Noel Sullivan started Roll Out The Barrel Cooperage on the Redcliffe Peninsula in 1982 from a small shed in Anzac Avenue and now is situated in the Clontarf Industrial Estate in Queensland's south east.

Noel has been Coopering since 1950, he started his trade at Mercers Cooperage South Brisbane when he was 15 and did a 5-year apprenticeship. In later years he moved on to Castlemain Brewery at Milton where he stayed until the wooden beer keg went out of fashion, and he being the last cooper employed at the brewery at that time.

Noel says "He is passionate to keep the trade alive", he has trained 2 apprentices with the 3rd, Damian, still working with him.

Noel believes the old and new side of wodden barrels will keep going for many more years with the amount of small wineries popping up everywhere in Australia, adding to the demand for the small Oak Spirit Keg for home bars. The big old barrels are not only used for wine these days, they are also being made into lovely pieces of furniture.

Noel is hoping for a few more years yet to pass on his trade to the younger generation.

Each year in May, Roll Out The Barrel Cooperage can be seen at the Brisbane Timber and Working with Wood Show at the exhibition grounds demonstrating the art of barrel making.

Our displays at numerous shows have won many blue ribbons.

Noel is also a member of the North Pine Country Markets which are on every Sunday at Dayboro Road, Petrie where you can purchase his barrels.

Noel's wife Val is an active member of the team.