On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.
We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.
Today we speak with Nemesia Dale-Cully, Head of Hospitality at innovative Marrickville brewery Wildflower Brewing & Blending.
The beer industry has long been dominated by male voices, but women like Dale-Cully are pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and safety, her journey is about more than just beer – it’s about creating a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
Dale-Cully’s entry into the beer world was born from a deep curiosity about the industry and the people who make it what it is today.
“When I discovered the depth and breadth of the beer industry outside of the big brands we are all raised on, and the rich history and ritual that surrounds its creation, I was immediately fascinated and drawn to learn as much as I could. I’ve stayed though, for the people. Everyone who has come to beer as a career has such a diverse and interesting history, and I’ve been lucky to work alongside some incredibly skilled and intelligent humans in my time.”
For Dale-Cully, it’s the people who make the beer industry truly unique. Throughout her career, she has encountered individuals with a deep sense of passion and dedication that inspires her every day. But, as with many women in male-dominated industries, her journey has not been without challenges.
Overcoming daily challenges
Despite her success, Dale-Cully continues to face barriers that many women in the industry are familiar with.
“I’ve been in this industry for almost seven years, and I still face men every day who defer to my junior male colleague, or ask me, ‘so do you like beer?’ or assume I’m the owner’s wife,” she shares. “This is the more innocuous stuff. I’ve also been sexually harassed, assaulted and mocked. This is all from the general public. The challenges internally can be a bit murkier, but there are certainly places where I’ve known senior management to say they ‘wouldn’t hire any female managers, if they had the choice.’”
These challenges are not isolated to Dale-Cully alone. Many women in the beer industry face similar issues. However, she has been fortunate to have had mentors who believed in her and helped her navigate these obstacles. She credits mentorship and confidence as key factors in overcoming adversity.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have had mentors who’ve seen my hard work and passion and have helped me grow to where I am,” she says. “It also comes with age and confidence. I overcome these challenges every day by creating an environment for myself and my team where this behaviour is not acceptable and people who are acting inappropriately are dealt with immediately.”
Creating a safer, more inclusive industry
For Dale-Cully, addressing these challenges is vital to moving the beer industry forward. She believes that making beer spaces safer and more comfortable for women and non-male identifying people is the key to creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.
“Firstly, and most importantly, make beer spaces safer and more comfortable for non-male identifying people.”
Nemesia Dale-Cully
“Remove the barriers to entry – i.e. mentioning heavy lifting/manual labour in job ads. We know, from research, that non-males will not apply for jobs if they are not 100 per cent sure they can do them, and this can be enough to put people off. Also, it should go without saying but treat everyone who works for you well – zero tolerance for bullying and sexual harassment, equal opportunities, safety for everyone.”
In addition to fostering a supportive workplace culture, Dale-Cully stresses the importance of visibility.
“It would be helpful for brands to promote their non-male management staff in a meaningful and public way – you can’t be what you can’t see,” she explains. “We need to show the next generation of women and non-male individuals that there’s a place for them in this industry.”
Empowering the next generation
Dale-Cully is deeply committed to empowering others and helping them find their place in the beer industry. For those considering a career in beer, her advice is clear: “I’d advise non-male people looking to get into the industry to look for industry bodies who can offer you connection and support – Pink Boots Society, Women & Revolution, Venus Vinifera are a few examples. These volunteer-run organisations are full of people who want to welcome you into the industry, connect you with the right people, offer training and professional development opportunities, and keep you safe.”
She also believes in the importance of finding role models who can help guide the way.
“Community is everything. Look for role models to help remind you there are a plethora of strong non-male people in this industry doing great things and you can be too. Don’t be disheartened.”
Nemesia Dale-Cully
Despite the challenges, Dale-Cully’s passion for the industry remains unwavering.
“I love the places it’s taken me and the people it’s brought into my life,” she says. “I love sharing knowledge with guests, I love watching their worlds expand, I love finding someone the perfect beverage for how they’re feeling on any given day. I love bringing new people into this industry, watching them learn and grow, seeing others become as passionate about beer as I am. I love beer. I love being a role model for others around me.”
For Dale-Cully, the beer industry is not just a career; it’s a community. She sees it as an opportunity to mentor others and provide a supportive environment where all people, regardless of gender, can thrive.
Moving toward a more diverse future
Dale-Cully’s vision for the future extends beyond gender. She hopes that the conversation around inclusivity in beer will grow to include all people who are considered “othered” in the industry – including gender-diverse individuals, people of colour, and those living with disabilities.
“I’d like to see more conversation about how we can make beer spaces safer and more accessible for all of these people too.”