If you’ve been around the Taphouse of Burleigh Brewing lately you might have noticed a new guy getting around. He might look familiar at first but there’s something missing... and you’re not the only one doing a double take. The man in question is in fact Sean Culverston, Senior Brewer, who’s recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary working with Burleigh Brewing.
This year Sean decided it was time to do something he hadn’t done in 17 years, which was get a haircut and change his look. While he loved those 49 dreadlocks (and they had grown impressively long - the longest measured 124cm, which is the height of a stack of five Burleigh cartons), it was time.
Sean was always adamant that if he ever shaved the dreads off he was going to do it for a great cause. Such a momentous decision fit nicely with The Leukaemia Foundation’s ‘The World’s Greatest Shave’. The money raised by the World’s Greatest Shave goes to supporting the families impacted by the devastating diagnosis of blood cancer, and also helps fund research into better treatments, diagnosis and ultimately a cure.
The Burleigh Brewing team were right behind Sean on his fundraising mission. Anyone who donated $50 or more was sent a four-pack of Burleigh Twisted Palm beer as a thank you. In addition, for every schooner of Burleigh Twisted Palm beer sold at the Taphouse Burleigh Brewing donated $1, up until shave day.
At the Taphouse on 19 March Sean shaved the dreads and had raised a massive total of $10,150.55 for the foundation. That’s a lot of support to change your look; and a lot of support for people touched by this cancer. Sean is forever grateful for the support he’s received from Peta, Brennan and the team at Burleigh Brewing; and blown away by the generosity of the wider community. The change in style was well worth it; and Sean is finally getting used to his new haircut, and the occasional double take as he walks around the brewery.
The ‘fun’ facts about the whole team:
Benny Roth (Senior Brewer) – First moved to the Gold Coast from Germany 10 years ago, he visited for a quick surf trip and never left!
Favourite Burleigh Beer: The first ever brew of Burleigh 28.. eight years ago, remains unbeaten!
Brennan Fielding (Co- Founder and Brewmaster)– is the SECOND ever Burleigh Brewing employee, after CEO & Co – Founder Peta Fielding!
Favourite Burleigh Beer: whatever is fresh.. is best!
Rowan Hailing (Junior Brewer) – has worked across packaging, the Taphouse and brewing at Burleigh Brewing.
Favourite Burleigh Beer: You Lil Bruty! (his winning beer he personally created and brewed, after being crowned QLD’s Best New Brewer)
Will Kitchen (Brewery Assistant) – is an insane long-distance runner! You’ll often find him on the marathon circuit, the furthest distance he’s ever run in one stint is 100km
Favourite Burleigh Beer: Burleigh Passion
Sean Culverston (Senior Brewer) – can carry a tune! He loves to sing.
Favourite Burleigh Beer: Burleigh Hop Nectar
Kieron Young (Senior Brewer) – loves to get creative in the kitchen, smoked meat is his specialty
Favourite Burleigh Beer: Burleigh Black Giraffe
Mez Wachowicz (Brewery Assistant) – absolutely rips in the surf and carves up the Golf Course
Favourite Burleigh Beer: Burleigh Bluey Red IPA