QHA Review August 2017

q u e e n s l a n d h o T E L S a s s o c i a t i o n 

A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 e d i t i o n 

gateway 

to the north 

MAREEBA’S STAR ATTRACTION HAS PEOPLE 

FLOCKING FROM NEAR AND FAR 

INSIGHTS: 

THE WICKHAM HOTEL’S 

CONTAINER GARDEN BAR 

COMPASS: 

LONGREACH, THE HEART OF 

QUEENSLAND’S OUTBACK 

SHOWCASE: 

THE ALCHEMISTS 

OF AMBER NECTAR

An integrated 

Cook & Chill solution 

The Electrolux Cook & Chill system 

ensures a simple and intuitive way of 

cooking for every kind of professional 

kitchen. The integrated system, oven and 

blast chiller, represents the ideal solution 

for consistently achieving excellent 

cooking results. 

Use the proper cycle selection to keep 

your ingredients and creations deliciously 

fresh and perfectly preserved for serving. 

At Stoddart we understand that there is 

nothing that cannot be improved upon. 

Optimise the workflow of the kitchen by 

cooking in the oven at your own speed, 

then chilling to lock in the freshness of 

your creations.

QHA CONTINUED OUR TRADITION OF HOSTING 

A REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING 

I WAS STRUCK BY TWO THEMES 

TIME AND TIME AGAIN— 

THE MATESHIP WITHIN OUR 

INDUSTRY AND THAT A GOOD 

IDEA KNOWS NO BOUNDS. 

To start this month, the QHA continued our tradition of hosting a Regional 

Committee meeting somewhere throughout this fantastic state of ours. 

With a travelling group of members and industry partners the QHA had the 

opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with old friends and see first-hand the 

devastation caused by Cyclone Debbie to the industry in and around Mackay, 

Prosperpine, Bowen and Airlie Beach. 

Throughout our tour, I was struck by two themes time and time again— 

the mateship within our industry and that a good idea knows no bounds. 

The visible lift in spirits of country publicans as some of the biggest and 

best operators in our industry simply listened to them and shared wisdom 

convinces us why our Association is so important. 

Discovery of innovative solutions and the real-world experiences of our 

members proved invaluable to all the touring party. Most gratifying was 

also the opportunity to host local and state government decision-makers 

throughout. Nothing hits home to a politician like the “honest” feedback 

from a small businessperson being ruined by poorly implemented 

government programs. 

Thanks to all of our members that made the trip, hosted us and the industry 

partners who support us throughout the year. I trust you will enjoy another 

opportunity that this magazine gives you to find your next “good idea”! 

BERNIE HOGAN 

QHA CHIEF EXECUTIVE/EDITOR

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 

5 CONTRIBUTORS 

a u g u s t 2 0 1 7 e d i t i o n 

QHA 

Level 14, 270 Adelaide Street 

Brisbane, Queensland 4000 

GPO Box 343 

Brisbane, Queensland 4001 

Phone: 07 3221 6999 

1800 177 594 

Fax: 07 3221 6649 

Web: www.qha.org.au 

Email: info@qha.org.au 

Office Hours 

8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday 

Associate Editor 

Mr Ben Weston 

Email: bweston@qha.org.au 

President 

Mr Tom McGuire 

Senior Vice President 

Mr Richard Deery 

Vice Presidents 

Mr Scott Armstrong 

Mr John Douglas 

Mr Brad Fitzgibbons 

Secretary/Treasurer 

Mr Tony Condon 

Trustees 

Mr Will Cordwell 

Mr Peter Britain 

Chief Executive and Editor 

Mr Bernie Hogan 

www.qha.org.au 

6 NEWS 

16 LATEST & GREATEST 

18 FEATURE: 

THE GATEWAY HOTEL MAREEBA 

30 INSIGHTS: 

THE WICKHAM HOTEL 

GOONDIWINDI’S VICTORIA HOTEL 

42 COMPASS: 

LONGREACH, HEART OF THE OUTBACK 

46 ACCOMMODATION 

48 FOCUS: 

MARSHA FRANKLIN, GENERAL MANAGER 

GRAND CHANCELLOR PALM COVE 

54 TOP DROP 

56 SHOWCASE: 

CRAFT BEER 

RENOVATIONS 

62 TRADE DIRECTORY 

64 PARTNERS & CORPORATE MEMBERS 

QHA REVIEW | 4 

QHA REVIEW is published by the Queensland 

Hotels Association ABN 54 878 166 941. 

All information is correct at time of going to press. 

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for 

errors in articles or advertisements, or unsolicited 

manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. 

The opinions and words of the authors do not 

necessarily represent those of the publisher. All 

rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is 

strictly prohibited without prior permission.

DAMIAN STEELE 

QHA Industry 

Engagement 

Manager 

A hospitality industry 

professional with over 

30 years’ experience 

in liquor, gaming and 

operations. Damian 

has a strong focus 

on compliance and 

legislation. 

ROSS TIMS 

QHA Training and 

Safety Manager 

Ross manages the 

development and 

delivery of industry 

related training courses 

and the provision of 

workplace health and 

safety services to 

QHA member hotels 

and other hospitality 

venues. 

PAUL ST JOHN-WOOD 

Membership Officer 

Paul is the face of the 

Association to many 

QHA members as he 

travels the length and 

breadth of the state 

visiting, advising and 

assisting publicans. 

JUDY HILL 

QHA Accommodation 

Division Manager 

As professional 

advocate for the 

accommodation sector 

of the hotel industry, 

Judy advises and 

represents members 

on matters including 

tourism legislation, 

marketing strategy, 

risk management and 

airline regulation. 

SARAH TILBY 

QHA Employment 

Relations Advisor 

Sarah previously 

worked for national 

employer associations 

in the housing and 

health care industries. 

She also worked for the 

Queensland Industrial 

Relations Commission 

in their award 

modernisation team. 

THE HON YVETTE D’ATH 

Attorney-General and 

Minister for Justice 

and Minister for 

Training and Skills 

Yvette D’Ath is a 

Labor member of the 

Legislative Assembly 

of Queensland 

representing the seat of 

Redcliffe. 

MIKE SARQUIS 

Executive Director of 

Liquor and Gaming 

Regulation 

Mike’s responsibilities 

include managing the 

gaming and liquor 

regulatory licensing and 

compliance regimes, 

and implementing the 

responsible gambling 

strategy and harm 

minimisation programs. 

NICK BAINBRIGGE 

State Manager (Qld) 

Aristocrat 

Nick has a proven 

history in wholesale 

liquor, electronic 

gaming, and hotel and 

restaurant operation. 

He now heads up the 

state team for one 

of Australia’s leading 

manufacturers of 

gaming machines. 

BRENDAN O’FARRELL 

Chief Executive 

Officer, Intrust Super 

Brendan is responsible 

for overall management 

of the fund and 

providing advice to the 

board of directors. He 

passionately believes 

education is critical in 

super due to the everchanging 

nature of the 

industry. 

CURT SCHATZ 

Managing Partner, 

Mullins Lawyers 

With over 30 years’ 

experience in property, 

liquor and gaming law, 

Curt is recognised 

as a leader in this 

field. He advises 

pub, club, nightclub, 

restaurant, resort and 

accommodation venue 

owners and operators. 

JEREMY WICHT 

Director Hanrick 

Curran Chartered 

Accountants 

Jeremy is a business 

advisory director. His 

background includes a 

stint at ALH as group 

analyst performing 

detailed business 

analysis, budgeting 

and capex, and profit 

optimisation. 

JOHN ROZENTALS 

Wine Writer 

John Rozentals is a 

freelance writer who 

has penned travel, food 

and wine articles for 

a range of Australian 

newspapers and 

websites including our 

very own QHA Review. 

QHA REVIEW | 5

NEWS 

KENO CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE 

TWO $1 MILLION JACKPOTS & A $60,000 CASH PRIZE GIVEAWAY MARK KENO ANNIVERSARY 


It’s been two decades since the game of Keno first 

came to Queensland hotels, and patrons are still 

winning and grinning after 20 years. 

July marked the 20th anniversary of Keno in 

Queensland, and celebrations couldn’t have gotten off 

to a better start thanks to two $1 million jackpots won 

by Queenslanders during the month – the first one 

going to patrons of the Wattle Hotel in Upper Coomera 

and the other won in Southport. 

In 1997, Keno was first offered at pubs and clubs in 

the state and the Coast’s Jupiter’s Casino, now The 

Star, was the very first to have the game, making the 

two Gold Coast jackpots even more auspicious. 

The first well-timed jackpot was won by 37 year-old 

community carer, Jontel, and her 39 year-old concreter 

husband, Mark, on a family night out that changed 

their lives forever. 

Just two and a half days later, the second $1 million 

Queensland jackpot was won by elated New South 

Wales holidaymaker, Graham, 69, and his wife, Sue, at 

Club Southport. 

Keno National Partnerships Manager David Dicker said 

the Keno team was thrilled about the haul of jackpots 

taken home by Queensland players in 2017, building 

on the thousands won over the past two decades. 

“Keno has made 17 millionaires so far this year and six 

have been Queenslanders,” he said. 

“KENO HAS MADE 17 MILLIONAIRES SO FAR 

THIS YEAR AND SIX HAVE BEEN QUEENSLANDERS” 

“The number of million-plus winners we’ve had is an 

indication of just how exciting this game is.” 

In addition to giving away more than $2 million in major 

jackpots, to celebrate its anniversary, Keno gave away 

$60,000 in additional cash prizes to Queenslanders 

just for playing their favourite games. 

QUEENSLANDERS WIN $26 MILLION ON AVERAGE 

EVERY MONTH PLAYING KENO. 

Dicker explained that Keno wanted to reward Keno 

players during its anniversary by doing what it does 

best – giving away cash. 

“This was our way of saying thank you to our 

customers for their loyalty over the past 20 years,” 

he said.

NEWS 

WELCOME TO 

SERIOUS CONCERNS WITH MANDATORY ID 

SCANNING REMAIN 

The Queensland Government’s 1 July implementation 

of mandatory ID scanning in Safe Night Precincts 

(SNPs) for licensees trading after 12am is an illconceived 

plan that won’t achieve its desired 

outcomes and only places a hefty financial burden 

on hoteliers, according to a growing number of vocal 

industry insiders. 

Several hoteliers in Brisbane SNPs approached by the 

Australian Hotelier, expressed serious concerns about 

the impact of the policy. 

Nick Kalaf, who owns of the Criterion Tavern, said 

ID scanning would interfere with the flexibility of his 

venue’s trading hours and impose costs. 

“Most of the time we don’t pre-determine what time 

we shut … we allow the business and turnover to 

make that conclusion on any given night,” he said. 

“Now we need to factor in the possibility of 10.30pm 

closes and the potential of having a security guard 

present in the venue to man the ID scanner. Security 

companies charge a minimum of four hours and only 

licensed security are allowed to man or supervise ID 

scanners.” 

For Fritzenberger Director Andrew Jeffreys the only 

option was to give up late night trading. 

“To avoid the unaffordable operational costs of ID 

scanning we have surrendered our late-night trading 

license and scaled back to midnight from 1 July. 

General manager of the Caxton Hotel Alex Farquhar 

said that although his venue won’t be adjusting its 

trading hours, the implementation of ID scanning was 

“nothing short of a nightmare”. 

“It is an ill-conceived policy that has been hastily 

rushed through by ill-motivated bureaucrats, to the 

detriment of the entire hospitality industry 

of Queensland.” 

In a minor win for the industry, the Government 

consented to a slight relaxing of the rules in the 

Caxton Street SNP on the night of the Origin decider 

at Suncorp Stadium. 

Attorney General Yvette D’Ath said the decision came 

after the OLGR consulted with police who had public 

order concerns with the large crowds and who said 

starting scanning at 11pm rather than 10pm would 

alleviate pedestrian congestion. 

Queues outside venues in the Surfers Paradise 

SNP since ID scanning was introduced. 


GAMING 

with Nick Bainbrigge 

NEWS 


A MESSAGE 

FROM ARISTOCRAT 

In the lead up to AGE Aristocrat invites you to 

“curve your thinking’ around the possibilities of 

games, cabinets, and technology. At AGE, we 

will be showcasing our most diverse portfolio 

yet, with greater choice and flexibility than ever 

before. With a focus this year on delivering the 

world’s greatest gaming experience through 

our range of innovative and market-leading 

products and services, we are confident that 

you’ll find the right solutions tailored to 

your needs. 

Dragon Cash and Dragon Link have 

set the Queensland market alight, with 

performance in hotels double the market 

average since its release last November 

(Source: Maxgaming reports June 2017). 

As a follow-up to the famous Lightning 

series, which features the successful “hold n 

spin” feature and scalable bonus prizes, the 

Dragon series is living up to its reputation, fast 

becoming the best performing product in 

the market. 

We are thrilled to see that Queensland 

continues to maintain strong performance 

following the release of our latest games 

in the Dragon Cash & Link, Lightning Cash 

& Link families. Lightning Link continues 

to maintain its foothold with new additions 

Bengal Treasures and Wild Chuco seeing 

performance at two times floor average in 

Queensland hotels. 

AGE this year is all about showing off greater 

choice and flexibility of content, hardware 

and platforms with new cabinets and content 

making their debut at the show. Don’t miss 

out on getting a glimpse of our latest offerings 

at this year’s AGE! 

We thank you for your ongoing support and 

look forward to seeing you at the show! 

PINT-PULLING ROBOT 

For anyone who thought pulling the perfect schooner 

of ale was an art and not a science – think again. 

A group of engineering students in Leeds, England 

have devised a pint-pulling robot that takes your 

order via keypad and then draws it meticulously into 

a glass complete with a perfect head. One thing 

yet to be built into the contraption is the ability to 

achieve this feat while engaging in friendly banter. 

Surely that’s one human element of the industry 

that technology will never be able to replace. Check 

it out on YouTube (keywords: perfect pint robot) 

NASA UNVEILS HOTEL 

CONCEPT WITH 

UNBEATABLE VIEW 

If you’ve got a spare $5M kicking around some time in 

the next 10 years why not book a two-week holiday at 

the MARINA? The Managed, Reconfiguarble, In-space 

Nodal Assembly is an MIT space accommodation 

concept NASA took a liking to after holding a 

competition to design the world’s first orbiting hotel. 

Complete with a shuttle docking bay and inflatable 

rooms, NASA hopes the MARINA will replace the 

International Space Station by 2025 and be used as a 

stop-over for the first travellers to Mars. The MIT team 

estimated the design will reduce the space agency’s 

costs by $3 billion a year with a commercial operator 

generating revenue from the hotel.

NEWS 

NEW GENERAL 

MANAGER JOINS 

ACCOLADE WINES 

Accolade Wines has appointed a new general 

manager with a wealth of experience in the 

wine industry. 

Chris Flaherty has over 30 years’ experience in all 

alcohol beverage categories. He was formerly Chief 

Executive Officer of ASM Liquor, prior to which he 

was Managing Director Australia and New Zealand at 

Treasury Wine Estates, and earlier he held a number of 

positions at Diageo. 

His appointment as Accolade Wines General Manager, 

Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, will be effective 

from 28 August 2017. 

