QHA Review November 2023

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 

N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 3 e d i t i o n 

Charisma and 

cocktails 

EXPLORING THE CHIC IDENTITY OF THE MAGGIE MAY SUPPERCLUB 

NEWS: 

THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS 

INSIGHTS: 

145 YEARS OF XXXX 

CRAFTY BUNCH: 

SOBAH

QHA Chief Executive Bernie Hogan with the Porters Plainland Hotel team at the QHA & Bidfood Golf Day 

GET READY FOR 2024 

...HOTELS 

AND TOURISM 

REMAIN THE 

CENTRE OF 

QUEENSLAND 

COMMUNITIES. 

We have had a truly invigorating last month at the QHA. From our Board Meeting 

in a venue that has re-invested into their wagering offering right through to the 

celebration of the contribution women in hotels have made in our industry – it has 

been excellent to get out amongst our membership and understand the strengths 

and challenges we are facing. 

With members attending both networking and business improvement events 

throughout the state, I can happily say that most members are eagerly planning for 

the summer season and 2024. While many areas of the state are feeling the pinch 

of cost of living, one thing remains certain – hotels and tourism remain the centre 

of Queensland communities. The love for our industry is never more obvious than 

during the festive season. 

Our training team are busy this month making sure that venues put their very best 

foot forward during all of the functions and events planned, while every other part of 

the QHA is helping businesses tune up for the time of year that always stretches us 

to the limit. 

Our message is simple, while Christmas holidays and summer gives Queensland 

a boost, we must prepare ourselves for a long run through 2024. There will be 

elections, potentially at all levels of government, which will put demands on the QHA 

and our members. Housing and interest rate pressures will continue for months 

to come. This adds to the pressures on our patrons wallets and the profitability of 

members in every location. 

QHA understand this, and as decision makers approach us for support, we will 

continue to promote the importance of every person in our industry and ensure that 

it is not forgotten how much we mean to Queensland. 

BERNIE HOGAN 

QHA CHIEF EXECUTIVE/EDITOR 

QHA REVIEW | 3

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 


EXPLORING THE CHIC IDENTITY OF THE MAGGIE MAY SUPPERCLUB 

NEWS: 

THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS 

INSIGHTS: 

145 YEARS OF XXXX 

CRAFTY BUNCH: 

SOBAH 

o u r c o v e r : 

Charisma and 

cocktails 

Maggie May 

Supperclub, 

Newstead 

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 

5 CONTRIBUTORS 


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 

President 

Mr Richard Deery 

Senior Vice President 

Mr Matthew Coorey 

Vice Presidents 

Mr Brad Fitzgibbons 

Ms Mel Tait 

Mr Sam Ingham-Myers 

Secretary/Treasurer 

Ms Rachel Johnson 

Chief Executive and Editor 

Mr Bernie Hogan 

www.qha.org.au 

6 NEWS 

20 FEATURE 

MAGGIE MAY 

30 INSIGHTS 

XXXX 145 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 

36 ACCOMMODATION 

38 FOCUS 

THE LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL MOTEL 

46 TOP DROP 

48 CRAFTY BUNCH 

SOBAH 

56 SPIRITED BUNCH 

GRANDAD JACK’S 

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. 

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING 

For all editorial and advertising queries: 

Dave Swan 0401 345 201 

qhareview@qha.org.au

DAMIAN STEELE 

QHA Deputy Chief 

Executive 

A hospitality industry 

professional with over 

30 years’ experience 

in liquor, gaming and 

operations. Damian 

has a strong focus 

on compliance and 

legislation. 

THERESE KELLY 

QHA Training Manager 

An experienced VET 

sector professional, 

Therese manages 

the QHA Training 

department and is 

responsible for the 

development and 

delivery of quality training 

for QHA members and 

other hospitality venues. 

PAUL ST JOHN-WOOD 

QHA 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. 

CURT SCHATZ 

Managing Partner, 

Mullins 

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. 

THE HON YVETTE D’ATH 

Attorney-General 

and Minister for 

Justice and Minister 

for the Prevention of 

Domestic and Family 

Violence 

Yvette D’Ath is a 

Labor member of the 

Legislative Assembly 

of Queensland 

representing the seat of 

Redcliffe. 

