Beer is said to have made its appearance in Australia with the 'First Fleet' in 1788. Admittedly the vessels were transporting convicts but warders, sailors and officers will probably have been allowed some beer. Because they could not rely on supplies from the home country, the new settlers soon developed their own beer production, which was closely to the British brewing traditions. In 1887 the American Foster brothers, who ran a company producing refrigerators, set up a brewery in Melbourne where they produced Lager beer. Although they sold the brewery the following year, the taste had quickly caught on because people much appreciated this refreshing drink in the country's hot climate. Its popularity rapidly spread throughout the country, although some very tasty ales, often in the form of bitter, also remained popular.

Of course, there is nothing more important to Australians than beer. Beer defines our state borders and lubricates the hinges of social and sometimes sexual relationships. It's everything . Even sport would be meaningless without beer - the drinking and the sponsorship. Beer defines us - both as a nation and individually. As Australians, we are very much what we drink.