Aug 24, 2024

King Island Distillery Wins 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award

Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2024 winner celebrating achievement in manufacturing, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Exciting Announcement: King Island Distillery Wins Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award!

We are thrilled to share some GINciting news for King Island Distillery! Our founder, Heidi Weitjens, has been recognised as the winner of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on August 24, 2024, attended by over 1,000 finalists from across Australia.

The awards serve as a milestone celebration of entrepreneurial excellence, emphasising the importance of connection and collaboration in our journey. I believe that the continued presence of these awards will solidify their legacy as a vital institution for celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in business. Thank you Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards for allowing us to be part of this vibrant community!

Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2024 winner celebrating achievement in manufacturing, entrepreneurship and innovation. Winning Business Owner and Operator Heidi Weitjens King Island Distillery

“With a heart full of gratitude and spirits soaring high, I am both thrilled and humbled by this National recognition of our GINchievements so far, among so many GINtastic women in the manufacturing business,” says Happy Heidi. Heidi Weitjens has been acknowledged for her GINcredible contributions to the craft of manufacturing, all from her charming micro distillery nestled on King Island, Tasmania.

In this celebratory moment, Happy Heidi extends her deepest gratitude to her partner Shane, whose support has been instrumental in our GINchievements. A heartfelt thanks goes out to all our supporters, referees and especially our wonderful customers. Your reviews constantly GINcourage us to elevate our craft even further.

A special hug goes to Buddy, our beloved distillery dog; your wagging tail is a daily reminder to fill life with love, laughter, and cherished playtime by the beach or in the bush.

At King Island Distillery, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Champion Awards Team and Judges for their recognition and support. We love that the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards celebrate the incredible impact women are making across various sectors and industries in Australia, creating a positive future for small businesses. We know that this prestigious program not only provides women with the recognition they deserve on a national level but also showcases the innovative, confident and dynamic spirit that drives excellence in their chosen fields. Again, I am humbled to be part of a movement that honours women who lead, innovate and inspire, empowering future generations of female entrepreneurs.

For those who haven’t yet experienced our boutique distillery, Heidi’s journey is truly GINspiring. As a Native, from her roots on a King Island dairy farm to establishing a humble distillery, she embodies passion and perseverance. Every King Island craft spirit, liqueur and cocktail crafted speaks not only of quality but also of the extra joy found in every sip and the GINuine connections created along the way.

Located in Currie, the main town of this lovely island, King Island Distillery is not just about handcrafting exceptional beverages; it’s about creating memorable moments distilled full of GINspiration and love. Each drop from Happy Heidi’s distillery encapsulates her unyielding passion and the spirit of overcoming challenges—a true testament to her GINdependence and creativity.

The Winning Trophy Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2024 winner celebrating achievement in manufacturing, entrepreneurship and innovation. Winning Business Owner and Operator Heidi Weitjens

“I am grateful to Justine Martin, a strong-spirited member of the King Island Distillery HR Team, for representing us at the awards ceremony and collecting our beautiful Australian Champion Winners Trophy,” Heidi expresses. “Congratulations to Justine for winning the finalist status in her own two award categories! I admire your work and resilience!”

As we reflect on our decade-long journey at King Island Distillery, one truth stands out: our success is not solely measured by the awards we earn but by the passion that drives us each day to create spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails that bring smiles to faces. Let this recognition be the beGINning of even greater GINventures.

To all the amazing women in manufacturing and small business, let’s continue to inspire each other and create positive impacts that truly matter.

Here’s to a future filled with GINspired ShenaniGINs and spirited triumphs!