. We empower our production staff to take ownership of new products and their development, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. When roadblocks arise, whether due to raw material supply issues or seasonal changes affecting native botanicals, we troubleshoot together to meet our production schedules.

“A great example of our teamwork is the collaborative development of our Native Peach and Mango Spritz, where we process all of our fresh quandong and botanicals in-house. The entire brew team was involved in this project, from procurement to final product design, showcasing our collective effort and commitment,” she said.

At Spinifex, Campbell’s brews focus on showcasing Australia’s native botanicals, sharing these unique flavours with a wider audience than may otherwise have access to them.

“We focus on supporting and assisting the developing Indigenous supply chains from the farm to the brewery. Our collaboration with Murdoch University for educational and safety initiatives allows us to continually refine our processes, driving significant improvements with every new product we launch,” she said.

“We are on the tail end of releasing eight new products in only a few months, a tremendous effort from a young and developing team still working out the teething issues of a brand new production facility.”

Building community

As a brewer in a regional area, the value of community across the brewing industry is particularly evident for Campbell.

“The camaraderie, dedication, and joy of sharing a freshly poured beer after a long day are truly unparalleled. I thrive on those moments when our team comes together to tackle challenges, especially during canning line hurdles, showcasing the strength of our teamwork.

“In a regional area where our small, isolated brew team extends to all the local breweries, the spirit of collaboration is palpable. Local breweries connect and support one another. If you need advice or are a little short on salt for brew day, someone is always willing to lend a hand. It often starts with one awkward interaction over a beer, which quickly evolves into a lasting friendship, creating a community built on respect, a love beer and mutual support,” she said.

Campbell also recognises the importance of community in empowering women in the industry.

“Knowing you’re not alone is crucial. There are plenty of support networks available from women and other industry professionals. The Pink Boots Society offers not just scholarships and education opportunities but a community of like-minded people in every state who would love to have a chat. You get back what you put in. It all starts with that first awkward beer, and you’ll quickly discover a community ready to support you.”

Looking forward

In coming years, Campbell hopes to see more women choose brewing as a career, and for those already in the industry to continue to excel.

“Don’t let stereotypes or the perception of this industry hold you back. You don’t have to fit a certain mould to succeed. Working in an environment where I was often the outlier taught me to work smarter and to be innovative. Embrace the challenge and take your shot. You belong here,” she said.

To provide greater support for women in brewing, Campbell would like to see more women in the spotlight, showing that brewing is a viable and rewarding career path.

“Showcasing women in leadership and highlighting the possible career paths available in brewing is great place to start. We should stop being surprised that women drink beer and recognise their significant presence in this industry,” she said.

At Spinifex, Campbell looks forward to following the brewery’s new projects to completion, as well as taking time for her own rest and wellbeing.

“Currently, we’re navigating multiple exciting projects, and my focus is on executing these while enhancing our in-house safety, quality, and team engagement processes while fostering leadership,” she said.

“Balancing my professional commitments with personal time as a reminder to myself to take time to enjoy the wildflowers, make the most of crabbing season and enjoy a good beer with my mates. These things I’ve found are vital in maintaining a calm and effective leadership approach, especially when challenges arise.”

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