Based in Sydney, Chris Flaherty will report to Accolade 

Wine’s Executive Chairman, Jim Anderson. 

“We are very pleased to have Chris join the senior 

executive team and his leadership experience coupled 

with a deep knowledge of the market will be a great 

benefit to Accolade,” Jim said. 

“IT IS A GREAT HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE TO BE 

LEADING THE ANZP TEAM AT ACCOLADE WINES 

WITH ITS PORTFOLIO OF WONDERFUL BRANDS, 

STEEPED IN AN AMAZING WINE HERITAGE” 

Damian Steele, Matt Scott, James Brindley 

and Bernie Hogan. 

GREAT TO BE A 

QUEENSLANDER 

And so it was, another State of Origin series 

and another Queensland triumph. Eleven series 

wins from the last twelve years is pretty special 

so it was fitting to celebrate the win with a 

couple of special edition XXXX QUEENSLANDER 

cans with Queensland legend, Matt Scott, who 

unfortunately missed this year’s series due to 

injury, and Lion Nathan’s Managing Director of 

Beer, Wine and Spirits Australia, James Brindley. 

Joining them for a few very enjoyable coldies was 

QHA Chief Executive, Bernie Hogan and QHA 

Industry Engagement Manager, Damian Steele. 

Some might say is this “Important news?”, it is 

if you are a Queenslander and why not take one 

more opportunity to rub it into our cockroach 

mates from down south, who seemingly can’t 

play rugby league anymore. 

INTERSTATE BEER EXPORT 

As Aussies, pushing the boundaries of 

ridiculousness is something of a birthright. So 

when a bloke recently checked in a tinny of Emu 

Export as his only luggage on a QANTAS flight 

from Melbourne to Perth, baggage handlers were 

only too happy to oblige and the interstate ale 

duly arrived on the WA carousel. Speaking to the 

Daily Mail, the beer-loving jet-setter “Dean” said he 

wasn’t sure his luggage would make it. “My mate 

works at the airport and we hatched the plan as 

a laugh — I half didn’t expect it to come out the 

other end.” 


NEWS 

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER 


If there was ever a venue which was built for the sole 

purpose of enjoying our magnificent river, Riverland 

(as it is aptly named) would be it. Purpose built 

to maximise the view of Brisbane’s snaking river, 

Riverland will sit perched high at the rear of Emirates 

House at 167 Eagle St, boasting Brisbane’s biggest 

river frontage. This is a venue for everybody and for 

any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a catch-up 

after work, afternoon sun downers or a bite to eat, 

Riverland promises to be the perfect social outing. 

The company behind Riverland, Open Arms 

Hospitality, has operated a string of venues, bars and 

hotels across Victoria and New South Wales. They 

know how to create memorable venues with a great 

offering and a focus on the customer experience. 

Architects, Burton & Carter are responsible for this 

sprawling design which will have a commanding 

presence on Brisbane’s riverbank. Entry will be via 

a timber arbour with greenery intertwined, set to be 

constructed along the existing external entry to the 

plaza. 

Part owner and venue manager Gerard Coakley said, 

“This is a venue built for everybody to enjoy Brisbane’s 

great river, beverages and authentic street food. 

“It’s all about the location, while the converted shipping 

containers to an island bar and greenery will create 

an intimate tropical atmosphere, the focus at all times 

is the Brisbane River. With rotating food vendors 

and entertainment, no two nights will be the same at 

Riverland.” 

The bar will feature a large range of beer and ciders 

including domestic lagers, international premiums, 

craft and micro brewed specialities with an emphasis 

on local breweries. The Box Brand are building three 

20ft shipping containers converted into five street 

kitchens. With four rotating food vendors and one 

permanent, there’s sure to be something for everyone. 

With a key emphasis on functions, the venue has 

been thoughtfully designed to cater for all types and 

sizes. The centrepiece of Riverland will be two 40ft 

containers converted into a giant island bar, while the 

five individual kitchens will create a food truck street 

vibe with patrons able to choose from a wide variety of 

tasty eats. Existing trees onsite will be retained adding 

a subtropical feel to the space. 

Casual in its approach and ambience, Riverland will 

have a highly vibrant, energetic and festive atmosphere 

which will appeal to a wide audience. Low key music 

will form the backdrop to the venue during the day, 

with acoustic artists and DJs performing over the 

weekend. All entertainment will be at a sound level that 

allows for socialising and talking with friends, to set 

a mood rather than dominate a space. Riverland will 

start construction this month with an open date set for 

sometime this Spring.

NEWS 

KARALEE TAVERN 

WINS ‘BEST PUB 

GRUB’ IN IPSWICH 

Although we live in the age of the gastropub with 

its sophisticated take on changing tastes, it seems 

there’s still a bit of a hankering out there for more 

traditional pub grub. 

And if responses to The Queensland Times’ recent 

City Pride Facebook poll is anything to go by, 

enthusiasm for the schnitty, parmigianas, steak 

sandwich or crumbed-seafood-and-chips-with-a 

dash-of-salad variety of nosh is as strong as ever – 

especially when it’s done well. 

Voting was busy and the quality of the Karalee 

Tavern’s offering eventually made it a hands-down 

winner among Ipswich locals online. 

Manager Padriac Gorman told the Queensland 

Times that the venue made every effort to produce 

memorable food. 

“You’ll never get anything frozen or pre-made at 

our tavern. Sauces, chips, batter... all made on the 

premises,” he said. “We have always sourced our 

meat from a supplier in Toowoomba, along with 

getting our produce direct from the Rocklea markets 

for the past five years. We’ve always taken great 

pride in the quality of our food, and since taking 

over the pub we’ve made a big effort to establish it 

as a great place to eat.” 

And some quick advice on how to perform well in 

the hotel industry … 

“You don’t need to overcomplicate things with a 

pub. Just be consistent with the food, have happy, 

interactive, motivated staff, cold beer and to keep 

your customers happy.” 


RM00230AB

NEWS 

NEWS 

COAST CELEBRATES 

50 YEARS OF SUNSHINE 

Expanding its international airport, plans for major 

new hotels and tourism attractions and blueprints for 

new town centres are all part of the Sunshine Coast’s 

commitment to growth as it celebrates the 50th 

anniversary of its official name. Until 1 August 1967, 

the region was known as the “Near North Coast”, 

reflecting its proximity to Brisbane. 

However, with the region’s rapid growth in population 

and tourism, the Maroochydore, Noosa and 

Landsborough shires all wanted a more enticing 

identity - and the “Sunshine Coast” was born. 

The origin of the name was summed up at the time by 

a tourism official, Mr R.M. O’Loughlin, who remarked 

that: “This area had something that could not be 

bought for gold: that was glorious sunshine”. 

Today the Sunshine Coast is Queensland’s fastest 

growing tourism destination with a population of 

300,000 that’s forecast to expand to over 500,000 

by 2031. 

The region has its own university and the Sunshine 

Coast Airport was recently designated an international 

airport, with a major extension and upgrade underway 

to enable it to attract an even wider range of domestic 

and international flights. 

A series of anniversary events over the next five 

months include concerts, the largest ever Horizons 

Arts Festival, a poetry trail, sand sculpture festival 

and a special commemorative exhibition retracing the 

region’s development. 

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said 

the 50-year milestone allowed the region to celebrate 

SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL MAYOR MARK 

JAMIESON SAID THE 50-YEAR MILESTONE 

ALLOWED THE REGION TO CELEBRATE ITS UNIQUE 

IDENTITY BY SHOWCASING THE PAST, PRESENT 

AND FUTURE 

its unique identity by showcasing the past, present 

and future. 

“The exciting program of events, which will be held 

from August to December, will appeal to a broad range 

of ages and interests.” 

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford, said 

that it was remarkable to look back and see how the 

region had developed as one of Australia’s premier 

tourist destinations. 

“The Sunshine Coast has always concentrated on 

showcasing its diversity: we are far more than just 

Sunshine and Coast, with our distinctive natural 

attractions, such as the Hinterland and Glass House 

Mountains, complementing our beautiful coastal 

attractions,” he said. 

“We invite the whole of Australia and the rest of 

the world to join us in the celebrations. Everyone 

is welcome.” 

Full details of the anniversary celebrations can be 

found at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/fifty. 


NEWS 

A DAY AT THE RACES 


Over 200 industry friends including QHA hoteliers, 

suppliers and corporate partners enjoyed a breezy July 

afternoon at the Aristocrat and QHA Race Day. 

QHA wishes to thank Nick Bainbrigge and the team 

from Aristocrat, as principal sponsor, for ensuring a 

relaxing day of good company, great punting and 

fine hospitality. 

The Association is also grateful for the support from 

Carlton & United Breweries, Lion, Diageo, Coca-Cola 

Amatil, Accolade Wines, Sirromet, Treasury Wine 

Estates, Yalumba and entertainment maestros Nightlife 

for providing the perfect assortment of sounds. 

Thanks also to PFD Food Services for supplying 

hundreds of fresh oysters that were eaten on the day. 

As part of the festivities UBET provided punting 

vouchers for all attendees and lucky door prizes 

included a trip for two to the Melbourne Cup courtesy 

of Sky Racing, $400 of betting vouchers from Keno, a 

magnum of Pol Roger from Yalumba and wine and a 

gift voucher from ALM. 

Relaxing at the races: QHA Senior Vice President 

Richard Deery, Labor MP for Griffith Terri Butler and 

QHA President Tom McGuire.

NEWS 


LATEST & GREATEST 

ONE FOR THE BOOKS 

With our craft beer focus this edition, we 

thought it best to showcase all things great 

in the world of these alchemists of the amber 

nectar. What better place to start than with 

Brisbane’s longest running craft beer bar, 

the Archive Beer Boutique in West End. 

BEER-CYCLING 

And what better way to transport your growler home 

than by bike and to do that you need a handy carry 

case. Here’s a leather one from www.scoutmob.com 

GROWLERS & SQUEELERS 

Are all the rage and we are not talking about a 

scene from Deliverance. These flagons are used 

to take your fresh draught beer home, beers that 

are often not available in bottles or cans. A growler 

is 1.89l and a squeeler 945ml and they come in 

all kinds of designs. Check out these Cannonball 

growlers. www.terracottarepublic.com 


THE FONT OF 

KNOWLEDGE 

It may not be but these 

custom beer fonts are 

something truly out of 

the ordinary from 

www.tappedbeer.com

FEATURE 

GATEWAY TO 

THE NORTH 

A YEAR SINCE RENOVATIONS WERE COMPLETED, 

THE GATEWAY HOTEL IS PROVING A MASSIVE HIT 

WITH LOCALS AND VISITORS ALIKE. 

An hour’s drive inland from Cairns, Mareeba is perhaps 

best known for their rodeo, coffee plantations and as a 

place to stock up before tackling road trips to remote 

Far North Queensland. The town however has a new 

talking point now and if the rave customer reviews 

online are anything to go by, The Gateway Hotel is 

making a name for itself as a destination in its own 

right. 

Formerly known as The Peninsula Pub, the building 

was purchased by Rock Ridge Farming, owned by 

Peter and Chelley Howe in April 2015. The couple 

saw an opportunity to develop the business and fill a 

perceived void in the Tablelands hotel market. They 

were partnered in the venture by Chelley’s cousin 

Callum Foo and his wife Nerida, who had been 

working in hotels down in Brisbane. 

In May 2015, the newly formed partnership set about 

renovating the hotel. In what could be best described 

as a tip of the Akubra to their farming heritage, the 

design reflects a fusion of rustic outback décor with 

a modern contemporary vibe. Callum elaborated on 

the inspiration behind the refurbishment and the local 

materials used. 



FEATURE 

“THE VISION WAS TO PROVIDE MAREEBA RESIDENTS WITH A HOTEL THEY’RE PROUD TO 

CALL THEIR LOCAL, AND VISITORS WITH A VENUE THAT HAS ALL THE STYLINGS OF A BIG 

CITY HOTEL AND THE CHARACTER AND CHARM OF A COUNTRY PUB” 

“Peter and Chelley have a strong farming background, 

and Mareeba is a proud farming community so 

we tried to carry this theme through the hotels 

refurbishment. Kind of old and new agricultural 

theming with new hotel/ pub/ restaurant experiences. 

“The vision was to provide Mareeba residents with a 

hotel they’re proud to call their local, and visitors with 

a venue that has all the stylings of a big city hotel and 

the character and charm of a country pub. 

“All of the feature photos around the hotel are taken 

from local farms around the Tablelands. The large 

John Deere pic actually starts up every hour on the 

hour and is a huge attraction to the kids, both young 

and old! 

“We have made feature lighting from local farmers’ 

hessian potato bags with logos of old and current 

potato growers. All the rusty corrugated iron is 

recycled from a 50-year old seed drying shed, locally 

sourced. The windmill that features in the gardens 

comes from Peter and Chelley’s farm in Tinaroo. ‘Big 

Red’, which is the name of the middle bar, is a twotonne 

piece of Red Stringybark sourced locally in the 

Tablelands.” 

High ceilings feature throughout the pub along with 

timber floors, stone panels and leather couches. The 

Gateway indeed has all the hallmarks of a classic 

Queensland country pub. Consequently, the renovation 

has been rightfully entered into the HIA Building 

Awards by Higham Building, owned by locals Simon 

and Kristy Higham. Wherever possible they engaged 

local tradesman on the project. 

The hotel features two bars, Stockman’s Grill 

restaurant, three kids’ areas and Big Time Charlie’s, 

the gaming room with 14 new gaming machines 

including Lightning Link and Dragon Link. The 

Gateway even has a coffee window operating out 

of the front of the hotel, selling takeaway coffees, 

smoothies and wraps called the Buzz Bar. Interestingly, 

over 70% of Australia’s coffee crop is grown in 

Mareeba. In the not-too-distant future there are plans 

to renovate the drive thru. 

Upstairs is the refurbished backpackers’ 

accommodation which sleeps up to 48 people 

with shaded, wraparound verandas and shared 

couches, chairs and tables in keeping with the style 

of a traditional Queenslander. The Gateway provides 

work, transport and accommodation packages for 

backpackers. 

On the entertainment side of things there is plenty 

of it, in particular their legendary Phat Fridays that 

once a month feature a guest DJ from Brisbane, 

Sydney, Melbourne and even Los Angeles. The event 

draws huge crowds giving young Tablelanders and 

backpackers alike a genuine option to party locally. 

The hotel also holds regular functions ranging from 

fashion shows to wine degustations and their annual 

Australia Day Toad Race Charity Event. 


FEATURE 

The Gateway caters for families as well. The three 

designated kids’ areas, two of which are named after 

Callum and Nerida’s children Miriam and Angus, are 

Gus Bus, with toys suitable for 1-4 years of age; Mim’s 

Farm containing a range of play equipment, games 

and toys suitable for children 4-12 years of age; and 

for the teenagers there’s a special projector room 

screening kids’ friendly programs and movies. Callum 

explained their desire to be recognised as a familyfriendly 

venue. 

“At The Gateway we’re family, as in we have a family 

and want to become one of our customers’ favourite 

family gathering places. 

“We know what it’s like with little people, that’s why we 

have gone to such lengths to create their own special 

spaces so kids can have as much fun as their parents. 

