Exclusive: The Grace Darling goes green, announces new team

Melbourne institution, The Grace Darling, where King Gizzard launched their first ever EP, has announced a few major changes.

Owners Maruice Manno and Dan Zedian have welcomed a new manager, events co-ordinator and booker.

The pair farewelled band booker John Waddell after eight years at the helm as he relocates to New Zealand; Amanda Vitartas has stepped in.

Vitartas, the Director of PR, b ooking and consulting agency , Future Popes, takes over The Grace’s band room bookings in tandem with their publicity work with international labels Flying Nun Records, Burger Records and Slovenly Recordings along with locals acts The Gooch Palms and Wet Lips, among others.

The Grace’s Venue Manager is now Isaac Rayson, and Ed Service is the new Marketing and Special Events Co-ordinator.

The trio have been tapped to return The Grace to its traditional roots as a true public house and a champion for environmental protection and social and cultural progression.

The Grace’s restaurant is now serving only locally and ethically sourced produce, extending their range of vegetarian and vegan options and moving to compost all waste and leftovers.

The bar will be cutting back on straws and slowly transferring to only Australian beer and wine, with a strong focus on Victorian made in an effort to cut back on the venue’s carbon footprint and supporting local business.

Meanwhile, the roof is being measured up for solar panels.

“We believe in a policy of ‘guns at the door’ when it comes to politics in pubs, but we view the values of human dignity, respect and environmental sustainability as beyond the realm of politics, as simple universal truths,” said Manno and Zedian.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.