Hospitality

The realisation of a more than decade-long dream for the McGeary and Gilmore families will begin next month when the redevelopment of Iluka’s iconic Sedgers Reef Hotel commences ... “Everyone is welcome to come and farewell the old Sedgers Reef Hotel right up until the time we close”: Rowena Drew.

Michael and Karen Schill have set up a shop in the most unlikely place. A few kilometres along Long Gully Rd is the Drake Community Store ... Long Gully Rd is a winding scenic road following the path of Rocky River. Tourists come to pan for gold in the river.

The Kingston District Council has issued a warm welcome to flood impacted visitors and others looking for coastal accommodation during the upcoming school holidays through an extension of its low-cost RV Park. The Park, which will offer up to six (6) nights for just $60 until at least mid-February 2023, is set to use land adjacent the existing area and adjoining Maria Creek, to make way for anticipated visitors who may have otherwise holidayed along the flooding Murray River.

Congratulations to Robyn, Jan and the team who have made the Railway a popular meeting and eating place in Allora. A big cheer out to Rhonda and Red who have been with Robyn for the past 15 years. Great stuff!

For the first time this century, expecting mums in Weipa and the surrounding community will be able to give birth in a local hospital when a new service begins early in 2023. The Weipa Hospital has a fully equipped birthing suite and a top team of staff lined up to welcome Cape York’s newest arrivals.

The large number of Darling Downs locals who help make up the throng at Woodfordia for the annual Woodford Folk Festival will notice a touch of luxury has been added for a lucky few this year. Twenty luxury glamping tents with ensuite bathrooms and kitchens have been launched with the help of $1.2 million from the Queensland Government Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund.

Stephen Cranby. What is Roo Fest? Both Donna [Publican] and Mandy Connell [Organiser] agree. Roo Fest is about bringing artists together from around this region of Victoria to provide a venue for musicians who haven’t necessarily been heard or been up this way before.  

Tropical retreat Cape York Peninsula Lodge has won gold at the annual 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards. The Bamaga-based business also earned silver for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism category ... the Lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021-22 with a 92 per cent increase in visitors and a 54 per cent rise in group bookings.

Ahead of National Barramundi Day, Queensland fishers, restaurateurs and pro-Aussie politicians are imploring the Palaszczuk Labor Government to lead the way on Country-of-Original-Labelling (CoOL) labelling laws. A bill currently before the Queensland Parliament, known as the Food (Labelling of Seafood) Amendment Bill 2021, will go to a vote next Tuesday 25 October.

Emma Pritchard. The Maclean business community would like to extend an invitation to Clarence Valley residents and tourists in the region, “come and visit us on Sunday!” Known for its proud Scottish heritage, riverside views and rural charm, the township of Maclean is looking to add another attractive feature to its resume as an idyllic Sunday shopping destination.

Tourism in regional South Australia has not been dampened this winter, with the state celebrating its best July regional occupancy on record. Latest data shows July 2022 saw average occupancy for regional accommodation of 57 per cent, the best result for a July yet to be recorded. It was up from pre-Covid winter occupancy levels, of 50 per cent (July 2019).

Cambooya's iconic Bull & Barley Inn has a new owner with Mick Dewar taking over from Bruce Dell, who has owned the hotel for the last 15 years. The historic pub was built in 1902 when it was named the Cambooya Railway Hotel.

A taste of Bonalbo is on its way to a prestigious food show in the city. Simon and Emma Powick’s tomato relish won first prize at the Bonalbo Show and their lemon curd came second. They make and sell onion marmalade and beetroot relish as well.

Gabrielle Duykers. Eight years after first banding together to save the town pub, 12 Apsley farming families will be handing over The Border Inn Hotel to new energetic owners next month. The hotel, built in 1850, served as a social hub for residents in western Victoria and south east SA for more than 170 years before shutting its doors indefinitely in 2011.

There is good news for lovers of Mexican food. Taco Love Bros restaurant has moved from Lismore to Casino. Chef Dylan Morris and partner Sappho Rose had already planned the move well before the floods hit in late February ... Six new shops have come to Casino including Lismore Watchmakers ...

cluBarham has finalised a 5-year strategic overview ... The 5-year strategic vision aim is to directly contribute to local population and tourism growth that will enhance the economic benefit to the community. ... “The main vision of it is really to focus on population growth and community support" : cluBarham CEO, Jason Wallace.

Parts of Dewar and Edwards streets will need to be permanently closed prior to their inclusion into a consolidated caravan park reserve if the Shire of Gingin proceeds with an agenda item.

The Dunoon Sports Club was pleased to be able to help people needing a safe place to shelter, and was used for an evacuation centre during the first floods in early March. Thank you to our amazing community of volunteers as they wrangled donations and food, comforted residents and provided cups of tea and coffee, as well as a listening ear through the unfolding disaster.

Pam Dillon. The Tennant Creek RSL had the pleasure of meeting Darwin artist, Kerry Sandhu, when she delivered 250 stubby coolers to the RSL this week.  The stubby coolers come in five unique ANZAC inspired designs and are named after the songs that are embedded in each design.