Our menu is children friendly and features fresh, chef 

prepared and locally sourced produce with a few 

sneaky healthy options.” 

This focus on fresh produce is replicated in the menu 

for adults. The Stockman’s Grill prides itself on chef 

prepared fresh modern cuisine, including steaks and 

produce sourced across the Tablelands. 

“We’re proud of this region, it’s the food bowl for 

Tropical North Queensland. We’re taking the farm 

gate to plate philosophy on board. Our meat is from 

Walkamin, Morganbury Meats and we’re sourcing as 

much local produce as we can.” 

Mareeba is famous for growing avocados, mangoes, 

lychees, longans, sugar cane, cashews, macadamias, 

“WE’RE PROUD OF THIS REGION, IT’S THE FOOD 

BOWL FOR TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND. WE’RE 

TAKING THE FARM GATE TO PLATE PHILOSOPHY 

ON BOARD” 



FEATURE 


bananas, pineapples and a variety of vegetables and 

tropical fruits. Poultry and cattle are also common. 

The Gateway’s focus on fresh food appears to have 

proven popular with diners. Comments online range 

from, “The visit was an amazing surprise. The staff 

were friendly, the atmosphere was good and the food 

was top quality” and “was impressed by the decor, 

friendly attentive staff, menu selections and wine list” to 

“friendly welcome and service, good menu, good food. 

If you are visiting Mareeba, this is the place to dine.” In 

fact, there are countless complimentary reviews about 

the quality of the fare. 

The team at The Gateway have no doubt successfully 

married big city pizzaz with the down-to-earth appeal 

of a country pub. 

“We’re proud to be a part of Mareeba and the 

Tablelands community. We’re working hard to give the 

people of the region a venue they can be proud of. 

We are striving to provide old fashioned service and 

a sophisticated pub that many will love to call their 

‘local’.” 

“WE ARE STRIVING TO PROVIDE OLD FASHIONED 

SERVICE AND A SOPHISTICATED PUB THAT MANY 

WILL LOVE TO CALL THEIR ‘LOCAL’”

MP ATTORNEY GENERAL The Hon. Yvette D’Ath 

ID SCANNER SCHEME LAUNCHED 


Networked ID scanners have been officially operating 

in more than 190 venues in Queensland’s 15 safe 

night precincts (SNPs) since 1 July. They are a key 

component of the Queensland Government’s strategy 

to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence and are designed to 

ensure people with banning orders are detected and 

prevented entry into venues operating ID scanners. 

Keeping known trouble makers out of our pubs helps 

ensure Queenslanders and tourists can have a safe, 

fun night out. 

The ID scanners are already proving their worth by 

alerting security staff to a number of banned patrons 

attempting to enter venues and allowing police to 

investigate and take action for the banning order 

contraventions. 

I am grateful to licensees and patrons for embracing 

the ID scanner scheme and helping keep our venues 

safe places. 

If this system prevented only one family from dealing 

with the aftermath of a senseless violent tragedy, it is 

already worth it. 

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK 2017 

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) 

was held in Queensland from 24-30 July with the 

theme ‘Is your gambling getting out of hand? Think of 

your family’. RGAW is held annually and encourages 

gamblers to stay within their limits and highlights the 

support available to people who feel gambling may 

have become a problem. 

I was encouraged to hear of those gaming licensees 

who got involved and supported this year’s event and 

thank you for your efforts. 

As a gambling provider, it’s in your best interest to be 

familiar with the Queensland Responsible Gambling 

Code of Practice which provides a whole-ofindustry 

approach to the promotion and provision of 

responsible gambling practices. 

You want your patrons to see and experience your 

venue as one that provides a safe, socially responsible 

and supportive gambling environment. 

You also want your patrons to feel like they are able to 

approach staff at your venue for assistance with any 

gambling problems. 

Resource manuals have been designed specifically 

for hotels and provide a step-by-step guide to 

implementing the Code of Practice. You can download 

these from the Queensland Publications Portal at 

www.publications.qld.gov.au. 

Hosted by Relationships Australia at the Newnham 

Hotel, Mt Gravatt, this year’s RGAW official launch was 

attended by industry stakeholders, Gambling Help 

counsellors, researchers, community members and 

government representatives. 

The launch also provided an opportunity for 

those present to preview the new Gambling Help 

Queensland website, which is to be launched soon. 

Keep an eye out for the website which features 

information on the signs of problem gambling, facts 

and myths, feature stories, plus an information section 

especially for industry. 

Gambling Help services across Queensland organised 

a number of community events and activities in their 

local area. 

I commend the efforts of gambling providers and the 

work of Queensland Gambling Help services, as we 

join together to reduce the negative impact gambling 

may have on Queenslanders now and into the future. 

FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS 

Congratulations to the 604 community groups who 

shared in $12.4 million of funding in the latest round of 

the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF). 

Grants in round 93 are currently being considered, 

while applications for round 94 will close on 

31 August 2017. 

In the 2016-17 financial year, more than 900 

community groups across Queensland shared in close 

to $40 million in grants. 

The successful recipients included sports clubs, 

schools, emergency services organisations, charity 

groups, music societies and health and 

support centres. 

The 2016-17 financial year also saw the launch of the 

new GCBF user-friendly online portal, which has made 

applying for funding even easier.

Michael Sarquis 

OLGR 

0FFICE OF LIQUOR AND GAMING REGULATION UPDATE 

LICENCE FEES ARE NOW OVERDUE 

If you haven’t paid your liquor licence fees, they are now 

overdue and your liquor licence has been suspended. 

If you hold a gaming machine licence, it has also 

been suspended. 

I remind you that you are unable to sell or supply liquor 

while your licence is suspended. 

To avoid a compliance officer knocking on your door 

and you potentially copping a hefty fine, login to the 

OLGR Client Portal immediately to easily pay your fees. 

Of course, you can also pay via BPay, or other payment 

methods, using the payment details shown on your 

licence fee assessment. 

You have 28 days from the date of suspension to pay 

your licence fees. This means, if the fees are not paid by 

12 midnight on 29 August your licence will automatically 

be cancelled, creating potentially serious consequences 

for your business. 

If you need to contact an OLGR licensing officer, email 

olgrlicensing@justice.qld.gov.au. 

UPDATED SIGNS AND ON-THE-SPOT FINES 

We want you to comply with legislation to avoid the 

expense and inconvenience of receiving a fine or 

penalty. 

Under the Liquor Act 1992 and the Wine Industry Act 

1994, licensees, their staff and patrons can be issued 

on-the-spot fines (also called penalty infringement 

notices, or PINs) for non-compliance offences. Some 

offences include: 

• Engaging in unacceptable practices/promotions; 

• Supplying alcohol to someone that is unduly 

intoxicated or disorderly; 

• Allowing non-exempt minors on your premises; 

• Failing to comply with licence conditions; and 

• Allowing people trying to enter a licensed venue 

using a false ID. 

We provide a full list of on-the-spot fines on our website 

to help you and your staff understand the reasons for, 

and amounts of, on-the-spot fines. 

Fines are calculated by penalty units and from 1 July 

2017, the current value of each penalty unit is $126.15. 

To advise your staff and patrons what is acceptable 

and expected, you can download, print and display 

free in-venue signage for liquor licensees at 

your licensed venue, which are also available on 

our website. 

SPOTLIGHT ON BUNDABERG SNP INTER-VENUE 

RADIO NETWORK 

In late 2016, the Safe Night Bundaberg CBD Precinct 

Inc. set up an inter-venue, two-way radio network 

within the precinct with grant funding of $17,127. 

All 10 late-night licensed venues in the precinct have 

a radio, as well as the taxi marshal and police station. 

Communication between venues and with on-duty 

police is fast and efficient with all parties able to listen 

to dialogue on the one radio channel. 

Since its introduction, the network has generated 

positive feedback from users and resulted in faster 

response times by police. 

The board adopted the inter-venue radios which 

“are seen as an important tool in assisting with 

the reduction of alcohol-fuelled violence, antisocial 

behaviour, improvement of inter-venue communication 

and proactive policing.” said Susan Rewald, Secretary 

of the Safe Night Bundaberg CBD Precinct Inc. 

local board. 

Licensees within the Bundaberg SNP are actively 

involved in finding ways to improve the safety of late 

night patrons and venue staff. Since the board’s 

establishment, it has received over $210,600 worth of 

SNP funding, including: 

• Seed funding for insurance, OFT annual 

association returns, auditing and administrative 

tasks; and 

• Operational funding for an educational campaign, 

taxi rank security, CCTV upgrades, ‘One Punch 

Can Kill’ campaign, two-day course aimed at 

disadvantaged youth focussing on RSA training 

and the inter-venue radio network. 

I congratulate the Bundaberg SNP licensees on the 

success of the inter-venue radio initiative and their 

commitment to the safety of their patrons and staff. 


LEGAL MATTERS with Curt Schatz 

IS MONEY LAUNDERING OCCURRING 

IN YOUR HOTEL? 


Money laundering is more common through gaming 

machines than many licensees realise and many 

hotels underestimate the risk of money laundering in 

their venue. The Australian Transaction Reports and 

Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) have identified hotels 

as vulnerable targets for money laundering practices 

through their recent campaigns. All hotels with gaming 

machines should be aware of their Anti-Money 

Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/ 

CTF) reporting obligations and the requirement for 

them to have a compliant AML/CTF plan. 

Accordingly, AUSTRAC has developed the following 

tips for hotels in protecting themselves against 

money laundering: 

1. Hotels need to ensure that they are not taking 

a “one-size fits all” approach to identifying and 

managing money laundering risks. Rather, each 

hotel should have a specific AML/CTF program in 

place which is tailored specifically to the hotel. This 

should address the way that a hotel will respond 

to money laundering and the associated risks 

surrounding AML/CTF. 

2. It is important for hotels to realise that money 

laundering can still occur when a patron plays all of 

the money they deposit. Criminals are increasingly 

willing to lose a percentage of their deposit as 

a cost of money laundering. Venues cannot rely 

on the fact that a patron is playing the gaming 

machines as evidence that money laundering is not 

occurring in their venue. Accordingly, it is critical 

that hotels have a transaction monitoring program 

that can address this type of money laundering. 

Through analysing the data collected by this 

program, hotels should be reporting customers 

who receive a high number of gaming payouts over 

a specific period. 

3. Hotels should note that money launderers are often 

regular customers. While it is important to build 

strong relationships with customers, licensees 

should be constantly monitoring their hotel for 

suspicious activity. AUSTRAC has advised that this 

can include customers who are buying winning 

tickets/cheques, asking for cheques to be written 

in someone else’s name and regularly bringing very 

large amounts of cash to gamble. 

4. Hotels have specific record keeping obligations 

under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter- 

Terrorism Financing Act 2006. It is critical for hotels 

to maintain accurate records of transactions. 

AUSTRAC recommends that these records are 

kept electronically, making monitoring transactions 

under your monitoring program easier. 

5. It is important for hotels to be reporting any 

suspicious matters to AUSTRAC and taking their 

AML/CTF responsibilities seriously. Your hotel will 

not get into trouble for reporting to AUSTRAC and 

where there is no criminal activity, the customer will 

not be adversely affected. However, a hotel can be 

fined if they do not comply with the requirements 

under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter- 

Terrorism Financing Act. This includes having 

a compliant AML/CTF program in place and 

reporting suspicious matters in their venues. 

We can assist you in tailoring a compliant program for 

you. Please give me a call at Mullins Lawyers on 

(07) 3224 0230 if you would like any assistance.

you’re invited 

TO A PRESENTATION EVENING 

AS WE SHOWCASE THE TALENT AND INNOVATION 

OF THE QUEENSLAND HOTEL INDUSTRY 

WITH THE 2017 QHA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 

join us 

WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER 2017 

BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE 

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 21ST AUGUST 

VIA WWW.QHA.ORG.AU OR VIA 3221 6999 

æ… 



INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS 

MELTING POT 

GATHERS IN THE 

GARDEN 

TAKE A HOTEL CARPARK, FIT IT OUT WITH A COUPLE 

OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS, SOME CRAWLING 

GREENERY AND A BIT OF MOOD LIGHTING AND 

THERE YOU HAVE IT - A MODERN, UNPRETENTIOUS 

AND UNIQUE SOCIAL HUB. 

It was as simple as that for The Wickham’s incredible 

urban oasis with a simple name - Garden Bar - winner 

of the 2016 QHA Award for Excellence for Best 

Outdoor/Non-Enclosed Facility. 

Nestled in the centre of two reconditioned shipping 

containers and two brick walls, the design of Garden 

Bar separates you from the street without losing that 

open-air feel. With a ceiling of festoon lighting and 

gardens climbing the brick walls, the Fortitude Valley 

bar is an idyllic representation of the urban landscape 

in which it lives. 

One of the containers is fitted out as the kitchen, 

another as a lounge area plus a smaller container 

stacked high above Garden Bar where DJs can settle 

in and entertain the crowds. 

Evident in both design and practice is the huge focus 

on community and staying local, from the two-storey 

high masterpiece gifted to The Wickham from Brisbane 

artist Lister, to the gardens filled with fresh produce 

which all are welcome to. Communal dining has also 

been embraced with long shared tables catering for 24 

diners at one time. 

The Wickham’s General Manager David McKillop 

says that since its opening in 2014, Garden Bar has 

become hugely popular. 

“The venue’s incredible repositioning, renovation 

and re-launch as well as quality service and offering 

have created an environment appealing to all 

demographics,” he says. “The versatility of Garden 

Bar is evident constantly with the outdoor hub used as 


INSIGHTS 


a live music space, function area and corporate 

lunch venue.” 

During the week a strong lunch trade transforms into 

a popular trivia crowd on Thursdays while Friday and 

Saturday evenings see Garden Bar filled with live 

music and quality seeking revellers. Sundays start 

early with food, daylight DJs and jugs of 

shared cocktails. 

But don’t let Garden Bar’s street style fool you into 

thinking its offering might be makeshift. As David 

explains, an attention to good quality is a big part of 

the idea. 

“When building the container kitchen, we didn’t aim to 

be the biggest, just the best. Our food is sourced by 

our head chef for its quality and conscious and ethical 

practices of the supplier. We also grow as many herbs 

as we can in our own garden. 

“Our beverage quality matches our food offering in 

both taste and value, with shared cocktail jugs, classic 

and simple cocktails as well as selective wine and 

spirit list which changes to reflect the season.” 

David and his team are only too well aware that 

operating an outdoor environment in an inner-city 

setting requires a more extensive cleaning and 

servicing strategy to combat the elements and deliver 

a beautiful environment all year round. 

“A great deal of attention to detail and operational 

process was implemented to ensure our cleaning staff 

delivers the highest quality standards at all times,” 

he says. 

“Similarly, the staff have been trained in consistently 

maintaining this level of presentation and cleanliness at 

all times.” 

They’re mindful of comfort too. To combat the 

seasonal elements, The Wickham has employed 

environmentally clean, as well as safe techniques such 

as state of the art gas heating for the colder months 

and the high powered silent fans for the 

warmer months. 

The design of Garden Bar has also allowed for a cool 

breeze to flow through in summer, and awnings and 

walls designed to keep heat from escaping 

during winter. 