VICTORIA THOMSON 

Commissioner for 

Office of Liquor and 

Gaming Regulation 

Queensland 

Victoria is responsible 

for the regulatory policy 

and strategic direction 

of product safety, 

licensing, compliance 

and enforcement 

activitiestoprotect market 

integrity and keep 

Queenslanders safe. 

TANA THORPE 

Employment 

Relations Advisor 

Tana utilises her 

experience at the 

QHA and previous 

advisory roles to assist 

businesses with all 

aspects of employment 

relations. 

TOM FITZGERALD 

Accommodation 

Membership 

Services Officer 

Tom will act as 

your conduit to 

accommodation 

information and QHA 

services, and is an 

experienced professional 

who grew up living and 

working in the hospitality 

industry as part of a 

hotel-owning family. 

ADAM FLOYD 

Head of MAX & TAB, 

Queensland 

With ten years of 

experience in Tabcorp 

gaming services, Adam 

has recently taken on 

both MAX & TAB for 

Queensland. Adam’s 

previous career in the 

hospitality industry 

positions him well to 

understand the role 

that wagering and 

gaming play in pubs. 

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. 


NEWS 

Q H A & 

B 

I D F O O D 

GOLF 

2023 

PAR FOR THE COURSE 

A RECORD FIELD OF 228 PLAYERS, INCLUDING MORE THAN 

110 HOTEL MEMBERS, TOOK TO THE COURSE AT THE RECENT 

QHA & BIDFOOD GOLF DAY. 

Playing 18 holes across a 27-hole course, the new naming-rights 

sponsor, Bidfood, ensured guests were well looked after with free 

coffee on arrival in addition to a barbeque and cocktail station. 

Needless to say, guests were well fed and hydrated throughout 

their round. 

Attendees enjoyed a plethora of on-course activities and 

beverages, with many of QHA’s Partners and Corporate Members 

generously providing on-hole networking opportunities for players. 

To finish the day, all players were invited to join with the hole 

sponsors for the presentation dinner, which was hosted at RACV 

Royal Pines Resort. 


HIGHEST SCORE 

Tanda – 73 

THIRD PLACE 

Bunnings – 52 

SECOND PLACE 

Lion – 52 (on countback) 

FIRST PLACE 

Odyssey – 49.95

NEWS 


NEWS 

ON THE WORLD STAGE 

A SINGLE AUSTRALIAN HOTEL HAS BEEN NAMED 

AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST, AND WE ARE PROUD TO 

ANNOUNCE IT IS ONE OF QUEENSLAND’S. 


In addition to being crowned The Best Hotel in 

Oceania, The Calile Hotel in the heart of Brisbane has 

been allocated the number 12 spot in The World’s 

50 Best Hotels on 19 September at an inaugural 

ceremony in London. 

Owned by the Malouf family, the hotel is known for 

channelling a luxury 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe 

in Fortitude Valley, and was praised at the awards for 

its Aussie brand of laid-back hospitality in addition to 

its botanical pool area, six outstanding restaurants and 

ability to perfectly meld indoor and outdoor spaces. 

The hotel’s peach, rose and sage design is by 

Richards & Spence – leading architects recognised 

internationally for defining the look and feel of 

Brisbane’s James Street precinct. The Calile Hotel’s 

atmosphere embraces a luxurious and verdant 

aesthetic, with its iconic outdoor space boasting an 

elevated light green stone-tiled pool, a leafy dining area 

and plenty of cabanas and sun lounges. 

Co-owner of the hotel, Catherine Malouf, who 

attended the ceremony, said she was extremely 

proud to be representing the Malouf family and the 

employees from The Calile Hotel at such a significant 

celebration.

NEWS 

“IT TAKES AN OUTSTANDING TEAM TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING GUEST 

EXPERIENCES, AND I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK THE HOTEL TEAM... 

“This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal 

guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we 

are humbled to represent the Australian hotel industry 

on the world stage. 

“There is no doubt The Calile Hotel has carved a name 

for itself and sparked a trend in ‘urban resorts’ with its 

bold architectural commitment, sustainable practices 

and by embracing its local and sub-tropic climate 

within an urban setting,” she said. 

The first ever ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 

was put in place to highlight venues that redefine 

hospitality by setting new standards, pushing 

boundaries and creating unique moments for 

guests. The global invitation-only event, attended 

by representatives from the 50 nominated hotels, 

celebrated the highly anticipated reveal in one of 

London’s most historic venues – The Guildhall. 

