A new watering hole has arrived in Moama, with Two Lads Brewing opening its doors after a journey marked by persistence and determination.

It has been brought to life by the owners of Bar Lee in Echuca, Cameron Sutton and Ryan Moorhouse, who spent four years turning Two Lads Brewing into a reality.

Mr Sutton said they were inspired by the success of breweries in regions similar to Echuca-Moama.

“Looking at a lot of other really successful regions around the country, there were strategically placed breweries in these regions,” he said.

“We thought there's got to be a reason why these places are doing very well and also bringing tourists from the outside in.”

After securing a site on Neil St in mid-2022, the pair began the process of reclassifying the venue as an artisan food and drink premises, which proved more complex than expected.

Between 2022 and 2025, multiple development applications were lodged. These often took months to assess, just to end in rejection.

In May 2025, their application was finally approved, but the relief was short-lived.

The development application determination included a requirement for a $180,000 contribution in development fees.

As a small family business, the cost of the contribution would have financially crippled the venture before it had even begun.

Two months later, Mr Sutton and Mr Moorhouse appeared before Murray River Council to request the fees be waived.

After four years of perseverance, Mr Moorhouse said they were grateful to receive a positive verdict from council.

“It meant everything to us because ... we could finally try and execute our vision,” he said.

“(It) was pivotal to being successful, so once we got that approval, we were very, very pleased.”

While the process was tough, Mr Sutton encouraged budding business owners to take the leap.

“It's definitely not always going to be smooth sailing — we certainly found that out — but when you get there, it's fulfilling,” he said.

“It's a fast-growing region. The more businesses (and) the more attractions in this area ... the more people come, and this side of the bridge has got so much of that opportunity.”

The brewery officially opened to the public on Saturday, January 24, and has already received praise from visitors online for its service.

Customers can enjoy a range of beverages, as well as Two Lads Brewing’s very own range, brewed on site.

In their first year of business, the two lads hope to build a reputation for great food and beer and to become a well-known name in the local community.

Murray River Council chief executive Stacy Williams encouraged new business owners to reach out to council if they needed help.

“As a council, we are committed to creating a positive environment for business growth by providing clear information, practical support and strong advocacy,” she said.

“We want to see local businesses succeed and continue to contribute to Moama’s prosperity.”

New and prospective business owners can contact council’s economic development and tourism team for tailored advice and guidance.

The team can offer practical support to prospective businesses, including assistance with business planning, navigating approval processes and accessing information on available grants, funding programs and other incentives.

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Saturday, 17th July 2027

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