Then there’s that other environmental factor that all 

operators of outdoor venues must monitor 

constantly – noise. 

“To protect our neighbours from excessive noise, we 

have installed state of the art directional speakers, as 

well as performing regular DB checks to monitor noise 

pollution,” he says. 

“CLEVER OUTDOOR DESIGN ALSO SHIELDS 

BOTH NEIGHBOURS AND PATRONS FROM NOISE 

DISTORTION WITH OUR INSULATING WALLS, 

WHICH ARE FURTHER COVERED BY 

GARDEN AND GREENERY.” 

“Clever outdoor design also shields both neighbours 

and patrons from noise distortion with our insulating 

walls, which are further covered by garden 

and greenery.” 

The Wickham’s Garden Bar owes its continued 

popularity to the way it adapts to the myriad whims of 

a diversity of urban dwellers on a daily, and 

nightly, basis. 

AT A GLANCE 

• Established in 1885 and designed by the famous 

Brisbane architect Richard Gailey, The Wickham 

began life as the Oriental Hotel. 

• As a contemporary inner-city pub, The Wickham is 

reflective of the community in which it’s found – a 

place where people of all identities can meet, drink, 

party, and eat. 

• The Wickham’s food is all about freshness and 

flavour. All ingredients are grown fresh from the 

Garden Bar and hand-picked daily by the chef.

INSIGHTS 


INSIGHTS 

CLASSIC HOTEL 

LEGACY PRESERVED 

country pubs. John and Michelle’s commitment to 

the cause has restored Goondiwindi’s historic nod to 

Victorian architecture and the Jazz Age into a bright, 

contemporary hospitality venue. 


ELEVEN YEARS AGO GOONDIWINDI’S ICONIC 

120-YEAR-OLD VICTORIA HOTEL WAS A LITTLE 

WORSE FOR WEAR AND DUE FOR DEMOLITION. 

THEN ALONG CAME LOCAL HOTELIERS JOHN AND 

MICHELLE KLEIN. 

Their bold move to take on the ramshackle old girl in 

2006 and redeliver her status as the “jewel of Marshall 

Street” wowed locals and earned the “Vic” two QHA 

Awards for Excellence last year for Best Traditional 

Hotel Bar and Best Budget Accommodation. 

Some might say hotels in these categories are a 

dying breed. But that would do a disservice to an 

increasing number of dedicated hoteliers across the 

country who are courageously investing time and 

resources into preserving Australia’s legacy of classic 

Renovated pub loses none of its 

traditional charm 

With a distinctly off-kilter corner turret dominating the 

building’s profile, latticed veranda arches and starkly 

defined white-with-charcoal-trim colour scheme, 

the Victoria Hotel is an unmissable landmark on 

Goondiwindi’s main street. 

Michelle Klein’s talents as a qualified interior designer 

are evident within. A simple yet enticing palette 

comprising off-whites, rusty reds, earth-grays 

and relaxed blues unite old and new - from the 

contemporary bar fittings to the century-old vertical 

tongue-and-groove cladding throughout. 

“She had a huge task in making the hotel look brand 

new but keep its heritage feel,” John says. “Our recent 

renovations transformed the dated bar areas into 

sophisticated examples of a high-functioning multiservice 

venue.”

INSIGHTS 

THE B&B IS A LIGHT-HEARTED LOOK AT HOW 

A DILAPIDATED BUILDING ON THE CUSP OF 

DEMOLITION HAS BEEN BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED TO 

ITS ‘GLORY DAYS... 

Classic pub accommodation 

Situated throughout the Vic’s upper level, a 

reinvigorated accommodation area comprising 14 

rooms, a common room, a cosy winter fireplace and 

shared amenities entice visitors to lengthen their stay. 

John and Michelle have taken care to retain the rooms’ 

classical Queenslander hotel character, refurbishing 

them in a traditional style and preserving vintage trims 

and fittings. Many of the rooms open out onto wide 

verandas which embrace views of the town. Most 

sleep one or two people, with the largest room able to 

accommodate two adults and two children with their 

own en suite. 

“Breakfast can be arranged for large group stays,” 

John says. “But in general no breakfast is served on a 

daily basis.” 

John, Michelle and the staff are only too pleased to 

show off all facets of the hotel, with over 2000 guests 

having taken the opportunity to explore the bones of 

this historic beauty by joining the Vic’s regular B&B* 

(“Beer and Bullsh*t”) tour. 

“The B&B is a light-hearted look at how a dilapidated 

building on the cusp of demolition has been beautifully 

restored to its ‘glory days’ with all the convenience of 

modern facilities,” explains John. “It’s a light shandy 

of comedy that concludes with lunch and a drink on 

the veranda.” 

AT A GLANCE 

• Michael Bell, the local builder who the Kleins 

contracted to undertake the Victoria Hotel’s 

renovations is part of a proud lineage of 

Goondiwindi builders. Michael’s great-grandfather 

William Bell built the original hotel. 

• A former owner of the Vic, George Pippos, 

was part of the 1960s syndicate that owned 

the champion Aussie thoroughbred Gunsynd. 

The lucrative stallion was defeated only once in 

seven starts over a mile and several post-race 

celebrations at the Vic are the stuff of legend. 

• The Vic’s history includes other colourful yarns. 

There are stories of horsemen riding into the bar 

and lassoing bottles from the shelves in the old 

days. It is also certainly true that a customer took 

his boat into the bar during the 1956 floods. 


INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT with Damian Steele 

THE STATE OF THE REGIONS 


Each year the Australian Local Government 

Association (ALGA), in partnership with National 

Economics, publishes the State of the Regions 

report which identifies each region’s economic 

development issues and assesses the effectiveness 

of policies for removing roadblocks to regional 

economic development. 

This year’s 2017-18 report revisits the critical 

question of boosting regional economic productivity. 

The documnet provides a detailed analysis on how 

these regions are performing and then analyses the 

likely consequences of current issues. It then further 

provides an annual stock-take of the economic wellbeing 

of Australia’s regions and their prospects for 

economic development and employment growth. 

According to the ALGA, the report tells a concerning 

story on the inequity across some of the economies 

in Australia’s regions, namely a widening gap in 

employment rates, household incomes 

and productivity. 

The core objectives of the report are to: 

• Present the latest statistical indicators of how 

Australian regions are performing. 

• Analyse the indicator trends in terms of growing 

equality and inequality between Australian regions. 

• Make suggestions for the policy implications of 

current Australian regional performance. 

• Steadily expand the indicators used to measure 

regional performance. 

• Describe the reality of regional economics. 

Regular features included in the report are updates 

on the structure of regional incomes, skills and 

employment, housing and wealth, telecommunications, 

energy and climate change. It provides extensive data 

for 67 regions covering all of Queensland 

and Australia. 

The document argues that reducing the inequality 

of income distribution within and between Australian 

regions will be pivotal to strengthening Australia’s 

economy and bridging the employment fallout from 

the subsiding mining boom in low income regions. 

Further evidence is provided that Australia has under 

invested in infrastructure, particularly of a transport 

nature. It concludes that countering regional inequality 

needs to go beyond the traditional emphasis on 

direct tax / transfer redistribution, and focus more on 

geographically appropriate and targeted investments 

including infrastructure provision, training and job 

creation activities. 

The QHA appreciates the challenges of our regional 

members and has supported the Liquor (Rural Hotels 

Concession) Amendment Bill 2017, introduced by 

Robbie Katter MP, which proposes to reduce the 

annual liquor licence commercial hotel base fee 

by 90%. 

All members are encouraged to attend the QHA 

Regional Licensees’ Meetings which provide an 

invaluable opportunity to voice your issues for 

QHA representation. 

Please see the QHA Events calendar for meeting dates 

or contact QHA Membership Services Officer, Paul St 

John-Wood or yours truly for details. 

Information about the State of the Regions report can 

be found at: http://alga.asn.au

NEW FINANCIAL 

YEAR, SAME OLD 

HR ISSUES? 

MAKE PURCHASING THE QHA 

HR MANUAL ONE OF YOUR NEW 

FINANCIAL YEAR RESOLUTIONS! 

Don’t just get your hotel’s financial affairs in order post-1 July – purchase the QHA HR 

Manual to help you manage staffing matters, and make your life easier! 

Designed with busy hoteliers in mind, the QHA HR Manual helps you organise every 

challenge of managing a team of staff. The manual includes comprehensive human 

resources policies and helpful templates for everything from job descriptions, 

appointment letters, discipline and termination letters, policy and procedure 

templates, timesheets, employer and employee forms and much, much more. 

The recently revised edition 

is available through the online 

QHA Shop at www.qha.org.au. 

$365 for members. 

$765 for non-members. 

“WE PURCHASE EVERY EDITION AS THE AUTOMATIC 

UPDATES DURING AN EDITION LIFE ARE INVALUABLE. 

WE WOULD NOT BE WITHOUT IT!” 

Michael and Shelley Porter from Porters Plainland Hotel 


FINANCE with Jeremy Wicht 

NEW ROYAL HOTEL RUBYVALE 

winner of the Best Bush Pub in the 

2016 QHA Awards for Excellence 

MAINTAINING YOUR HOTEL ASSET 


I recently had a regional publican tell me a story of 

how his business was facing increased competition 

from smaller licensed bars setting up in his town. 

The story was familiar: the newest bar will attract an 

initial following pinching some of his night crowd; then 

after a few months “honeymoon” the bar will start to 

discount its drinks, then its food and, when the next 

new bar opens and moves the patrons, it closes. 

Running a hotel, and particularly a regional venue 

where local economic conditions have reduced 

customer spend, is difficult. Competition is fierce 

and staying one step ahead of your competition is 

hard. However, despite this, there are always some 

operators that seem to consistently maintain their 

trade and there are a few common threads about how 

they do it. Here’s my top five tips for maintaining your 

trade (and hotel value) in tough times:- 

1. Don’t let the offering get stale: View the hotel 

like a stage show. If the offering is the same weekin 

and week-out, then your customers will get 

bored. The top operators always have some new 

event or promotion that they are working on : from 

a new seasonal menu, a new music entertainment 

series, to gaming promotions and special events 

such as wine dinners, BBQ competitions and 

calendar events (such as Halloween, American 

Independence Day, Melbourne Cup etc.) 

2. Reward loyalty: Most modern gaming venues 

have sophisticated loyalty programmes for their 

gaming patrons, but why not look at developing 

programmes for other parts of the hotel such as 

the bars, bistro and retail areas. If is often the little 

things that make a big difference to our customers: 

like recognising the birthdays of your regulars in the 

front bar with a birthday cake and round of drinks, 

or free nibblies on Friday night for groups of 6 or 

more coming in for knock-off drinks, or loyalty wine 

packages for regular retail customers. 

3. Keep up with regular maintenance: In tough 

times it becomes even more important to keep 

your venue looking ship-shape. Particularly, don’t 

neglect the areas of the hotel that are noticed by 

customers such as gardens, driveways, painting, 

furniture and signage. At a minimum you should 

be budgeting to at least reinvest your annual 

depreciation charge back into the hotel. 

4. Target your marketing: The media landscape is 

changing and so are the ways that our customers

Jeremy Wicht 

FINANCE 

are choosing to get their news. Traditional channels 

such as TV and newspaper advertising are giving 

way to social media that offers more direct and 

cost effective targeting of customer groups. To be 

effective on social media you need to post offers 

and information that engages with the customer: 

• Use professional videos and high quality 

photographs where you can— 

• Create an “offer” that requires a response (i.e. 

printing off a voucher, tag a friend, or respond with 

their name). 

• Time your post to appear at peak times for your 

target audience – usually around travel time 

to/from work. 

• Boost your post within your local trade area. 

• Co-ordinate the offer with corresponding 

in-house advertising. 

• Resist the temptation to do it yourself. Proper 

presentation and marketing is very different from 

iPhone photos and Wordpress websites. Social 

media has an unquenchable appetite for content. 

Keep it real and keep it fresh. 

5. Benchmark your venue against other topperforming 

venues: To stay on top of the game, 

keep a keen eye on what other top venues are 

doing. Keep in touch with other venue operators at 

industry events and measure yourself against the top 

THERE ARE ALWAYS SOME OPERATORS THAT SEEM 

TO CONSISTENTLY MAINTAIN THEIR TRADE AND 

THERE ARE A FEW COMMON THREADS ABOUT HOW 

THEY DO IT 

operators. There is always something new that you 

can learn or adopt for your venue to stay 

on trend. 

Remember your hotel is an asset. An asset that has 

to earn a rate of return commensurate with the risks 

that you are undertaking. It should not be considered 

a cash box, nor a social outlet (although we sincerely 

hope it’s both). It’s your single biggest asset. Make it 

work hard! 


PUB TALK 

QHA Board visits the Kuttabul Hotel 

Bus tour briefing by Bernie Hogan 

Pinnacle Hotel 

Sweeping views: Eungella Chalet 

QHA Regional Board Meeting, Shamrock Hotel, Mackay 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN 

THANK YOU TO THE HOTELIERS IN AND AROUND MACKAY WHO ATTENDED THE QHA REGIONAL BOARD MEETING 

AT THE START OF AUGUST. SPECIAL THANKS MUST ALSO GO TO PETER AND JEN AT THE SHAMROCK HOTEL WHO 

HOSTED THE MEETING AND TO PFD FOOD SERVICES FOR PROVIDING THE LUNCH FOR THE 70 ATTENDEES TO ENJOY. 

KANDANGA HOTEL 


The day after devastation: Fire destroyed the 

Kandanga Hotel in 2015. 

On Saturday 12th December 2015 we woke to the 

devastating news that the 101 year old Kandanga 

Hotel had burnt to the ground. Thankfully no one was 

hurt in the blaze and owners Carol and Doug Greensill 

were back trading out of a makeshift pub on the 

site the very next day to service the community. The 

makeshift pub continued trading through until Saturday 

22nd July this year when the Greensills, along with 

hundreds from the community, celebrated the opening 

of the rebuilt hotel. Congratulations to Carol and Doug 

for their tireless work throughout the rebuild. We will 

have a feature on the new hotel in the September 

QHA Review.

with Paul St John-Wood 

Heading North to Bowen 

Sandy McDonald 

View from the Clarion Hotel, Mackay 

Visiting the Grandview Hotel, Bowen 

The rebuilt Kandanga Hotel 

Pinnacle Hotel 

IGT & QHA GOLF DAY – 

ROYAL PINES RESORT 

The annual IGT & QHA Golf Day will 

be held this year at the home of the 

Australian PGA Championship, Royal 

Pines Resort. We encourage all 

hoteliers who enjoy a round of golf, 

or simply a networking day out of the 

pub, to come along. To book your 

team or as an individual to be placed 

in a team please contact the 

QHA office. 

QHA GYMPIE LICENSEE MEETING 

The next regional licensees meeting 

will be held in Gympie on Tuesday 

29 August. Licensees in this 

area will have received details of 

the meeting via post and email. 

Along with accessing information 

directly from the QHA and industry 

representatives, the licensees 

meetings offer the opportunity to 

network with counterparts from your 

region in a more social environment 

compared to standard accord 

meetings. This format also allows 

licensees to raise any localised issues 

or challenges which the QHA may be 

able to advocate at a regional or state 

level to assist. 