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list was created by The 

World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group 

of more than 580 independent leaders, each selected 

for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene. 

According to organisers, the list promises to create the 

most egalitarian, useful and transparent hotel ranking 

system ever devised. 

The competition’s voting criteria was based on 

selecting seven best hotel experiences during the 

voting period. Voters were asked to consider every 

element of the venue’s operation, from its quality of 

food and beverage, room comfort and site facilities to 

its check-in and check-out experiences. 

General manager of The Calile Hotel, Rob Unson, said 

being named 12 in the world was a fitting fifth birthday 

present for the 175-room boutique hotel and a great 

win for Australian tourism. 

“It takes an outstanding team to deliver outstanding 

guest experiences, and I want to take a moment to 

thank the hotel team – from our housekeepers to our 

pool attendants, maintenance and kitchen teams and 

our front of house guest service attendants. 

“These people go above and beyond to welcome our 

guests back through the arches time and time again. 

This accolade is a testament to their professionalism, 

and tonight is a win for them,” he said. 

The announcement of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 

marks the 50 Best group’s first global launch since 

2009. The organisation is highly regarded in the 

international hospitality scene and showcases 

worldwide trends in their other existing awards, such 

as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 

Best Bars and many more international and regional 

lists. 

The launch of The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023 

is great news for the Australian hotel industry, as it 

allows the country to demonstrate its excellence on 

the global stage when it comes to the entire consumer 

experience – from travel and hotels to dining and 

drinking. 

A big congratulations to The Calile Hotel for its brilliant 

achievement in being the 12th best hotel in the world, 

and may its success inspire plenty of Queensland 

venues to strive for a place in future international lists. 


NEWS 

OF COURSE, TO BE THE BEST YOU OFTEN HAVE TO LEARN FROM THE BEST. FOR THOSE CURIOUS AND WANTING TO DRAW 

INSPIRATION FROM THE BEST HOTELS ACROSS THE WORLD, HERE ARE THE TOP 10 OF THE WORLD’S BEST HOTELS 2023. 

10. 

10. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK 

For over 150 years, this hotel has been Bangkok’s hub 

for luxury travellers and Hollywood A-listers. Originally 

a 12-room affair, the world-famous hotel now boasts 

393 rooms, but with the same attention to detail and 

customised guest experience. 

9. 

9. FOUR SEASONS FIRENZE, FLORENCE 

Housed within Florence’s largest private garden, 

this Italian hotel is an oasis of tranquil luxury. When 

stepping through the doors of the 15th-century 

renovated Medici palace, guests are greeted by grand 

floral displays before being shown to one of its 116 

bedrooms adorned in antique furnishings. 

7. SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVES 

A flagship hotel of the Soneva group. Access to this 

hotel’s private island is by seaplane alone, with each 

of its 72 villas offering a level of privacy, serenity and 

comfort. As one of highest-ranked beachside hotels, 

Soneva Fushi was also awarded the Lost Explorer Best 

Beach Hotel Award. 

8. 

8. ONE&ONLY MANDARINA, RIVIERA NAYARIT 

Sandwiched between the tropical rainforests and the 

ocean, this 88-acre resort is a trend-setter on Mexico’s 

shoreline. Each of the hotel’s 105 villas are nestled 

into treetops or on rocky cliffs, and are completed 

with the hotel’s signature style of luxury. As the 

highest-positioned property from its region, One&Only 

Mandarina was awarded The Best Hotel in North 

America. 

7. 

6. 


6. LA MAMOUNIA, MARRAKECH 

Since opening in 1929, this Moroccan hotel 

has been renowned as one of the world’s finest 

accommodations, leading in high design, ultra-luxe 

interiors and best-in-class hospitality.The hotel’s design 

puts splendour centre stage, and merges Moroccan 

architecture, art deco and modern elegance – each of 

which have contributed to its title as The Best Hotel in 

Africa.

NEWS 

5. 

5. AMAN, TOKYO 

This hotel may sit in the heart of a sprawling Japanese 

city, but its sleek, serene and deluxe atmosphere 

defies its location. The transition from city to escapism 

is instant upon arrival at the airy 33rd floor lobby, which 

is made complete with cathedral-high ceilings of white 

washi paper, abstract seasonal floral and rock displays 

and iconic Tokyo views. 

4. 

