Tom is one of the three co-founders behind Freshwater Brewing Co and the person most likely to strike up a conversation with you at the bar.

With a background in hospitality, beer sales and brand building, Tom has a natural talent for connecting people with beer they genuinely enjoy. He’s passionate about keeping beer approachable, welcoming and unpretentious. No gatekeeping, no jargon overload, just well-made beer and good times.

Tom’s approach to brewing has always been shaped by service and human connection. Long before Freshie existed, he learned that the best venues are built on how people are made to feel.

“Great service isn’t about being flashy or overbearing. It’s about reading the room, making people feel welcome and creating a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.

“Beer brings people together, but it’s the conversations and connections that matter. If people leave feeling relaxed, included and looked after, we’ve done our job.”

Freshwater Brewing Co was founded with values centred on people, culture, beaches and beer, and Tom has played a key role in ensuring those values are felt in the taproom every day. His hospitality background informs everything from how staff are trained to how guests are greeted, served and encouraged to settle in.

“A brewery should feel like a local. Somewhere you can come as you are, stay longer than you planned and feel part of something.”

Often summed up by the original Freshie mantra, “we’re not craft, we’re chill”, Tom continues to shape a taproom experience that is warm, unpretentious and genuinely community-driven.

If you visit the taproom, you will likely find Tom doing what he loves most. Pouring beers, guiding tours, making introductions and quietly ensuring everyone feels welcome.

A Northern Beaches local, Matt joined Freshwater Brewing while studying music at University, originally looking for a casual bar job. After finishing uni, and still unsure of his next step, conversations with the team opened the door to a Brand Ambassador role, from which his involvement naturally expanded.

Over time, Matt’s role has evolved to include marketing, brand events and social media.

“That’s the beauty of a small business. You get to be involved in everything, see how all the parts connect and really help shape what it becomes.”

What stands out most to Matt is how genuine the Freshwater Brewing culture feels day to day.

“Beaches, culture, beer and people. Those are our four pillars. A lot of places write mission statements. At Freshwater Brewing, we actually live it.

“Hospitality usually has high staff turnover, but we’ve built a really solid core group here. My work colleagues have become my friends, which says a lot about the environment.

“I love being able to surf in the mornings and on Fridays we surf as a team before work which makes the work life balance feel real.”

Whether he’s planning events, shaping the brand, building industry connections or catching up with locals in the taproom, Matt feels lucky to be part of something that continues to grow and evolve.

“Watching Freshie change and develop while staying true to what matters has been really special. I feel very lucky to work here.”