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS 

The QHA would like to welcome new 

members The Keppel Sands Hotel 

– Keppel Sands, The Grand Hotel 

– Biggenden and The Andergrove 

(The Grove) Tavern - Andergrove. 

We wish you every success in your 

hotel business endeavours for the 

remainder of 2017 and beyond. 


COMPASS 

TAKING TO THE OUTBACK AIR 

SMACK IN THE BULLSEYE OF QUEENSLAND, LONGREACH IS A FOCAL POINT FOR AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS AND 

INTREPID TRAVELLERS LOOKING FOR A HISTORICAL TASTE OF THE OUTBACK. 


Nothing defines the heartland of the outback better 

than a town at the heart of it all. Early pioneering 

pastoral development of the area was hampered by 

the absence of a secure water supply and only able 

to support a loose partnering of leaseholds known as 

“Forrest Grove”. 

The town of Longreach owes its existence to 

government surveyors discovering that a large 

waterhole on a “long reach” of the Thomson River 

was sufficient to support the establishment of a larger 

settlement in the 1880s. 

This cleared the way for extending the Rockhampton 

to Barcaldine railway to the Thomson River and 

the fledgling town’s appeal grew. Westward 

looking entrepreneurs soon arrived along with 

more pastoralists and by 1890 there were three 

hotels, several stores and tradespeople, a progress 

association and a police station. The town then grew 

steadily from a population of 150 in 1891 to around 

2000 in 1903. 

Although land-based commercial activity would always 

be the town’s mainstay, activity in the air would give 

Longreach lasting fame. In 1919 two WW1 veteran 

airmen visited Longreach while planning the Darwin to 

Longreach section of a proposed long-haul air route 

between Australia and England. Paul McGinness and 

Hudson Fysh would later establish Qantas airlines 

in Winton (177km up the road to the north-west) 

supported by a large plane assembly factory at 

Longreach aerodrome. 

Today the aerodrome is home to the Qantas Founders 

Museum. Aviation enthusiasts the world over visit 

to take the Boeing 747 “walking wing” tour or test 

their flying skills with the world’s only Bristol Fighter 

simulator among displays focusing on the founding 

THE TOWN OF LONGREACH OWES ITS EXISTENCE TO 

GOVERNMENT SURVEYORS DISCOVERING THAT A 

LARGE WATERHOLE ON A “LONG REACH” OF THE 

THOMSON RIVER 

figures of Qantas and the impact of aviation 

in Australia. 

Another hit with tourists is the Stockman’s Hall of 

Fame. This museum was officially opened by the 

Queen in 1988 in conjunction with bicentennial 

celebrations and showcases the stories of explorers, 

stock workers and pastoralists from all walks of 

life that shaped the outback’s history. The building’s 

striking design was inspired by the countless 

silos and water tanks dotted throughout the 

surrounding countryside. 

The Longreach Powerhouse Museum also attracts 

a lot of visitors and is the largest preserved rural 

generating facility in Australia. 

Three QHA member hotels are located in the middle of 

town and one in nearby Ilfracombe.

Photo credit: Beau Giles 


COMPASS 


BIRDCAGE HOTEL 

The Birdcage Hotel is a bustling food and 

entertainment venue located on the corner of Duck 

and Galah Streets (exemplifying a curious fact about 

Longreach: streets running roughly east-west are 

named after water birds, those running roughly northsouth 

after land birds). With a modern bar, steakhouse 

and gaming room, this locally owned and managed 

venue is proud of its family-friendly reputation with 

great meal options, live music and “Baby Galah” kids’ 

room. Big kids can enjoy a pool table and dance floor. 

Gaming machines, Keno and a corporate room for 

functions are also available. 

LONGREACH TAVERN 

Just round the corner on the Eagle St main drag is 

the Longreach Tavern. Owners Tim and Kim Trad offer 

some of the coldest beer in town, hearty meals (their 

menu boasts a delicious veal parmigiana and even a 

fish burger), pool table, darts, Keno, pokies and the 

local TAB. Its Cellarbrations bottle-shop was 

revamped earlier this year and offers specials on 

a variety of tipples. 

LYCEUM HOTEL 

Further down Eagle St, and with a distinctive green 

laminex bar top in its main bar, the Lyceum Hotel offers 

two bars and 18 rooms of accommodation. The venue 

opens until late and attracts a younger set of patrons. 

WELLSHOT HOTEL 

Twenty kilometres out of town, but still within a lasso’s 

swing of Longreach, is the town of Ilfracombe – home 

to one of the outback’s most iconic bush pubs. 

The historic Wellshot Hotel dates back to 1890 and 

is steeped in outback character, having found its 

permanent home in Ilfracombe after being relocated 

several times by bullock and cart along the railway 

line. Paul and Tracy Hatch recently took ownership 

of the pub late last year and describe it as a dream 

come true. “We visited, we stayed at the pub,” Tracy 

explains. “I remember saying ‘I love this place, how 

awesome is this pub’ anything at all to convince Paul 

that it was a good idea.” Paul and Tracy offer a wide 

range of beers, wines, scotch, whiskey, rum, nonalcoholic 

beverages and country style meals every 

day – as well as seven rooms of revamped shearers’ 

quarters that now provide quality accommodation.

ND00412AC 


ACCOMMODATION 

BRISBANE’S TRYP HOTEL RECOGNISED WITH 

STATE ART AND ARCHITECTURE AWARD 


Brisbane’s only street art hotel was recognised for its 

unique and contemporary design at the recent 2017 

Queensland State Architecture Awards. 

Shane Denman Architects received the Australian 

Institute of Architects Art and Architecture Prize 

(Qld) for TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel, Brisbane at the 

awards event. 

Featuring striking original murals and artworks by 

acclaimed artists Beastman, Rone, Numskull, Fintan 

Magee and Seven, the 65-room boutique hotel on 

Constance Street opened in 2014 and has become an 

urban design landmark in the cultural hub of 

Fortitude Valley. 

The judging panel praised TRYP Fortitude Valley’s 

salvaged original artworks and newly commissioned 

pieces which permeate the entire hotel, including the 

lift shafts, stairways, wallpaper, basins and 

courtyard walls. 

Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of 

Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific 

Rim, said the group’s TRYP Fortitude Valley property 

had become a destination in its own right thanks to its 

unique identity as a street art hotel. 

“Since it opened, TRYP Fortitude Valley has 

commanded attention and I am so proud to see it 

continue to receive these types of accolades,” Barry 

said. “It is a truly unique property that has set a 

benchmark for others of its type.”

Judy Hill 

ACCOMMODATION UPDATE 

WHAT CHINESE GUESTS WANT 

FROM ACCOMMODATION HOTELS 

The sixth annual Chinese International Travel Monitor 

(CITM) released by Hotels.com has revealed that 

Chinese travellers are spending a whopping 28% of 

their income on average on international travel. They 

also intend to spend 10% more on travel in the next 

12 months, with Australia topping the list as the most 

desired destination in Asia-Pacific. 

Regardless of many key indicators showing signs of a 

slowdown in the Chinese economy, this year’s CITM 

found spending on travel increased across all age 

brackets, with Chinese travellers spending US$3,600 

in the last 12 months – more than a quarter of their 

income and an increase of 4% compared with the 

previous year. 

Nineties millennials are the biggest spenders, 

allocating 35% of their income to travel. 93% of 

Australian hoteliers surveyed in the Hotels.com 

research said they accommodated Chinese travellers, 

with 55% observing growth of the market over the last 

12 months. 

According to the Hotels.com data, Australia was 

deemed the third most welcoming country to Chinese 

travellers, up one place from 2016. Despite this, the 

Hotels.com report revealed a gap in what Chinese 

guests want versus what hotels are providing, 

highlighting that, by making some adaptions to 

accommodate Chinese tourists, there is huge potential 

for Australian hotels to further tap into this market. 

While Australian hotels are focusing their efforts on 

social media and marketing programs in a bid to 

attract Chinese travellers, the investment in on-site 

services for Chinese guests has decreased according 

to the Hotels.com data. 

The report identified key areas where hotels could 

improve their services, according to Chinese travellers: 

Chinese payment facilities at hotels, such as UnionPay, 

rank second for consumers in importance, yet only 

18% of Australian hotels currently offer these facilities 

and only 15% intend to offer them in the next 

12 months. 

In-house Mandarin speaking staff was ranked number 

one by travellers but was low on the list for hoteliers, 

with only 16% currently offering the service and 11% 

planning to do so in the next 12 months. On-site 

Chinese restaurants were ranked fifth by travellers 

however only 3% of hoteliers currently offer this service 

and only 5% intend to provide it in the next 12 months. 

Translated travel guides were ranked number four by 

travellers but are a low in priority for hoteliers; 14% 

currently offer this and only 17% plan to in future. 

Both the perception of Australia as a welcoming 

destination, and the willingness of accommodation 

providers to cater to Chinese travellers is critical to 

ensuring sustainability of the local tourism industry. 

As Australia’s second largest inbound tourist market 

Chinese travellers offer huge economic benefits to our 

country and to our state of Queensland. 

It’s pleasing to see Australia continues to deliver quality 

and friendly hospitality but this reputation needs to be 

maintained to ensure Chinese travellers feel welcome 

not only to visit our country but also to stay in our 

accommodation hotels. Despite this reputation, 

Australia has fallen two places since topping the wish 

list of countries to visit last year. 

The CITM report notes that Chinese travellers have 

entered a new phase in their evolution and are 

demanding more of everything – more time travelling, 

more locations and more diverse experiences and 

it’s vital that as accommodation providers you adapt 

to these evolving needs and develop tailored hotel 

services that tap into their enormous spending power. 


FOCUS 

CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS 

FOR MARSHA FRANKLIN THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT AS GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HOTEL GRAND 

CHANCELLOR PALM COVE IN TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND. QHA REVIEW TALKS TO HER ABOUT ECOTOURISM 

AND RESPONDING TO ONLINE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK. 


What brought you into the hotel and 

hospitality industry? 

I started working in hospitality over 20 years ago. 

I was working in London in a hotel as Bar Supervisor 

and someone called in sick on reception with no one 

able to cover the shift. I did some quick training and 

worked the next day on the front desk and absolutely 

fell in love. I knew then and there Rooms was where I 

wanted to be! 

What brought you to the Hotel Grand Chancellor 

Palm Cove? 

I worked for the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Adelaide 

about eight years ago in both of their properties 

Hotel Grand Chancellor on Currie and Hotel Grand 

Chancellor on Hindley. I then assisted my now boss 

Peter Yared when they purchased the Hotel Grand 

Chancellor Surfers Paradise. So when I got a phone 

call from Pete again advising there was a Hotel 

Manager role in gorgeous Palm Cove, I jumped at the 

opportunity. I’ve been here for a year now and still love 

every day of it. I started working in hotels a long time 

ago and have worked in London, New Zealand and 

throughout Australia. Adelaide is home for me and 

my first GM role was for an Adelaide Based Company 

1834 Hotels at their venue in 

Clare Valley. 

What’s the best thing about managing a hotel in 

such a spectacular setting? 

The best thing is absolutely the setting. Every day I 

step outside of my office and look at the landscape 

and just take it all in. There is so much to do in Far 

North QLD. No day is ever boring. 

Do you think demand for ecotourism will 

continue to grow in Tropical North Queensland? 

Absolutely! Tropical North Queensland is rapidly 

developing and continues to grow every month. We 

live in such a beautiful place that we can’t take it for 

granted. It brings us so many international travellers 

every year. With such a beautiful environment and 

so many spectacular places to go and see in North 

Queensland we must protect our precious destination.

FOCUS 

How important is inviting and responding 

to online guest feedback to the operation of 

a hotel? 

Feedback and reviews are imperative. They can drive 

your position on third party websites and this directly 

impacts sales. Guests want to see that you take their 

feedback seriously and have a genuine care for their 

comments. I respond to all reviews and feedback 

as quickly as possible. Most travellers research their 

destination using Tripadvisor, so being present and 

addressing all feedback given shows that you take 

guest comments seriously and want to engage 

with travellers. 

What effect has the end of the independent Star 

Rating scheme had on the industry? 

Star Ratings are a thing of the past. I personally didn’t 

agree with some of the grading for Star Rating as it 

didn’t really give you an honest review of the hotel and 

its facilities. However in 2017, with social media and 

online sites such as Tripadvisor so popular, it’s the best 

tool for travellers to research the hotels where they’re 

thinking of staying. Star Rating 20 years ago assisted 

travellers in picking the best hotels, however these 

days everything and anything they want to know about 

hotels can be found online. 

What advice would you give to someone just 

starting out as a Hotel Manager? 

You need to have a thick skin these days and passion. 

Without both of these, it’s a tough industry. There’s 

no down time in hotels. It’s 365 days a year, 24 hours 

a day. With reviews and social media everything is 

transparent for the world to see, so being the best you 

can be all of the time is paramount. 

Marsha Franklin 


SUPERANNUATION with Brendan O’Farrell 

THE GOOD THAT CAME FROM 

THE CHANGES TO SUPER 

There was some good news that came from the many 

changes made to super on 1 July 2017. 

Spouse contributions 

More partners will be able to claim a tax offset for 

contributing to their spouses’ super balance. Tax 

offsets were previously only available when the 

receiving spouse earned less than $13,800. This 

income threshold has now been increased to $40,000, 

making the tax offset available to more people. It’s an 

initiative that could help reduce the super gender gap 

in situations where partners have taken time off work 

to care for children or family members. 

Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset 

A tax offset is available to low-income earners 

who make after-tax contributions to their super 

accounts. This tax offset was previously known 

as the low-income super contribution (LISC) and 

was set to be scrapped on 1 July 2017. The offset 

has been reinstated and renamed the low-income 

superannuation tax offset (LISTO). Workers earning 

$37,000 or less can once again receive a tax offset 

of up to $500 to their super account each year. 

Essentially, it means low-income earners may not have 

to pay any tax on their super contributions. 

Tax deductible contributions 

A tax deduction has been made available to all 

employees who make super contributions. Previously, 

this advantage was only available to self-employed 

workers or those able to salary sacrifice. Now, all 

employees can receive a tax deduction of up to 15 per 

cent on their super contributions. For many workers, 

setting up salary sacrifice may seem complicated. This 

new flexibility is a great way to make tax-advantaged 

super contributions easy for employees. 

First Home Super Saver Scheme 

An additional change to super was proposed in the 

May 2017 Federal Budget. The proposal is called 

the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). If it is 

passed in Parliament, first-home buyers will be able 

to save for a deposit through voluntary contributions 

to their superannuation account. If the scheme 

proves popular, it could mean younger members 

will be motivated to start engaging with super. The 

scheme could be a great way for younger members to 

understand the value of saving for their futures. 

Unfortunately, the FHSSS may cause some headaches 

for your payroll departments. The ATO will be 

managing FHSSS balances, and will need to know 

the difference between member contributions and 

employer contributions. This could mean your payroll 

department will need to separate salary sacrifice 

and superannuation guarantee contributions when 

they process superannuation payments (if they don’t 

already do so). The scheme has not yet been passed 

through Parliament, however, so the details of its 

management haven’t been finalised. If it does become 

effective, Intrust Super’s Client Service Managers will 

be happy to help should your payroll department need 

any assistance. 

