From Gala to Giving Back: The Story Behind - The Independence Cocktail.
Fri Oct 09 2026
At Project Independence (PI), we believe that independence is more than having a place to call home. It’s about choice, confidence, belonging, and the opportunity to build a life on your own terms.
That’s why we’re proud to continue our collaboration with Underground Spirits, a partnership that began at our 2025 Independence Illuminated Gala and has grown into something that continues to create meaningful impact.
From a Gala Collaboration to Something More
The partnership between Project Independence and Underground Spirits began with a shared belief that good things happen when the community comes together.
At the 2025 Independence Illuminated Gala, Underground Spirits helped us celebrate independence in a very special way with the launch of the Independence Cocktail.
It was more than a drink created for an evening of celebration. It represented the values at the heart of Project Independence — independence, inclusion, community and having a place to truly call home.
The collaboration also brought these shared values to life through the words of Claudia, Founder of Underground Spirits, who joined us on the night to share what the partnership meant to her and the Underground Spirits team.
Watch excerpts from the Gala and hear from Claudia Roughley:
Following the success of the collaboration, our partnership continued to grow. Together, Project Independence and Underground Spirits created something truly special: an exclusive Independence Vodka.
Introducing The Independence Vodka
The Independence Vodka is a special release of Underground Spirits’ smooth Caramel Vodka, created in partnership with Project Independence.
Made with 100% wheat grain vodka and caramel from Queensland, the 500ml spirit is crafted at 40% ABV and designed to be enjoyed simply over ice or as part of the Independence Cocktail.
But what makes this collaboration particularly meaningful is the impact behind every bottle.
$20 from every 500ml bottle sold is donated directly to Project Independence.
These funds help support our work to create pathways to independent living and home ownership for people with intellectual disabilities.
Video - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5Z9bAlG4JR0
More Than a Bottle
For many people with intellectual disabilities, finding secure, affordable, and appropriate housing can be a significant challenge.
At Project Independence, we take a different approach.
Our innovative housing model provides people with intellectual disabilities with a pathway to home ownership, supporting residents to build equity in their homes while developing the confidence, skills and independence to live their lives on their own terms.
We believe that homes have more than four walls. It is a place where people can feel safe, connected, and part of their community.
That is why partnerships like this matter.
Every bottle of Independence Vodka represents an opportunity to turn a shared celebration into ongoing support for greater independence.
Image credits – Underground Spirits Website
Creating Impact Together
The collaboration with Underground Spirits is a great example of how businesses can make a meaningful contribution to the community through purposeful partnerships.
What started with a shared moment at the Independence Illuminated Gala has continued beyond a single event, creating an ongoing way for people to support Project Independence while enjoying a uniquely Australian product.
We’re incredibly grateful to the team at Underground Spirits for their continued support and for helping us bring the idea of independence to life in such a creative way.
Together, we can continue to create awareness, build community, and support more people with intellectual disabilities to experience the dignity, security and opportunity that comes with having a place to call home.
Because independence isn’t just about where you live.
It’s about how you live.
And every step towards greater independence matters.
Support Project Independence
There are many ways to support Project Independence — from fundraising and donating to getting involved through community and corporate partnerships.
You can also support this collaboration by discovering The Independence Vodka from Underground Spirits, with $20 from every 500ml bottle sold donated directly to Project Independence.
Together, we can help create more pathways to independent living and home ownership for people with intellectual disabilities.
Find out more about [fundraising for Project Independence] or discover [The Independence Vodka from Underground Spirits].
