Career change sees Donna crafting spirits

Today, she is a co-founder of TAILGATE Spirits + Cocktails, a Northgate-based artisan distillery and cocktail kitchen that recently showcased its products at the 2026 Vinexpo Be Spirits International Wine & Spirits Fair in Hong Kong.

While her business is growing, Donna says leaping from corporate executive to distiller required learning an entirely new set of skills - with TAFE Queensland playing a crucial role in helping her transition.

“I’d already achieved more than I ever expected in my previous career, I wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore, and I was ready for a change,” Donna said.

“My husband Sion and I wanted to create something together that was creative, local and hands-on, while still drawing on the business experience we’d built over the years.”

That search for something different eventually led the pair to craft distilling and with that came the challenge of establishing a new business, with the couple navigating everything from council approvals and business planning to product development, production and marketing.

While Donna had undertaken industry learning and spent countless hours researching the craft, she recognised the importance of formal training as the business grew.

Having worked extensively in manufacturing and high-risk industries, she understood the complexities and safety requirements involved in distilling.

“I wanted more rigour and learning to know I was doing the right thing. When I heard about the TAFE Queensland distilling course through the Australian Distillers Association, I applied straight away,” she said.

Donna completed the Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121) (Distilling) through TAFE Queensland’s industry-led training program developed in partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland.

The qualification gave her practical experience alongside the technical knowledge needed to operate confidently in a commercial distilling environment.

“I think what the TAFE course gave me was a really strong foundation. It consolidated a lot of the things I’d been researching and trying to learn myself and brought it all together.”

“That gave me a lot more confidence in what I was doing and confidence that I was following the right processes,” Donna said.

For Donna, one of the most valuable aspects of the training was the combination of theory and hands-on learning.

While online study helped build her technical understanding, it was the face-to-face workshops and access to industry-standard equipment that transformed knowledge into practical skills.

“To learn the theory and then go and apply it during the practical training days really consolidated that knowledge,” she said.

“The teachers were fantastic. They could show us simple techniques and explain not just how to do something, but why it mattered and what could happen if it wasn’t done properly.

“Those practical insights are things you don’t necessarily get from reading a textbook or watching someone work.”

Donna also credits her teachers' support in helping her build confidence as she transitioned into an entirely new industry.

“The communication and support from the teaching team was extremely valuable, and my confidence grew in understanding the distilling process, the opportunities and also the risks involved.”

“That translates directly into producing quality products and running a safe and successful business.”

The training also exposed Donna to TAFE Queensland’s specialist brewing and distilling facilities, which are closely aligned to industry needs.

“The Mt Gravatt and Browns Plains BrewLab facilities were impressive. It was valuable being able to learn on industry-standard equipment and then bring those skills back into our own distillery.”

Today, TAILGATE Spirits + Cocktails produces a growing range of small-batch spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails inspired by the Queensland lifestyle.

They welcome visitors to their Northgate distillery, supply wholesale customers, attend community markets and events, and are beginning to expand into export opportunities.

Despite the challenges facing Australia’s craft distilling industry, Donna is optimistic about the future.

“We’re out there telling our story, introducing our brand and sharing our products with both domestic and overseas markets,” she said.

“We are a small but driven team with a lot of enthusiasm, innovative products and a willingness to work hard. We’re excited about what comes next.”

Looking back, Donna says formal training gave her the confidence to reinvent her career successfully and would encourage others considering a similar path to also take the leap.

“I would absolutely recommend TAFE Queensland. Whether you’re starting or changing careers, their training gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to succeed.”

“For me, it helped turn an idea into a business and gave me the confidence to become part of an industry I’m incredibly passionate about,” concluded Donna.