If you are interested in learning more about the 

superannuation changes, or about the First Home 

Super Saver Scheme, just give us a call on 132 467. 

The information contained in this document is of a general nature only, 

and does not take into account your individual situation, objectives 

and needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the general 

information having regard to your own situation before making any 

investment decision. A Product Disclosure Statement is available at 

www.intrust.com.au or call us on 132 467 for a copy. 

Issued by IS Industry Fund Pty Ltd | MySuper Unique Identifier: 

65704511371601 | ABN: 45 010 814 623 | AFSL No: 238051 | RSE 

Licence No: L0001298 | Intrust Super ABN 65 704 511 371 | SPIN/ 

USI: HPP0100AU | RSE Registration No: R1004397 


Sarah Tilby 

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS 

UNFAIR DISMISSAL CLAIMS STRIKE WITHOUT WARNING 

Most of those with the responsibility of managing 

underperforming or misbehaving staff will know 

that in many cases a warning should be provided 

to an employee before considering termination of 

employment. However, do you know: 

• why issuing warnings is so important in the context 

of an unfair dismissal claim? 

• how many warnings should be given? 

• what are some of the primary elements that should 

be included in a warning? 

These questions are often put to the QHA Employment 

Relations Department. 

Why are warnings so important when an 

employer is considering termination of 

employment? 

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) contains unfair dismissal 

provisions which the Fair Work Commission (FWC) will 

use in assessing whether a dismissal is fair or unfair. 

Warnings relevantly feature in the unfair dismissal 

provisions, and will be something that the FWC will 

look to have occurred. This expectation applies to both 

small and medium/large businesses. 

A failure to provide any warning for underperformance 

in an unfair dismissal application can lead to the 

FWC deciding that a dismissal was harsh, unjust 

or unreasonable under section 387 of the Act, and 

therefore unfair – even if the employer had a valid 

reason for termination. 

Is there a requirement to give a set number of 

warnings under the Act? 

There is a misconception often held by employers that 

it is a legislative requirement to provide an employee 

with three warnings before dismissing them. Under the 

Act, there is no specific minimum number of warnings 

that an employer must issue to an employee before 

dismissing them. 

However, this does not give an employer free reign to 

dismiss an employee with no warning. Each situation 

needs to be assessed on a case by case basis as 

to what number of warnings should be given before 

progressing to a termination of employment. The 

FWC will certainly be looking at whether one or more 

warnings were issued in most cases. 

In very specific circumstances where an employer 

considers that an employee’s conduct constitutes 

“serious misconduct”, an employer may have reason 

to progress straight to termination without first 

issuing a warning. For small business employers, the 

Small Business Fair Dismissal Code refers to serious 

misconduct as including theft, fraud, violence and 

serious breaches of occupational health and safety 

procedures. Serious misconduct is also separately 

defined further in the Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth). 

Employers should seek advice before termination 

without warning on the basis of serious misconduct, as 

this should not be done without careful consideration 

as to the employee’s specific circumstances. Members 

can contact the QHA ER Department to discuss 

situations involving alleged serious misconduct. 

What should be included in a warning? 

One of the common areas of concern that QHA’s 

Employment Relations Department has identified when 

speaking to members about employee warnings is the 

content of such warnings. 

A warning should usually include (but not be limited to): 

• detailed information as to the performance, conduct 

or capacity concerns held by the employer. 

• information explaining that the employee was 

provided with an opportunity to give a satisfactory 

explanation / excuse for the concerns in a meeting 

(with meeting details included), but that none was 

given. 

• information on how the employee is expected to 

act / perform in future. 

• a review period in which the employer will monitor 

the employee’s performance / conduct. 

• a clear explanation that a failure to improve in the 

areas of concern will result in further disciplinary 

action, which may include termination 

Employers who require template warning letters 

(which include wording referring to the above elements 

and more) can purchase the QHA discipline and 

termination template pack or the QHA HR Manual. 

Further Information 

Contact the QHA Employment Relations Department 

on 07 3221 6999 or at er@qha.org.au and order these 

products online at www.qha.org.au. 


TRAINING AND SAFETY 

with Ross Tims 

NO COST INTERNSHIPS 

FOR YOUR VENUE 


As many would know, the QHA has been contracted 

for the next three years by the Federal Government 

to deliver hospitality training courses, which we call 

#HospitalityFirstStep, to young unemployed job 

seekers aged between 17-24 years. 

This Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) employability 

skills program equips young people for work in the 

hotel and wider hospitality industry. It will provide our 

sector with more trained labour, give something back 

to the community in terms of our social “licence” 

and deliver an additional income stream to your 

Association. At this stage, the program is only being 

delivered in SE Queensland. 

TRIAL AN INTERN 

If you’re looking for staff, you can work with an 

Australian Government employment services provider 

anywhere in Queensland to design an internship 

placement of between four and 12 weeks, at no cost 

to you. The provider will support you and the intern 

through the duration of the internship. If you’re in 

SE Queensland, the QHA may be able to broker an 

internship with job seekers (and their employment 

services provider) who have graduated from 

#HospitalityFirstStep. 

The internship is an opportunity to see how a young 

person fits into your team and if they’re suitable for 

employment in your hotel. Instead of receiving a wage 

from employers, the Government provides interns with 

an additional $200 a fortnight on top of their income 

support payment. 

Employers receive a payment of $1000 to help cover 

the costs of hosting an intern and they are insured for 

the length of their internship. The internship needs to 

be structured and supervised, providing the intern with 

30-50 hours of work experience per fortnight. Your 

participants must be aged 17-24 and have received 

employment services for six months or more. 

HIRE AN INTERN / WAGE SUBSIDIES 

The Government provides a financial incentive of 

up to $10,000 (GST incl.), paid over six months, 

to employers who hire eligible young job seekers. 

Employers can negotiate how often payments are 

made, for example weekly or fortnightly. There is also 

a kickstart payment option of up to 40 per cent of 

the total amount after four weeks of the job starting. 

The job can be full-time, part-time or casual but must 

be an ongoing position and provide an average of 

at least 20 hours per week over the six-month wage 

subsidy agreement. These subsidies are also available 

to employers who hire eligible job seekers without 

providing an internship. 

Employers who hire an eligible young person through 

an apprenticeship or traineeship may also be able 

to access wage subsidies along with other financial 

incentives available to employers under the Australian 

Apprenticeships Incentives Program. 

For more information go to www.employment.gov.au/ 

wage-subsidies or contact me on ph 07 3221 699, 

mob 0411 166 810 or email rtims@qha.org.au

John Rozentals 

WINE 

TERRIOR ALERT 

YOU’D HAVE TO BE A FAIRLY CONTRARY 

SOUL TO ARGUE THESE DAYS AGAINST 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROLE PLAYED 

BY CLIMATE AND ASPECT ON THE 

QUALITY OF WINE. 

McWilliams Winemaker Jim 

Chatto … has delivered 

medium-bodied wines 

which have been made 

to accompany food. 

It’s something covered generally by the French term 

“terroir”, which also includes things such as soil and 

vine layout. 

A major part of terroir is a vineyard’s altitude, 

something that’s closely related to climate and hence 

to how a wine tastes. 

It’s why the best of Queensland’s wines generally come 

from the Granite Belt, high up in the Great Dividing 

Range, to the south-west of Brisbane, where vineyard 

altitudes generally run between about 700 and 

1000 metres. 

But we’re staying south of the border today, where 

McWilliams has just launched its new McW 480 

and McW 660 Reserve ranges, with labels proudly 

displaying the contours of topographic maps and the 

numbers referring to elevation above sea level. 

The McW 480 range is priced at about $20 and 

comprises a Hilltops Shiraz alongside a Sauvignon 

Blanc and a Pinot Noir from Tumbarumba. 

The McW 660 Reserve range takes it up a bit in price 

to about $25 and quite significantly in altitude, to 

vineyards averaging some 660 metres above sea level. 

Here we get a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir from 

Tumbarumba, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz 

from Hilltops, and a Syrah from near Canberra. Shiraz 

and Syrah are made from the same grape variety, with 

the latter generally being more savoury and European 

in style, the former being bolder and brasher, in the 

style of the big reds Australians have grown quite 

accustomed to. 

I’ve tasted a few of the Reserve wines and think that 

they offer plenty of distinctively cool-climate flavour and 

represent excellent value for money. 

Winemaker Jim Chatto has delivered medium-bodied 

wines which have been made to accompany food — 

and do so very nicely, thank you very much. 

Visit www.mcwilliams.com.au. 

TOP SHELF 

with John Rozentals 

MCWILLIAMS 2015 

McW 660 Reserve 

Hilltops Cabernet 

Sauvignon 

MCWILLIAMS 2016 

McW 660 Reserve 

Tumbarumba 

Chardonnay 

TOPPERS 

MOUNTAIN 2012 

Wild Ferment 

Tempranillo 

You can taste here 

exactly why Cabernet 

is a district hero 

— an amalgam of 

blackberries, cassis and 

chocolate, with plenty 

of firm tannins. 

An elegant cool-climate 

dry white that resides 

very much in the 

nectarine fruit 

spectrum, with a layer 

of complexing but 

unobtrusive oak. 

Nearly a maroon 

jumper for this one … 

a firmly structured New 

England dry red with 

excellent balance of 

fruit, oak and tannin. 

A very good wine. 


TOP DROP 

MASTER DISTILLERS 

COLLECTION SMALL 

BATCH RUM 

Bundaberg Rum 

GUNNERY AUSTRALIAN 

SPICED RUM 

Adelaide Hills Distillery 

BORDEAUX 

DRY RED 2014 

Château Gazeneau 

ENTRE DEUX MERS 

BIO 2014 

Château Baratet 


Incredibly smooth and 

very easy drinking. It 

has a distinctive honey 

after finish on the roof of 

the mouth. Best straight 

up with ice. It’s crafted 

by blending the finest 

Bundaberg rums with 

the richest aged reserves 

from the distillery, then 

matured in sweet cognac 

and brandy barrels. 

Bottles are limited with 

each MDC Small Batch 

release referencing its 

batch and bottle number. 

The spiced rum rage 

powers on and with that 

we thought we would try 

a white spiced rum and 

turned to Adelaide Hills 

Distillery having sampled 

their magnificent bitter 

orange, The Italian, 

last edition. It didn’t 

disappoint, in fact it was 

incredible. Well-balanced 

and elegant it celebrates 

with style Australian 

native ingredients mixed 

with traditional rum 

spices. Cinnamon myrtle 

shines through on the 

nose and the palate has a 

lingering hazelnut finish. 

This wine has a deep 

cherry colour and 

is well-formed and 

remarkably balanced. 

It’s simplistic elegance 

and full body pairs well 

with game meats, roast 

lamb or hearty beef 

stews along with your 

favourite cheeses. 60% 

Merlot, 20% Cabernet 

Sauvignon, 20% 

Cabernet Franc. 

This wine has a beautiful 

straw yellow colour with 

green apple reflections 

and a very fresh nose 

in which the Sauvignon 

dominates. Well balanced 

on the palate with notes 

of citrus fruit. Perfect with 

lobster, prawns, oysters 

and fresh seafood or raw 

vegetables. The vines are 

grown with strict rules to 

obtain the ECO-CERT 

certification awarded 

for all organic farming in 

France. 50% Muscadelle, 

30% Sémillon, 20% 

Sauvignon.

TOP DROP 

PILSNER 

BALTER 

Balter Brewing 

SLY FOX 

SESSION ALE 

Feral Brewing Co. 

DRIFTER ENDLESS 

SUMMER ALE 

Fortitude Brewing Co. 

WAYFARER USA 

WHEAT BEER 

Green Beacon 

These guys are receiving 

huge accolades, most 

notably Champion 

Medium Australian 

Brewery and Best 

New Exhibitor at The 

Australian International 

Beer Awards, so I had 

to try a can of their 

Pilsner. I was immediately 

transported back to 

Germany. Delicate malt 

is deftly balanced by the 

noble German hop spalt 

and the end result is a 

beer that’s not outlandish 

but plain and simply 

exceptional. 

Why the hell not? It is 

Summer in Queensland 

all the year round. It’s 

vibrant hoppy, floral and 

citrus aroma packs a 

punch to complement 

our magic weather. It’s 

quite a refreshing and 

easy drinking brew that’s 

low in bitterness. You 

can understand why they 

called it a “session ale”, 

it’s pretty easy to down a 

few in quick succession. 

Brewed on Mount 

Tamborine in the Gold 

Coast Hinterland this 

session beer is nothing 

short of sensational. 

Light, refreshing, 

moderately balanced 

bitterness with a fruit 

aroma that is not too 

overpowering. As they 

say, sometimes less is 

more. You don’t always 

want a hop bomb. One 

could easily drink quite 

a few of these. This is a 

very enjoyable beer. 

“If you like Pina Coladas 

and getting caught in 

the rain….” Well Rupert 

Homes’ 1979 classic 

could have almost been 

about this brew. Creamy 

just like a Pina Colada 

with hints of passionfruit, 

pineapple, banana 

and citrus, this is a far 

hoppier experience than 

a traditional German 

style hefe. Plenty of zesty 

freshness to enjoy. 


CRAFT BEER SHOWCASE with Matt Kirkegaard 

CRAFT BREWERS CONFERENCE ADELAIDE 


The Australian craft beer industry – or the independent 

brewing industry, as it now wants to be called – held 

its annual conference in Adelaide in late July. 

The conference was hosted by the Independent 

Brewers Association, which was formerly known as 

the Craft Beer Industry Association. Founded in 2011, 

the association was open to the craft brewing arms of 

the large breweries, such as James Squire and Matilda 

Bay. 

In a divisive move the association voted in May this 

year to change its constitution to exclude brewers that 

are more than 20 per cent owned by large brewers or 

other businesses that hold significant brewery holdings 

in Australia or overseas. 

With the conference following so soon after 

the decision and name change, the issue of 

“independence: was a key element in several of the 

keynote speeches at the conference. 

Dr Ina Verstl, co-author of the book The Beer 

Monopoly which charts the globalisation of the 

international beer industry, highlighted the importance 

of small breweries differentiating themselves. 

Dr Verstl said that by developing an “indie” seal and 

emblazing it on their products, Australia’s independent 

brewers could differentiate their beers from those 

produced by “Big Beer” and enable consumers to 

readily identify between beers produced by small 

brewers and larger corporate produced beers. 

Such an approach would reflect what was already 

happening in the USA where the US Brewers 

Association had developed its own “indie” seal. 

“Ownership does matter,” she said. “It does matter 

because it is what’s at the core of what is small, local 

and also relies on word-of-mouth propaganda.” 

To observers such as myself, it has always 

been obvious that ownership matters, at least in 

philosophical terms. 

“It was always a question of time before they 

would have to embrace it more fully if they want to 

differentiate themselves from the corporate brewers 

and their craft beer offerings they need to say what 

makes them stick out, because it’s not necessarily the 

beers themselves. 

“By emphasising ownership, they say, ‘Yes, we are 

different”, she said. 

