THE New Norfolk Distillery was officially opened earlier tonight at a private event attended by guests including Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein.
The landmark event was praised by Derwent Valley Council deputy mayor Jessica Cosgrove, who congratulated the Derksen family on the opportunities it had created in the region.
As well as being the principals of Crusader Homes, the family has branched out into hospitality through its distillery operations from a building on the Willow Court site at New Norfolk.
Originally planned and approved for the Alonnah House building, leased from the Derwent Valley Council, the distillery has instead been established in the former industrial therapy building on the historic site. A hotel and cellar door are now proposed for the original location.
“It was an absolute pleasure to attend the official opening this evening of the New Norfolk Distillery!” Councillor Cosgrove posted on Facebook. “Congratulations to the Derksens on all you have achieved, and the many opportunities you have created within our Derwent Valley region,” she said.
Cr Cosgrove’s post has received a number of “likes”, including one from mayor Ben Shaw, who was pictured with Cr Cosgrove, Mr Gutwein and distillery director Tarrant Derksen.
