Inside Small Business Editor Tim Ladhams interviewed Laureth Rumble for this story on the inspiration behind Reef Distillers.

This week we speak to Laureth Rumble (pictured, second left) – co-founder, alongside her partner Wayne (pictured, left) and South African distillers Shane and Zona Smith (pictured, right and second right) – of Reef Distillers, producers of handcrafted spirits on the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland.

Written by Kendall Hill for Qantas Travel Insider Magazine. Photography by Marnie Hawson.

These change makers are devoted to protecting our national treasure, the Great Barrier Reef.

Being a custodian of the world’s largest living structure is a tremendous responsibility. More than 2000 kilometres long and spanning an area the size of Italy, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef contains 10 per cent of the planet’s coral reef systems, more than 900 islands and phenomenal biodiversity – including more than 1600 types of fish and dozens of whale and dolphin species.

A new artisan distiller launched on the Capricorn Coast is infusing local fruity botanicals in its spirits, inspired by the beautiful coastline and surroundings of the Great Barrier Reef.