Answers to the questions we hear most.
If your question isn't covered here, please reach out — info@brewlab.org.au.
About the charity
Is Brewlab a registered charity?
Yes. Brewlab Holdings Incorporated is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Our ABN is 45 391 388 706 and our public ACNC profile is here.
What is Brewlab's charitable purpose?
The advancement of education. Specifically, we equip young Australians aged 15 to under 25 with hands-on education in fermentation science, brewing engineering, sensory evaluation and product design.
Where is Brewlab located?
Brewlab operates from 17 Alliance Lane, Clayton VIC 3168, on the grounds of Monash University's Clayton campus in Melbourne's south-east.
Is Brewlab affiliated with Monash University?
Brewlab is a separate, independent Incorporated Association. Our programs operate at Monash University's Clayton campus within the university's safety governance framework, but Brewlab Holdings Inc is its own legal entity and its own charity.
Participation
Who can take part in Brewlab programs?
Our beneficiaries are young Australians aged 15 to under 25. Most participants are current Monash University students, but we also welcome senior secondary and TAFE/VET pathway students from across Victoria.
Do I need brewing or science experience?
No. Our programs are designed for students from a wide range of disciplines — engineering, science, design, business, hospitality and more. Brewlab is an educational environment, so the assumption is that participants are there to learn.
Are there fees?
Brewlab operates as a not-for-profit. Where membership or program fees apply, they are kept as low as possible and used to cover materials and safety equipment. We aim to keep barriers to participation low for any eligible young person.
How do I express interest?
Email info@brewlab.org.au with a short note about yourself, your study background and what you're hoping to learn.
Alcohol & safety
Does Brewlab sell alcohol?
No. Brewlab does not sell, market or promote alcohol to the public. All brewing activity is conducted strictly within an educational and research context.
What happens with participants under 18?
Participants under the age of 18 engage only with non-alcoholic ferments — for example, kombucha, ginger beer, fermented foods and laboratory demonstrations. They do not handle alcohol-producing ferments.
What about adult participants?
Participants aged 18 and over may engage with brewing strictly within Brewlab's educational and research programs, supervised by adult volunteers and under Monash University's safety governance.
What safety measures are in place?
All practical activities take place within or under Monash University's safety governance framework, including risk assessments, personal protective equipment, hazardous-substance handling and emergency procedures. Working with Children Checks are required for adult volunteers in eligible roles.
Governance & transparency
Who governs Brewlab?
Brewlab is governed by a volunteer committee elected from its membership. The current committee is listed on our Governance page and on our public ACNC profile.
How is Brewlab funded?
Brewlab is supported by membership, in-kind contributions, partnerships and grants. We submit an Annual Information Statement to the ACNC each year. Our financial summary is publicly available on the ACNC Charity Register.
How do I raise a concern?
Any concern about Brewlab's conduct — including safeguarding concerns — should be sent confidentially to the Secretary at secretary@brewlab.org.au. Concerns that cannot be resolved internally can be escalated to the ACNC.
Partnerships
Can my organisation partner with Brewlab?
We welcome enquiries from universities, industry employers, food and beverage producers, and other charities. Partnerships are reviewed by our committee for fit with our charitable purpose and Governance Standards. Email info@brewlab.org.au to start the conversation.
Can I mentor or guest speak?
Yes. Industry professionals and academics interested in mentoring or guest speaking should email info@brewlab.org.au. All mentors and guests are subject to our Child Safety and Working with Young People policy.
Last reviewed: January 2025. For any question not covered above, please contact info@brewlab.org.au.