At the heart of the beer industry, women and non-binary leaders are not just breaking barriers – they are reshaping the future of brewing. While International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality, we believe it’s essential to spotlight the contributions and achievements of these trailblazers all year round.
Their leadership, vision, and determination are creating opportunities and forging new paths, challenging the status quo, and making room for the next generation of women and non-binary people to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Celebrating these remarkable individuals every day highlights the progress we’ve made and the continued work needed to build a more inclusive and diverse beer industry for all.
Today we shine a light on Helen Black, the Director and Co-owner of The Coastal Brewing Co and an elected board member of the independent brewers’ association (IBA). Working behind the scenes in her own business Black blends her touch for marketing and customer service to bring her brewery to life.
Black spent 25 years working in financial services, public policy, marketing and communications but when herself and husband David – an account by trade – reached their 40’s, they realised it was time for a change.
“We’d always had a sort of pipe dream to open a brewery and at that point we just decided to do it before we got too old to take a leap,” said Black.
The couple chose Forster, New South Wales as the location for their new venture having recently built a house just outside of the town, opening the doors to The Coastal Brewing Co in 2017.
“We were coming up to Forster often and if we ever wanted to visit a brewery, we always had to do a big drive out. We always loved beer, and realised a brewery here would be great.”
Since opening the doors, the town and the brewery have been through bush fires, COVID and a number of industry challenges.
“Like every other brewery in Australia, you just get more and more resilient as you go forward,” she said.
Despite the challenges Black said taking the leap into the beer industry was the right one.
“If you don’t do something you have thought about for a long time, chances are you’ll regret it. We always believed if it didn’t work out, we could just go back to our old careers and know that at least we gave it a go. But we’ve never really looked back.”
Creating the job that’s right for you
Reflecting on where her career is now, Black says she is in a place where each role she takes on is just as fulfilling as the next.
“I get this helicopter view of the industry in my role at the IBA, and I get to draw on my experience in public policy and communications and apply those skills for an industry I love. On the other hand, I’m also working very practically maintaining our brand but also, I love being behind the bar and chatting to people that come through.”
Black told Beer & Brewer that she believes a key to her success has been the ability to mould her role.
“Essentially, we were commercialising my husband’s hobby. But for me I also had a real desire to build a brand, so it was very personally fulfilling as well,” she said.
“When you’re in small business it feels huge in terms of your energy and capital and can become your whole life. But you can make what you want to as well.
She added: “That’s what I’ve really done. I’ve done lots of continuous learning as well which is key. You have to learn as the industry and your business changes”.
Being amongst the change
On stepping into her role at the IBA, Black said there were two main factors.
“One was I really felt like I represented the small brewer. We’re a small team here and I felt like I had something I could give back to the industry in that policy space.
“But secondly – and probably most importantly, I was trying to sell into a market with two big players dominating taps. So, I felt that to see change you actually have to be part of it, be involved and do whatever you can.”
From her work in the corporate world, Black said she witnessed firsthand how policy reform can make real difference and create opportunities which is how she developed resilience and a passion for being a part of change.
“I am very used to working in male industries, but for me I have always felt that sometimes you have to ignore some of the noise,” she said.
“I’ve certainly seen behaviour that was inappropriate throughout my career but there’s this openness to change now and I think that’s really good that we’ve got to this place where it feels like a safer environment.”
Black said she is proud of the craft brewing industry especially.
“If you compare it to my past career, in some organisations it was so competitive whereas in this industry it’s a much more collegial environment. We help each other out whether it’s with the bigger issues or calling a neighbour when you run out of ingredients. It’s what makes this so special.”
Black told Beer & Brewer that she believes the key to inclusivity in the industry is transparency.
“I think it’s about being open to making sure everyone gets to hear about the opportunities available to them and making sure that we are equally as transparent about the challenges and expectations. That way people can make their own decisions based on passion not adversity.”
Black said her future goals are aligned with continuing to be a part of the difference she wants to see industry wide, but also continuing to build community at home at The Coastal Brewing Co.
“I hope to grow and promote the range of beers on offer here, but really we just want to keep our tap room engaged so our community has a fun and safe space to drink beer and chat with their mates.”