The team at the Preston Peak Winery Function Centre have developed a new product that is different to their usual offering while adapting with COVID-19 restrictions and challenges.
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After support and research from Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Preston Peak is developing hand sanitiser under the label Clean Hands QLD.
Preston Peak's Rick Osborne said the idea was borne out of the fact that as a function centre, they were having difficultly obtaining sanitiser before the COVID-19 shutdown occurred. He said originally they started producing the 50ml bottles for personal use for frontline health workers, and the demand grew from there.
"We source our ethanol from the Dalby refinery then add glycerine, peroxide and purified water under the World Health Organisation guidelines," Mr Osborne said.
Preston Peak's recipe starts with 99.8 per cent ethanol and when the other ingredients are added, the end product is 80pc surgical grade sanitiser.
"As well, we are working alongside a local bottling company," he said.
The range has now been expanded, and Preston Peak is creating 20 litre drums of the product, along with 5L and 500ml containers.
Mr Osborne said by diversifying this way, they are also keeping their staff employed
Currently, there is high demand for hand sanitiser in Australia's health care system and hospital networks - particularly in rural and regional parts of the country.
Clean Hands QLD is an example of how a local business can pivot their business to keep up with current demands of the health industry and develop something with existing equipment and materials.
A number of health organisations around Toowoomba are using the product, including Darling Downs Health. Supplies have also been provided locally to St Andrews Hospital Toowoomba, the Platinum Health Group and major Brisbane hospitals.
Darling Downs Health chief executive Dr Peter Gillies said it was great to see a local business adjusting to life with COVID-19.
"This has been an unprecedented time and has presented challenges we've never seen before," he said.
"Hand sanitiser has been in high demand and it's great to know there are local sources available should we need to replenish quickly."
TSBE health general manager Jaden Frame said it was great to be able to connect businesses to support the community with this much-needed product.
"Hand sanitisers can play an important role in keeping hands as free from harmful micro-organisms as possible."