4. THE UPPER HOUSE, HONG KONG 

As the brainchild of Asian designer André Fu, The 

Upper House exudes creativity and architectural 

excellence. Inside its modern and restorative rooms is 

a calming palette of muted tones with floor-to-ceiling 

windows that showcase the city beyond. It’s Asian 

understated luxury at its most refined. 

3. 

3. FOUR SEASONS BANGKOK, CHAO PHRAYA RIVER 

Set on the banks of the River of Kings, this Four 

Seasons property is big, bold and new. The designsavvy 

retreat is all about cascading architecture, 

slick marble, abundant glass and high-ceilings, with 

299 contemporary rooms and suites delivering a 

masterclass in Asian-inspired elegance. 

2. 

2. ROSEWOOD, HONG KONG 

Also named as The Best Hotel in Asia, the Rosewood 

Hotel Group’s seventh location to open in Asia 

delivers its signature luxe hospitality experience to the 

stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Its interior is 

the masterful work of Taiwanese-born designer Tony 

Chi, with contemporary art pieces lining its every room, 

hallway and marble-clad lobby. 

1. 

1. PASSALACQUA, LAKE COMO 

It was this Italian hotel that took out the number one 

spot. Set within spectacular terraced gardens, the 24- 

room 18th-century villa is a showcase of the finest Italian 

craftsmanship, complete with plenty of ornate elements 

that come together to create a sublime retreat. The hotel 

is the creation of the De Santis family, with each element 

of the hotel working in total symbiosis, from its bespoke 

design and considerate staff to its breathtaking location. 


NEWS 

A BUBBLY BRAVO 

SYDNEY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT CIRRUS DINING HAS BEEN CROWNED AUSTRALIA’S WINE 

LIST OF THE YEAR 2023 AT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONIC AWARDS CEREMONY. 


Held on the 25 September at the Ovolo Hotel in 

Woolloomooloo, New South Wales, the milestone 

anniversary of the pinnacle industry event saw Bentley 

Restaurant Group’s jewel of fine dining establishments, 

Cirrus Dining, stand out among a record number of 

entrants this year. Other finalists for the major award 

include Merivale’s Mr Wong in Sydney and Andrew 

McConnell’s Gimlet at Cavendish House in Melbourne. 

Queensland also had its fair share of highlights on the 

night, with Best Wine List in the state and Australia’s 

Best Digestif List being awarded to Agnes, Best 

Wine List (50 Wines) being awarded to Jimmy Wah’s, 

Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine List going to Cru Bar 

+ Cellar and Australia’s Best Listing of Queensland 

Wines and Sommelier’s Choice Award going to SK 

Steak & Oyster — one of the signature restaurants at 

QHA’s member venue, The Calile Hotel. 

Chairman of the judges, Peter Forrestal, said 

continuing on last year’s record-breaking number of 

entries, 2023 a 19% increase in venues submitting 

their lists for the awards. 

“This demonstrates the growing number of hotels, 

restaurants, pubs, clubs and wine bars that realise the 

importance of a finely crafted wine and beverage list to 

the overall experience of diners. 

“While most might consider it a cliché to describe the 

various contests involved in the judging as ‘fiercely 

fought’, the phrase does suggest the close margins 

involved in many of the decisions made by the judges. 

“As always, more than 30 local and international wine 

writers and sommeliers ranked the six finalists to decide 

the winner. 

“Out of the 192 votes cast, while Cirrus Dining ended 

up the decided winner, only three votes separated 

second, third and fourth. 

“The strength of the Sydney dining establishments was 

reinforced this year with four of the six finalists plying 

their trade there. Gimlet at Cavendish House and Cutler 

& Co were close enough to suggest that Victorian 

diners have much in which to delight,” he said. 

Bentley Restaurant Group is no stranger to presenting 

exceptional wine lists at Australia’s Wine List of the Year 

Awards, having won Wine List of the Year for Bentley 

Restaurant + Bar in 2015. 

Cirrus Dining also won Best Wine List New South Wales 

and Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List - City, with 

Cirrus sommeliers Polly Mackarel and Nick Hildebrandt 

also receiving the Judy Hirst Award for the sommeliers 

responsible for the winning list.

If that wasn’t enough, Bentley Restaurant Group’s Bentley 

Restaurant & Bar also received the award for Best Aperitif 

List. The number of wine lists submitted with under 200 

wines was at a record high this year. These excellent 

collections took home five awards in total and represented 

a shared recognition among the judges that it is harder to 

craft a good small list than a large one. 

