News

What’s happening across the industry.

Updates, member stories and sector news, curated by the LSAWA team. Have a story to share? Get in touch.

18 June 2026 · Member story

How three regional stores are tackling the staffing crunch together

A shared roster, a shared trainer, and a WhatsApp group — three Great Southern operators pool resources to keep shelves stocked.

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Member story 18 June 2026

How three regional stores are tackling the staffing crunch together

A shared roster, a shared trainer, and a WhatsApp group — three Great Southern operators pool resources to keep shelves stocked.

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Community 02 June 2026

LSAWA members raise $18,400 for WA Country Health at gala dinner

The annual Liquor Industry Awards after-party doubled as a fundraiser this year, with member stores donating auction items on the night.

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Sector news 21 May 2026

Interstate freight costs easing for the first time since 2023

Independent freight data shows a modest but real drop in per-pallet costs for WA-bound stock, a small win for regional margins.

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Member story 09 May 2026

Meet the apprentice: from checkout to cellar in eighteen months

One member's structured mentoring program is turning entry-level hires into confident category buyers — and other stores want the playbook.

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Community 27 Apr 2026

Containers for Change: independent stores now handle 1 in 4 returns

New WARRRL figures show small operators are shouldering a growing share of the scheme's volume without a matching handling fee increase.

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Sector news 14 Apr 2026

What the new responsible service reforms mean for your floor staff

A plain-English rundown of the training changes coming into effect this quarter, and what LSAWA is doing to keep compliance simple.

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