Speed Rack is making its way back to Australia – a move that signals not just the return of one of the world’s most respected bartending competitions, but a focus on representation for women and femme-identifying bartenders.
Created by industry leaders Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero, Speed Rack is an exclusively women and femme high-speed bartending competition. Since its launch in the US in 2011, the competition has raised more than $1.5 million for breast cancer charities while pushing gender equity into the spotlight and advocating for female hospitality professionals.
With the support of William Grant & Sons, Speed Rack’s return to Australia gives local talent the chance to showcase their craft, while building momentum for change in the industry.
The Australian circuit will kick off in June with state rounds in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Trade professionals are encouraged to come along to the state rounds, with each event raising funds for Tour de Cure, a leading national charity committed to cancer research, support and prevention.
Jonathan Sully, Head of Marketing for William Grant & Sons, says: “This competition isn’t just about making drinks fast – it’s about elevating female professionals who are shaping the future of the bar scene.
“Bringing Speed Rack to Australia is part of William Grant & Sons ongoing commitment to inclusion, celebration of talent, and supporting a worthy cause.”
Those who are interested in competing can contact Rachael Bartlett, William Grant & Sons Australia Brand Ambassador on rachael.bartlett@wgrant.com for details on how to register.
Tickets are now available for the state rounds, which kicks off in Sydney on Sunday 1 June, with all ticket proceeds going directly to Tour de Cure to help fund a breakthrough breast cancer research project. After the state rounds, Speed Rack will wrap up its Australia comeback with a national showdown in Sydney on Sunday 19 October.
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