Innovative, Melbourne-based Moon Dog Craft Brewery joins as new sponsor at Victorian Pride Centre

Moon Dog co-founders with Justine Dalla Riva

Publication date:  Monday 16 January

The Victorian Pride Centre is delighted to welcome Moon Dog Craft Brewery as our first ever beer sponsor!

Renowned for its irreverent humour, colourful designs and exciting range, Moon Dog was founded in 2010 by brothers Josh & Jake Uljans and school mate Karl van Buuren, at their first brew house in the back streets of Abbotsford, Melbourne. It is now an instantly recognisable local brand with venues in both Abbotsford and the family-friendly ‘Moon Dog World’ in Preston.

Moon Dog’s sense of fun and celebration is reflected in much of the events programming at the Victorian Pride Centre, which seeks to foster social connection in a welcoming and accessible environment.

In addition to sponsoring the event bars, Moon Dog is collaborating with VPC on the creation of a limited-edition sour beer that will be available this summer from both the Victorian Pride Centre and Moon Dog’s venues. This has been a great opportunity to craft a beverage and design that is informed both the summer season and berry flavours, along with the creativity and humour of LGBTIQ+ communities. ‘Rainbow Sour Power’ will be available throughout 2023, and 10% of sales at Moon Dog venues will go toward the Victorian Pride Centre.

This fabulous sponsorship contributes to the financial sustainability of the Victorian Pride Centre as a home for LGBTIQ+ communities. VPC has taken on the responsibility of the supply and responsible sale of alcohol at the centre and places the utmost importance on partnering with suppliers that align with our values as an organisation.

With Midsumma Festival at VPC just around the corner – from January 23 to February 11, 2023 – it is a great opportunity to enjoy a Moon Dog beer while watching a show in the Theatrette or joining the festivities on the centre’s stunning rooftop for the Pride March Sunday Sizzle.

Josh Uljans, Co-Founder Moon Dog Craft Brewery:

“We know how great social occasions are for building community and belonging and we’re thrilled that we can support the Victorian Pride Centre’s inclusive, vibrant and welcoming community hub.

We can’t wait to taste the purple, glitter filled fruited sour that the VPC team is creating with the Moon Dog brewing team!

Inclusivity is one of guiding values at Moon Dog and we’ve always prided ourselves on creating spaces where everyone can be themselves and belong in the Moon Dog family.

As an organisation we want to celebrate the amazing LGBTQIA+ community, of which many in our team identify within, so we’re stoked to be by partnering with the Victorian Pride Centre.”

Justine Dalla Riva, CEO Victorian Pride Centre:

“Moon Dog brings such colour and a sense of invention to event offerings, and we have valued the collaboration with the brewery and design teams to create our very own beer – [beer name]. In addition to this, it’s heartening to welcome a sponsor come on that is passionate about LGBTIQ+ inclusion and celebration of our communities. Thank you Moon Dog Craft Brewery for your support of the Victorian Pride Centre and LGBTIQ+ communities. We look forward to a fruitful and collaborative relationship in 2023.”

About Moon Dog Craft Brewery:

“Founded in 2010 in Melbourne by brothers Josh & Jake Uljans and school mate Karl van Buuren, Moon Dog began with a lil’ brewery in the back streets of Abbotsford, with the trio brewing beer in a brew house welded together from ex-dairy equipment and selling mind-blowing craft beer from the back of a ‘97 Volvo V40 station wagon.

More than a decade later, we’ve made some upgrades to the equipment, we’ve expanded our brewery into Preston, we’ve opened two brew pubs and our Moon Dog family has grown and grown, but one thing has stayed the same – brewing outrageously delicious beers and seltzers that blow minds is what it’s all about!”