What’s happening
Tucked away in the quiet edges of Rockhampton’s urban sprawl, a still called The Colonel sits quietly in the corner of a bustling café.
It is the copper heart of Blank Cheque Trading Co., the city’s newest and possibly most meaningful hospitality venture.
Founded by veterans Bradey and Charlene Livermore, the venue blends small-batch distilling, specialty coffee, hearty eats, an event space and heartfelt community service.
Above all, it raises a glass to the Australian spirit, in every sense of the word.
Why it matters
Bradey, an Army Infantry veteran, and Charlene, a former Army Reservist, launched Blank Cheque to build something bigger than just a café.
“The name comes from the idea that when you sign up to serve, you’re writing a blank cheque to your country,” Bradey says.
“It’s a full commitment and undertaking when you join, and we honour that.”
Inside, you will find military memorabilia displayed with quiet pride.
A wall of donated badges and patches from fellow veterans and emergency services members sets the tone.
It is not decoration. It is a living tribute. Every element of the space, from the still in the corner to the custom spirits they make, speaks to purpose.
Padre with pride
The distillery side is already drawing attention with their first release, a crystal-clear and clean vodka.
Two Australian whiskies, The Oath and The Shepherd, draw on slight Scotch influences but are designed to be truly Australian in their style. Currently ageing in Hungarian oak barrels under their house label, ‘Padre’, they are a respectful nod to the Chaplains who supported Bradey’s unit, and all units, during service.
Distilling is currently offsite but is to happen on site in the near future using The Colonel, a striking custom-built copper still that has quickly become the cafe’s signature centrepiece.
Fuel for the community and a 20% token of appreciation
Open from 6:30am weekdays and 7am on weekends, Blank Cheque serves a strong all-day breakfast menu, specialty coffee from The Colombian Coffee Co on the Sunshine Coast, waffles with a twist and unique cocktails and tapas on a Friday and Saturday evening.
More than just a café, bar & distillery, it has become a go-to event space, with bookings filling up four months in advance. When we spoke this week on Tuesday, They already had bookings four months out to March 2026!
“The US does such a great job acknowledging its veterans, and we want to do something too,” Bradey said.
“That’s why we offer 20 per cent off every day for all current and former service personnel, including emergency responders.”
Rocky made, Rocky proud
“We opened in May, and so far the support has been incredible,” said Charlene
“The locals have really gotten behind the idea.”
“There are a lot of really good things happening in Rocky, and it’s proof that there are a lot of great things that can be done in Queensland’s regional areas”, Bradey said.
Blank Cheque Trading Co. is located at 180 East St, Rockhampton City, QLD 4700, open seven days a week.
Follow their Facebook here to stay up-to-date: Blank Cheque Trading Co.
