Clarence Valley Council’s Tourism team members Jo Harding, Joana Olah and Katee Blizzard presented Clarence Distillery co-owner Adam Freeman with the 2022 North Coast Local Tourism Hero Award for the Clarence Valley.

The many ways this Yamba business epitomises ‘local’ – which led to their nomination – include: 

• Great collaborators who often work with other local businesses to showcase products from the region;
• Throw themselves into regional events such as the Festival of Flavours;
• Often team with other small businesses such as Nicholson Fine Foods, Bowens Deli and Karrikin to create unique events and are a firm favourite at the weekly Yamba Farmers Market;
• Support local musicians and artists;
• Regularly grow their own product line;
• Actively support and promote other businesses on social media, and encourage sharing ideas, opportunities, and services throughout the Clarence Valley;
• Use local farmers and producers for production, eg recently launched Mandy Gin, created from local mandarins from Mororo and Palmers Channel growers.
• Use local history in naming of products, eg The Duke, named after the Duke of the Clarence.
• Passionate about raising awareness to protect Coastal Emus, which are featured on their vodka bottles with $2 from each bottle donated to the cause.

Clarence Distillery was announced the winner of the award at the Tourism Symposium Gala Awards Dinner held at The Barn at Grafton Showground on July 28, but owners Adam Freeman and Alison Sloley were unable to attend.