Originally Published in The Mercury
By Bridget Clarke
August 17 2025
From grain to glass, women across Tasmania are shaping the future of whisky, contributing craftsmanship, character, and a distinctive voice to bolster the state’s already stellar reputation.
So too, has Bec Walsh.
Arriving in Tasmania 11 years ago to pursue an environmental management degree at UTAS, Ms Walsh found herself working at a whisky bar, where she developed a keen interest in the alchemist-like nature of distilling.
She now serves as the brains behind the slick operation at Greenbanks Tasmanian Whisky Co.
Established in 2023, Greenbanks prioritises volume and exporting – a contrast to the DIY-operations Tasmanian spirits businesses are often known for.
She said the industry’s growth opens the door for more women to take on key roles. “There’s been a huge growth of women in the production sphere but we’re still waiting for more women to back themselves into these positions,” she said.
“There’s so many jobs – fermentation, maturation, blending. They are all specialties in their own right.
“A lot of women are good at multi-tasking and those skills are incredibly relevant to production. There is space for women across the whole spectrum of jobs, and they’re just as capable if not more so.”