She did sound a note of caution for the local industry 

though, saying that while craft beer has penetrated 

deeply into the US market, she felt that such 

penetration may be harder here. 

“It would mean you have to overhaul your entire 

taxation, distribution and other systems,” she advised. 

“[The Australian] distribution opportunities are not 

conducive to the growth of craft beer. 

“The on-trade market is fairly small. You only have 

6000 outlets where you can sell alcohol, that’s only a 

bit more than the whole of London has. 

“Everybody is clamouring for those taps so the 

competition is intense and not all of the publicans are 

willing to take on craft because they think it’s a 

risky business.” 

Dr Verstl said it can be hard for publicans to keep up

Matt Kirkegaard 

CRAFT BEER SHOWCASE 

Top right: The busy trade floor at the Craft 

Brewers Conference Trade Show 

Below right:The active trade floor included 

bars showcasing independent breweries, 

and even working canning lines. 

“WE’VE GOT MALT, HOPS, YEAST AND WATER, JUST 

FOR STARTERS. WE CAN CELEBRATE THESE THINGS, 

AND SO WE SHOULD CELEBRATE THESE THINGS.” 

with the fast coming and fast disappearing fads in craft 

beer. She also highlighted the problems caused by 

the Australian tax regime which penalises the higher 

alcohol beers, which many craft styles are 

geared towards. 

“You would have to charge $15 for a beer,” she said. 

“How many Australians will pay that for a beer? 

“At the end of the day it is beer we are talking about.” 

Her comments contrasted with the keynote presented 

by Professor Charlie Bamforth. Sometimes known as 

the Pope of Foam, Bamforth is Professor of Malting 

and Brewing Sciences at UC Davis in the 

United States. 

He said that while brewers may choose to differentiate 

themselves on independence they should be learning 

from their larger counterparts, rather than decrying 

them for brewing “yellow fizzy liquid”. 

“There are millions of people who like to drink yellow 

fizzy liquid and it does not make them bad people,” 

he said. 

“It may not suit you and it may not suit me… but to 

actually criticise or to sell yourself on the basis of 

rubbishing other people, to me is not a smart way 

to go. 

“These larger brewing companies have established 

a quality proposition in that they produce a quality 

product over and over and over again,” the 

Professor said. 

He also looked at ways that beer can learn from wine, 

saying brewers should learn from the way the wine 

industry champions its raw materials. 

“They’ve only got one raw material and my god 

can they BS about that raw material,” he said in his 

opening keynote. 

“We’ve got malt, hops, yeast and water, just for 

starters. We can celebrate these things, and so we 

should celebrate these things.” 

He said brewers can also rightfully celebrate the 

healthfulness of the product they make, when 

consumed in moderation. 

“We have confirmed that beer is the richest source 

of silica in the diet, and this cuts down the risk of 

osteoporosis,” he said. 

“The next best source is muesli/granola – you choose 

how you want to get your silica!” 

Bamforth said beer also contains other minerals, as 

well as antioxidants, B vitamins (especially folic acid) 

and prebiotics. 

“It is a healthful food but still people perceive wine as 

being healthier,” he said. 

The three-day conference also included a trade show 

which highlighted the growth in the small brewing 

industry, and the diversity of the businesses that 

support it. 

The Independent Brewers Association recently 

released a report on the independent brewing 

industry’s impact on the Australian economy prepared 

by Essential Economics. 


CRAFT BEER SHOWCASE 

A BROUHAHA BREWING IN THE MOUNTAINS 


Australians’ growing thirst for craft beer is creating 

somewhat of a dilemma for many publicans. Boutique 

breweries are popping up everywhere like daisies 

competing with traditional pubs for patrons. The 

growing penchant for these craft brews in some 

regions leaves publicans questioning whether they 

need to assign a greater part of their tap real estate 

to accommodate these independent 

brewery beers outside of their 

mainstream suppliers, and if they do, 

can that said craft brewer guarantee 

supply day in, day out for 365 days 

a year. 

Stone & Wood Brewing Company, 

founded in beautiful Byron Bay in 

2008 is an example of the changing 

times. The original Byron brewery is 

a venue of sorts in its own right but 

the popularity of its brews sees Stone 

& Wood now on tap in virtually every 

pub in town. The demand for Stone & 

Wood is such that we can only guess 

publicans were left to ponder the maxim, “If you can’t 

beat them, join them”. 

There is certainly no denying Australians’ perceptions 

towards beer are changing. Various reports suggest 

traditional beer consumption is declining year on year. 

Mainstream breweries still retain such a large share 

of the market in terms of volume but consumers are 

demanding greater variety nowadays. Drinkers are 

perhaps becoming more discerning in part due to a 

greater exposure to the world through travel, the whole 

gastronomy craze and a desire to support local. The 

demand for locally-produced craft beer 

is replicating what has taken place 

with the Australian food industry. It is a 

trend some media sources are referring 

to as “paddock to pint”. No matter 

what your take of it all may be, it serves 

to underline why major breweries are 

buying up craft breer brands like there 

is no tomorrow and bringing out quite 

a few of their own through various 

partnerships with small independent 

breweries. 

The reason for highlighting these 

interesting market dynamics and 

encouraging debate is because it is 

no more evident than on the Sunshine Coast where 

no fewer than eight independent craft breweries now 

exist. The Sunshine Coast hinterland is home to two of 

these establishments; the Wild Rocket Micro-Brewery 

in Montville and Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny. Their 

appeal is immediately evident.

Photo: Courtesy of 

Wild Rocket @ Misty’s 

Wild Rocket @ Misty’s is situated in one of the most 

historic buildings in Montville, the former ‘Fancy 

Goods & Lolly Shop’. It’s incredibly quaint with owner 

and chef Peter Brettell and his wife Belinda sourcing 

only the best local produce and free range organic 

meats. Indeed, everything is made onsite, from beef 

sausages, breads, stock, sauces and even their jams 

and chutneys, and in time it only stood to reason 

they would produce their own locally-made beer to 

compliment their fresh food offering. 

The food at Wild Rocket has received rave reviews 

on various online diner restaurant review sites, which 

is the same for the beers, which include the Montville 

Smooth Ale and a Black Jack Stout to mention but 

two. 

A little further south on the range is Brouhaha in 

Maleny. Unassuming from the street, the brewery/ 

restaurant boasts an industrial-inspired interior and 

on-trend decor to accentuate the steel brewing tanks 

that line one wall. As for their beers, Brouhaha have 

produced a wide range of drops - from Blonde to IPA 

to Milk Stout and everything in between - with fine fare 

perfectly matching their locally produced nectar of the 

gods. 

It is this pairing of fine food and hand-crafted beer 

that is challenging traditional pubs for a share of 

consumer’s wallets. Some may consider it just a 

fad that will soon pass in time, what if it isn’t? The 

preceding rise and rise of espresso bars might 

suggest otherwise. Who would have predicted just 

how popular these would become and now we have 

craft distilleries hot on the heels of the independent 

brewery phenomena. As always, times are changing 

and it would pay to keep abreast of changing 

IT IS THIS PAIRING OF FINE FOOD AND HAND- 

CRAFTED BEER THAT IS CHALLENGING TRADITIONAL 

PUBS FOR A SHARE OF CONSUMER’S WALLETS 

consumer trends. The hotel industry certainly does 

not want to follow in the footsteps of the taxi industry 

who underestimated the impact of Uber and was 

subsequently left decimated by it. 


RENOVATION SHOWCASE 

PRONTO PERFECTION 


Woodson is Stoddart’s countertop kitchen equipment 

brand that has led this market space since 1954. 

Designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian 

conditions, Woodson is renowned for its quality, 

functionality and reliability. 

Woodson offers a complete countertop kitchen 

equipment range, including Starline conveyor ovens, 

toaster grillers and salamanders, as well as countertop 

fryers and bain maries. Woodson also manufacture 

its own matching line-up of hot food displays and 

cold food displays, in a variety of profiles to suit every 

application. 

Woodson is proud of its flexibility and the fact that 

the Woodson range of products has been installed 

in various commercial kitchens, such as cafes, quick 

service restaurants, hotels, mining camps, take-away 

restaurants, food courts, clubs and pubs. 

In the fast-paced hospitality industry, delivering 

quality foods in the shortest time is key to customer 

satisfaction and retention. The Woodson Pronto 

quick performance oven is compact, easy to operate 

and puts the power of impingement cooking at 

your fingertips. Impingement and intelligent air flow 

technology achieve consistent cooking results while 

toasting and finishing food items to perfection. 

The Woodson Pronto oven offers the flexibility to 

customize up to 50 programs on the user-friendly 

touchscreen. Users can cook a variety of menu items 

throughout the day that satisfies their customers as it 

adapts to your growing business. Get the confidence 

that comes from serving your customers with the 

highest possible food quality at a fraction of the time, 

every time. 

Being a Stoddart brand, Woodson continues on 

today as a 100% Australian family owned business, 

with a state of the art manufacturing, distribution and 

warehouse facility located in Brisbane. Additionally, 

Stoddart also maintain high level stock and spare parts 

at warehouses and sales offices in Sydney, Melbourne, 

Perth and Adelaide. Through this strategically located 

infrastructure and together with its national, third party 

dealer and service network, Stoddart is able to provide 

instant solutions to businesses throughout Australia 

and the Asia Pacific region. 

In business for over 60 years, you can rest assured 

that your Woodson product will be there for your 

business every day you open - year in year out.

RENOVATING WHILE RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS CAN 

BE A NIGHTMARE! 

The traditional method of renovating using an architect, 

consultants, quantity surveyors, project manager and 

a builder can be overwhelming and is usually a drawn 

out procedure costing loss of trade and profit and 

distracting you from running your business. 

When adding up the true cost of an upgrade project, 

few owners or managers include the downtime for 

management and staff and what negative result it has 

on your business by being distracted from what you do 

best, run your business. There are also the time delays 

in having to co-ordinate all the above consultants who 

all work independently, let alone errors and oversights, 

which will all be at your cost. Due to these delays I 

have seen crucial deadlines not kept, costing further 

income and profit to your business. 

There is a growing trend towards Design and 

Construction specialists to deliver a renovation where 

the business continues to operate during the project 

as you only have to deal with one company and you 

have a much better chance of getting the project 

completed on time and on budget. 

Dr Donald Charrett BE(Hons), LLB(Hons), MConstLaw, 

PhD, ProfCertArb, FIEAust, MIAM,. Barrister practising 

in building and engineering … wrote in the Australian 

Construction Law Newsletter about the trend towards 

design-construct (or “turnkey”) project delivery in 

Australia. 

He points out that the advantage, from the principal’s 

perspective, is that there’s a single contract that 

delivers the entire project. The contractor carries the 

risk, not the principal. 

The traditional method of project delivery separates 

design and construction contracts - and the principal 

carries the risk. 

Unfortunately all design and construction companies 

are not alike as some are merely builders who 

subcontract the design which does not provide you 

with the combined experience to provide a truly 

successful outcome. 

Hot Concepts is different, we have the business 

consultants, designers, architects, project managers, 

builders and fitout tradesmen on staff plus we work 

with a loyal team of sub-contractors who not only 

understand our passion to deliver you the best result, 

they consistently provide the best pricing and service. 

We take care of the project from start to finish ensuring 

you save time and money without distracting you from 

running your business. 

If you want to see how painless a renovation can be 

please feel free to call us on (07) 3277 7740. 


TRADE DIRECTORY 

CASINO CONSOLES 

Footrest, slimline and cashless bases 

available. Casino Consoles, the only 

name you need when it comes to 

professional poker machine bases 

and screening. 

P: 07 3890 2969 

www.casinoconsoles.com.au 

COMMERCIAL FITOUTS 

Bars, Clubs, Cafes, Restaurants. 

Specialists in unique and premium 

nationwide commercial fit-outs for 

clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. 

P: 1300 426 637 (1300 HAMMER) 

E: sales@clubbarconcepts.com.au 

www.clubbarconcepts.com.au 

SCIENTIFIC GAMES 

This new generation of exciting game 

content draws on the strength of 

Scientific Games to create one of 

the most dynamic game libraries 

in the market. 

P: 07 3458 9180 

www.sggaming.com/australia 

REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS 

Time to upgrade your beverage and refrigeration systems? 

Call us for expert advice and all your requirements including: 

Quality beer dispensing equipment | Ice machines | 

Refrigeration | Custom solutions for all venue sizes | AS5034 

Compliancing | Sales, Installation, 24/7 Service. 

Phone: 07 3422 0011 www.allsocool.com.au 

BEER DISPENSING SYSTEMS - Sales - Service - Installation 

Refrigeration | Glycol Equipment | Beer Gas Equipment 

| Beerline Cleaning | Electronic Spirit Dispensers | 24/7 

Maintenance, Servicing and Repairs. Australia’s largest 

manufacturer, installer and suppler to beer dispensing 

equipment. Proudly Australian Owned and Operated. 

5 Holden Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 

Phone: 07 3421 5200 www.andale.com.au 


PRESTIGE GAMING STOOLS 

Comfort at Play 

Karo Australia Pty Ltd 

P: 02 9980 1431 

E: info@karo.com.au 

www.karo.com.au 

DOWNTOWN DOMESTICS 

Too busy to get domestic? 

Window cleaning | Building washing 

Housekeeping | Carpet / Upholstery 

Cleaning | Bond / Spring cleaning | 

Emergency cleaning | Pest control. 

P: 1300 386 963 

www.downtowndomestics.com 

CITY PROPERTY SERVICES 

Over 25 years of commercial cleaning 

services | Compliant with ISA 9001 

| Quality assurance | EcoClean 

Certified using environmentally 

friendly products | Free quotations. 

P: 07 3391 2005 

www.citypropertyservices.com

TRADE DIRECTORY 

PROUD PLATINUM PARTNERS OF THE QHA. 

COMPLETE FACILITY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS 

Brisbane | Gladstone | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast | 

Mackay | Toowoomba | Townsville | Wide Bay. Hospitality 

cleaning specialist, Hotel refurbishments, Lawns & ground 

maintenance, Property & asset management, High pressure 

cleaning/ non slip solution specialists. 

P: 1800 262 637 

www.cmbm.com.au 

GLASS RECYCLING MANAGEMENT 

Save time, space, money, people and the environment. 

Reduce bottle noise inside and outside your venue, Improve 

workplace health and safety, Reduce space needed for glass 

waste bins, Save money on your current waste charges 

Free trial call 1300 306 039 E: info@bottlecycler.com 

www.bottlecycler.com 

INTEGRATED POS SOLUTIONS 

As used by Award Winning Hotels. New Compact 

10” Touch Screens available. 10” & 15” Hotel and Bar 

POS Solutions. 

P: 1300 BIZSTAR 1300 249 782 

E: reg@bizstar.com.au 

www.uniwell4pos.com.au to find out more. 

PUBLIC 

NOTICE SIGNS 

PUBLIC NOTICE SIGNS 

For all Gaming and Liquor Notice of Application signage in 

compliance with Act. Please phone for a free quotation to 

create, install, remove, sign on your site. 

