Saleyards Distillery has so far distributed 200 liters of hand sanitiser to the local community. Credit: Noah on Unsplash.

Saleyards Distillery in Central Queensland is manufacturing hand sanitiser to help local emergency services, schools and nursing homes amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic outbreak.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said that the company has joined a list of Queensland companies that duly responded to the government’s call to change production to make sanitiser.

The other companies that are leading the way during the crisis are Beenleigh Rum, Bundaberg Rum, Grandad Jacks and grooming product manufacturer The Bearded Chap.

Saleyards Distillery spokesperson Carla Di Felice said: “We have been able to already distribute 200l of hand sanitiser to local ambulance stations, firies, schools and nursing homes. Now we are waiting on a new shipment of ethanol, hopefully, next week, so that we can make some more.

“We can’t make it fast enough and have taken some pre-orders, but people should keep an eye on our social media channels for more information about when the next batch will be ready.”

Felice further added that before turning to the production of sanitiser in the wake of Covid-19, the company had been in business for three years making its own rum, gin, infused vodka and non-alcoholic concentrates.

Dick said: “Saleyards Distillery will be swapping over factory floors to boost local supplied of hand sanitiser. It’s great to see more of our mighty Queensland manufacturers stepping up to the plate and #MakingitForQld.

Founded in 2016, Saleyards Distillery produces rum and gin.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said that companies such as the Saleyards Distillery are helping out its local community during the Covid-19 crisis.