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Stories of Resilience - The Welder's Dog

Armidale

The Welder’s Dog is a craft beer producer in the New England region of New South Wales. In addition to their broad range of premium brews, the Welder’s Dog operates bars in Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell, as well as their craft brewery and bar in Armidale. This home-grown success story is a role model in innovative resilience when dark times hit, particularly the Covid-19 hospitality sector lock downs. Thinking outside the box led to Bunker Boxes, full of local produce, including their own brews were home delivered by the business. The innovative approach supported other local businesses and kept all staff productively employed through the toughest of times. The Welder’s Dog’s Bunker Boxes were a standout example of how a business can do more than simply survive dark times; they can shine through as an important part of a local community and economy.

 

Thinking Outside The Box

“We started the Welder’s Dog in 2014 with a craft beer bar in Armidale,” Co-Owner Tom Croft said. “Our resilience measure was our Bunker Boxes, which was a collaboration between other local businesses and ourselves. It was a one-stop shop for home delivered local produce during lockdowns, from fruit and vegetables to our craft brews.”

“It was pretty tough having to shut down our bars and have no income overnight. We were able to adapt our business model very quickly with the Bunker Boxes to be able to keep some level of income and to keep our staff on board.”

 

"The Bunker Boxes initiative began as a
way that we could keep making and selling our beer
as well as keep our staff"

 

“The Bunker Boxes initiative began as a way that we could keep making and selling our beer, as well as keep our staff. We already had a lot of contacts and friends in the area who were producers of meat, bread, milk, fruit and veg. I guess it was an idea to amalgamate all of our products into one product and it meant that people did not have to leave home to get fresh local produce.”

 

Local Collaboration Created Success

“The commercial response was overwhelming. We initially aimed to sell 100 boxes to see if the product was viable. We sold 100 boxes overnight. Around Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes and Inverell districts, we sold thousands.”

 

"It demonstrated how local businesses
should work together more "

 

“The support we received showed how important community and our connections are between our business community and our customers. It demonstrated how local businesses should work together more. It was a really positive story for us as a business.”

Co-Owner of the Welder’s Dog Dan Emery said that what kept him up at night during the challenges of recent years were the uncertainties, such as what was going to happen or how long would restrictions or impacts last.

 

"Being in a regional centre was massively beneficial for us
There was so much more support from locals for locals
compared to a big city where you are just another number"

 

“Being in a regional centre was massively beneficial for us. Not feeling claustrophobic, the community feel, knowing our local business community needed support. There was so much more support from locals for locals, compared to a big city where you are just another number,” he said.

“What we learned from the tough times was the value of collaboration. We are stronger together.”

Mr. Emery praised Government support measures but said that prompt communication when disasters hit is essential and stability is key for continued recovery from the dark days of drought, bushfires and Covid-19.

Watch Tom and Dan's Story

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Phone02 6771 0700
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Opening Hours 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
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Address 143 Marsh Street
Armidale NSW 2350
Postal Address PO Box 72
Armidale NSW 2350
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