P: 07 3862 2426 

E: veronica@publicanoticesigns.com.au 

MARKET LEADING BRANDS IN EQUIPMENT 

No matter the size, shape or demands placed on your 

business, we have the ability to deliver equipment that is 

functional, adaptable and reliable. Convotherm, Waldorf, 

Waldorf Bold, Turbofan, Washtech. 

Phone: 1800 023 953 E: info@moffat.com.au 

Service department: 1800 622 216 


QHA PARTNERS & CORPORATE MEMBERS 

QHA PARTNERS AND CORPORATE MEMBERS ARE VALUED PREFERRED SUPPLIERS TO THE QUEENSLAND HOTEL INDUSTRY. 

THE BUSINESSES LISTED IN THIS DIRECTORY ARE KEEN SUPPORTERS OF HOTELS IN QUEENSLAND AND THE QHA ENCOURAGES 

MEMBER HOTELS TO UTILISE THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. IF A BUSINESS WISHES TO FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME A QHA 

PARTNER OR CORPORATE MEMBER, PLEASE CALL DAMIAN STEELE, QHA INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER ON (07) 3221 6999. 


ACCOUNTING/ TAX 

FTI Consulting 

Ph: 07 3225 4900 

www.fticonsulting.com 

Hanrick Curran - 

Chartered Accountants 

Ph: 07 3218 3900 

www.hanrickcurran. 

com.au 

HLB Mann Judd - 


Ph: 07 3001 8800 

www.hlb.com.au 

McGrath Nicol 

Ph: 07 3333 9800 

www.mcgrathnicol.com 

PJT Accountants & 

Business Advisors 

Ph: 07 5413 9300 

www.pjtaccountants.com.au 

Professional Client Services 

(QLD) P/L- Accountants & 

Business Advisors 

Ph: 07 3209 4452 

www.pcsqld.com.au 

Prosperity Advisers QLD 

Ph: 07 3007 1971 

www.prosperityadvisers. 

com.au 

ARCHITECTS / 

REFURBISHMENT/ 

RECONSTRUCTION / 

REPAIRS 

Brand & Slater 

Architects P/L 

Ph: 07 3252 8899 

www.brandandslater. 

com.au 

Darren S Dickfos Architects 

Ph: 07 3358 1786 

www.ddarchitects.com.au 

Club Bar Concepts 

Ph: 1300 426 637 

clubbarconcepts.com.au 

Darren S Dickfos Architects 

Ph: 07 3358 1786 

Web: www.ddarchitects. 

com.au 

Hot Concepts Design and 

Construction 

Ph: 07 3277 7740 

www.hotconcepts.com.au 

One Alliance Project 

Consulting 

Ph: 1300 853 123 

www.oneallianceprojects. 

com.au 

Paynter Dixon - Design & 

Construction 

Ph: 07 3368 5500 

www.paynter.com.au 

Rohrig Hospitality 

Ph: 07 3257 4411 

www.rohrlg.com.au 

Unita Group 

Ph: 1300 659 399 

www.unita.com.au 

BEVERAGES 

Accolade Wines, 

Ph: 07 3252 7933 

www.accolade-wlnes. 

com 

Asahi Premium 

Beverages 

Ph: 07 3868 2388 

www.schweppes.com.au 

Brown-Forman 

Australia P/L 

Ph: 07 3010 2000 

www.brown-forman.com 

Carlton & United 

Breweries 

Ph: 07 3666 4104 

www.cub.com.au 

Coca-Cola Amatil 

Ph: 13 26 53 

www.ccamatil.com 

Diageo 

Ph: 07 3257 0800 

www.diageo.com 

Lion 

Ph: 07 3361 7400 

www.lion-nathan.com.au 

Liquor Marketing Group 

Ph: 07 3246 5272 

www.bottlemart.com.au 

Red Bull Australia 

Ph: 02 9023 2892 

www.redbull.com.au 

Samuel Smith & Son 

Ph: 07 3373 5777 

www.samsmith.com 

Sirromet Wines 

Ph: 07 3206 2999 

www.sirromet.com 

Treasury Wine Estates 

Ph: 03 9685 8000 

www.treasurywineestates. 

com 

EDUCATION, TRAINING 

& EMPLOYMENT 

Availio 

Ph: 07 3218 3900 

www.hanrickcurran.com.au 

Best Security - Security 

and Training 

Ph: 07 3212 8460 

www.bestsecurlty.net.au 

Foundation Education 

Ph: 1300 130 157 

www.foundationeducation. 

com.au 

Frontier Leadership 

Ph: 0423 097 246 

www.frontierleadership.edu.au 

Industry Graduates 

Ph: 1300 038 000 

www.industrygraduates.com 

Nystrom Relief Managers 

Ph: 0487 205 285 

www.nystromreliefmanagers. 

com.au 

Professional Hospitality 

Ph: 07 3160 8132 

www.professionalhospitality. 

com.au 

Sidekicker 

Ph: 1300 098 375 

www.sidekicker.com.au 

St John Ambulance Australia 

Ph: 07 3253 0552 

www.stjohnqld.com.au 

ENERGY GAS/POWER 

ELGAS 

Ph: 131161 

www.elgas.com.au 

Leading Edge Energy 

Ph: 1300 852 770 

www.leadingedgeenergy. 

com.au 

Make It Cheaper 

Ph: 1300 957 721 

www.makeitcheaper.com.au 

TransTasman Energy Group 

Ph: 1300 118 834 

www.tteg.com.au 

FINANCES, BANKING, 

INSURANCE & 

INVESTMENTS 

AON Risk Services - 

QHA Insurance Brokers 

Ph: 07 3223 7512 

www.aon.com.au 

Ausure Insurance Brokers 

SEQ 

Ph: 1300 450 663 

www.ausureseq.com.au 

Banktech 

Ph: 1800 080 910 

www.banktech.com.au 

Bepoz Retail Solutions 

Ph: 1300 023 769 

www.bepoz.com.au 

BUPA - health insurance 

Ph: 134135 

(quote ID 2109197) 

www.bupa.com.au 

CashPoint Payment Solutions 

Ph: 1300 286 626 

www.cashpoint.com.au 

Green Finance Group 

Ph: 0457 883 700 

www.greenfinancegroup. 

com.au 

Hanrick Curran – 


Ph: 07 3218 3900 

www.hanrickcurran.com. 

au 

lnCash ATMS 

Ph: 1300 800 660 

www.incash.com.au 

Integrity Corporate Finance 

Ph: 02 9268 3088 

www.integrityfinancegroup. 

com.au 

Silverchef 

Ph: 07 3335 3392 

www.silverchef.com.au 

St. George Corporate & 

Business Bank 

Ph: 07 3232 8911 

www.stgeorge.com.au/ 

corporate-business 

Westpac Banking 

Corporation 

Ph: 07 3350 7750 

www.westpac.com.au 

FOOD & ASSOCIATED 

BUSINESSES 

Bitesize Coffee Treats 

Ph: 02 9723 6500 

www.bitesizecoffeetreats.com 

PFD Food Services 

Ph: 07 3906 9726 

www.pfdfoods.com.au 

GAMING AND RACING 

Ainsworth Game 

Technology P/L 

Ph: 07 3209 6210 

www.ainsworth.com.au 

Aristocrat Leisure industries 

Ph: 07 3801 4444 

www.aristocrat.com.au 

Bytecraft Systems - 

Gaming Machine Service 

Ph: 07 3456 3345 

www.bytecraft.com.au 

Casino Consoles Australia 

Ph: 07 3890 2969 

www.casinoconsoles.com.au 

IGT 

Ph: 07 3890 5622 

www.igt.com.au 

Karo - gaming stools 

Ph: 02 9980 1431 

www.karo.com.au

QHA PARTNERS & CORPORATE MEMBERS 

QHA PLATINUM PARTNERS 

Konami Australia 

Ph: 02 9666 3111 

www.konamiaustralia.com.au 

Sky Channel 

Ph: 07 3228 6344 

Freecall: 1800 251 710 

www.skychannel.com.au 

Max Queensland 

Ph: 07 3637 1235 

www.maxgaming.com.au 

HOTEL & BAR SUPPLIES 

Scientific Gaming 

Ph: 02 9773 0299 

www.scientiflcgames.com 

Tabcorp Keno 

Ph: 07 3243 4113 

www.tabcorp.com.au 

Andale Beverage Systems 

Ph: 07 3421 5200 

www.andale.com.au 

Ausworld Commercial 

Furniture & Design 

Ph: 0409 264 212 

www.ausworldfurniture.com.au 

QHA DIAMOND PARTNERS 

UBET 

Ph: 07 3637 1370 

www.ubet.com 

BOC Limited -Gas/ 

Reticulation Supply 

Ph: 07 3212 4322 

www.boc.com.au 

HOSPITALITY 

CONSULTANTS 

Commercial Licensing 

Specialists 

Ph: 07 5526 0112 

www.clslicensing.com.au 

Hunter Technologies 

Ph: 1300 693 357t 

www.cellarcontrol.com.au 

HOTEL BROKERS / 

REAL ESTATE / 

PROPERTY VALUERS 

QHA GOLD PARTNERS 

DWS Hospitality 

Specialists 

Ph: 07 3878 9355 

www.dws.net 

Clark Real Estate 

CRE Hotel Brokers 

Ph: 07 5371 0165 

www.crebrokers.com 

Graham Brown - Liquor 

& Gaming Licences 

Ph: 07 3300 1578 

CBRE Hotels 

Ph: 0418 886 525 

www.cbrehotels.com 

Professional Hospitality 

Ph: 07 3160 8132 

www.professionalhospitality. 

com.au 

Knight Frank Australia 

Ph: 07 3246 8888 

www.knightfrank.com.au 

Silver Chef 

Ph: 07 3335 3392 

www.silverchef.com.au 

HOTEL ENTERTAINMENT 

Knight Frank Valuations 

Ph: 07 3193 6800 

www.knightfrank.com.au 

Landmark White 

Ph: 07 3226 0002 

www.landmarkwhite.com.au 

Fox Sports 

Ph: 0403 061 412 

www.foxsports.com.au 

Foxtel for Business 

Ph: 1300 720 630 

www.austar.com.au 

Nightlife - Music & Video 

Freecall: 1800 679 748 

www.nightlife.com.au 

Pro Score - Sporting 

Promotions 

Ph: 0431 366 800 

www.proscore.com.au 

Recharge DJs 

Ph: 1300 836 832 

www.rechargedjs.com 

MVS National Mackay 

Whitsundays 

Ph: 07 4847 0737 

www.mvsvaluers.com.au 

Power Jeffrey & Co - 

Hotel Brokers 

Ph: 07 3832 6000 

www.powerjeffrey.com.au 

Ray White Hotels 

Ph: 02 8016 3810 

www.raywhite.com.au 

QHA SILVER PARTNERS 

Green Finance Group 

QHA BRONZE PARTNERS 

Power Jeffrey and Company 

Best Security 

Black & White Cabs 

Rohrig Group 

St George Bank 

Red Bull Australia 

Brand+Slater Architects 

BOC Limited 

Paynter Dixon 

Prosperity Advisers QLD 


APPROVED 

MANAGER’S 

LICENCE 

LEGAL 

Bennett & Philp Lawyers 

Ph: 07 3001 2999 

www.bennettphilp.com.au 

Broadley Rees Hogan Lawyers 

Ph: 07 3223 9121 

www.brhlawyers.com.au 

Commercial Licensing 

Specialists 

Ph: 07 5526 0112 

www.clslicensing.com.au 

Challenger Services Group 

Ph: 07 5668 3133 

www.csgroup.com.au 

CMBM Facility Services 

Ph: 07 3391 1040 / 

0419 708 715 

www.cmbm.com.au 

Tru Security Services 

Phone: 0452 377 662 

Web: www.trusecurity.com.au 

SUPERANNUATION 

RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT 

OF LICENSED VENUES 

TRAINING 

Corrs Chambers 

Westgarth - Lawyers 

Ph: 07 3228 9778 

www.corrs.com.au 

McMahon Clarke 

Ph: 07 3831 8999 

www.mcmahonclarke.com 

Big Ass Fans 

Ph: 1300 244 277 

www.bigassfans.com.au 

Hanrick Curran 

Superannuation 

Ph: 07 3218 3900 

www.hanrickcurran.com.au 

“HONESTLY THE BEST TRAINING 

SESSION! FUN AND LIGHT-HEARTED 

Mullins Lawyers 

Ph: 07 3224 0222 

Curt Schatz - direct 

Ph: 07 3224 0230 

www.mullinslaw.com.au 

LIQUOR BUYING GROUPS 

lntrust Super Fund 

Ph: 07 3013 8700 

www.intrust.com.au 

TECHNOLOGICAL 

PRODUCTS 

& SERVICES 

WHILE BEING VERY INFORMATIVE AND 

KNOWLEDGEABLE. THANKS, QHA.” 

Liquor Marketing Group 

(Bottlemart) 

Ph: 1300 733 504 

www.bottlemart.com.au 

Bytecraft Systems 

Ph: 07 3456 3345 

www.bytecraft.com.au 

OTHER COURSES OFFERED: 

LIQUOR WHOLESALE 

GROUPS 

First2Click 

Ph: 1300 765 385 

www.unidapsolutions.com.au 

Online RSA/RSG Training 

Gaming Nominee Training 

Employment Relations Training 

Employment Relations Webinar 

ALM (Australian Liquor 

Marketers) 

Brisbane: Ph: 07 3489 3600 

Townsville: Ph: 07 4799 4022 

Cairns: Ph: 07 4041 6070 

www.almliquor.com.au 

JB Hi-Fi Commercial 

Division 

Ph: 07 3360 9925 

www.jbhifi.com.au 

PRINTING / GRAPHIC 

DESIGN 

QIKID 

Ph: 1300 553 256 

www.qikid.com 


Responsible Management of Licensed Venues 

Training is a mandatory training requirement 

for those applying for a liquor licence, and 

applicants for an Approved Manager’s Licence. 

Training is offered face to face at regional 

centres throughout Queensland. 

For more information please contact the 

QHA Training Centre 

Ph: 07 3221 6999 Fax: 07 3221 6649 

Email: training@qha.org.au 

Web: www.qha.org.au 

Easil - Graphic Design 

Ph: 1300 032 745 

www.easil.com 

Platypus 

Ph 07 3352 0300 

www.platypusgraphics.com 

SECURITY / CLEANING 

Best Security 

Ph: 07 3212 8460 

www.bestsecurity.net.au 

Cap Security Services Pty Ltd 

Ph: 07 3892 7777 

www.capsecurity.com.au 

City Property Services 

Ph: 07 3391 2005 

www.citypropertyservices.co 

Clear to Work - Police Checks 

Ph: 07 3899 1123 

www.cleartowork.com.au 

Scantek Solutions 

Ph: 1300 552 106 

www.scantek.com.au 

Time Target 

Ph: 07 3137 1133 

www.timetarget.com 

TRANSPORT 

A.P. Eagers Limited 

Ph: 07 3109 6731 

www.apeagers.com.au 

Black and White Cabs 

Ph: 07 3860 1800 

www.blackandwhltecabs. 

com.au 

WASTE MANAGEMENT 

Bottlecycler 

Ph: 0434 416 540 

www.bottlecyler.com

QHA Review August 2017

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