Date Time Drink Victorian Program backs local brewers & bars The Victorian Government is getting behind Victoria’s brewers, winemakers and distillers with a new program aimed at getting more locally produced drinks into bars and restaurants. Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas announced on Wednesday $1.5 million of funding for the Drink Victorian Program at the official opening of the Australian Craft Beer Centre of Excellence in Ballarat. The Victorian Drinks Alliance – a collaboration between Victorian beverage producers and Food and Drink Victoria – developed the program to build domestic demand for locally produced drinks, in response to the challenges faced during the pandemic.