The most popular categories entered this year continued 

from 2022’s popular categories, including Best Wines 

by the Glass, Best Listing of Australian Wines and Best 

Food & Wine Matching – again all with a record number of 

entries. 

With the growing diversity of Australia’s wine lists, 

several new awards were also added to this year’s event, 

including Australia’s Best Listing of Italian Wines which 

was awarded to Bistecca (New South Wales), Australia’s 

Best Listing of French Wines received by Society (Victoria), 

Australia’s Best Cocktail List which went to Sarino’s (New 

South Wales) and Australia’s Best Listing of USA Wines 

which was given to SK Steak & Oyster (Queensland). 

Clearly, the industry continues to excel in compiling 

and presenting top-quality wine lists, as noted by the 

outstanding 246 venues to receive a Three Glass ranking 

this year up from 201 in 2022.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST LISTING OF QUEENSLAND 

WINES AND SOMMELIER’S CHOICE AWARD 

WENT TO SK STEAK & OYSTER — ONE OF 

THE SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS AT QHA’S 

MEMBER VENUE, THE CALILE HOTEL. 


Established in 1993 by Rob Hirst, his late wife Judy 

and Tucker Seabrook, Australia’s Wine List of the Year 

Awards celebrates the depth of talent, dedication and 

sheer commitment of sommeliers, venue owners and 

cellars across Australia to build and maintain great 

wine lists. Rob said he recognises this year’s awards 

as a sign of the nation’s position as a world-class 

provider of exceptional wining and dining experiences. 

“Since day one, we set the bar high for a wine list 

to achieve a Three Glass ranking. Our first awards 

in 1994 recognised nine lists with this outstanding 

honour, and it’s rewarding to see nearly 250 venues 

across the country achieve such a high-quality 

standard of wine list and service excellence 30 years 

after we started the program. 

“These venues should be very proud of all they have 

put into their lists, and we are very happy to bring 

the industry together to celebrate these outstanding 

venues and their talented sommeliers,” he said.

NEWS 

SHINY AND NEW 

OFTEN CONSIDERED ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST ICONIC CUTLERY BRANDS, STANLEY ROGERS 

HAS EXTENDED ITS POSITIONING ON HOSPITALITY TABLES AROUND AUSTRALIA. 


On September 26, after a year of design and 

development work, Stanley Rogers released two 

completely new crystal glassware collections – 

Barossa and Tamar. 

As a brand that strongly believes every occasion is 

worth celebrating, the Stanley Rodgers’ team have 

created these distinctive collections to suit all kinds of 

venues and settings, while also helping to set a special 

scene and mood for guests. 

Both collections are made of high-quality lead-free 

crystal, and said to be as brilliant in transparent clarity 

as they are in touch and tone. 

Product manager for Stanley Rogers Glassware, Grant 

Durie, said it was not only harmonic perfection they 

were seeking to obtain with these collections, but a 

refined, smooth and fine rim – perfect for sipping from. 

“It is that magical ‘clink’ of beautiful glass that sounds 

the celebration in every toast. 

“Being a quality lead-free crystal, this collection is 

lighter and stronger than many others, providing pure 

flavours and richer aromas,” he said. 

From humble beginnings in Melbourne in 1930, 

Stanley Rogers has gone on to become one of 

Australia’s leading manufacturers of premium stainlesssteel 

cutlery. 

By composing timeless designs crafted in a variety of 

finishes and colours, they have cemented themselves 

as a household name and have since expanded into 

plenty of quality dining and kitchenware products, 

such as cookware, kitchen tools, gadgets and now, of 

course, glassware. 

Stanley Rogers first release in their new selection 

crystal glassware products is the Barossa collection 

– a tight selection of seven beautifully curated glasses 

that are purposely majestic, elegant and enticing in 

their design with tall, sleek and bountiful silhouettes. 

Also named after a region that produces grapes of 

superior quality, the more expansive Tamar Collection 

is intentionally designed to ensure that venues have 

the perfect glass on hand for every occasion. The 

collection includes a broad selection of 11 stemmed 

and stemless wine, cocktail and spirit glasses, with 

the mandatory beer glass and even the beloved 

champagne coupe joining the selection. 

Today, Stanley Roger’s team of designers and 

developers continue to honour their rich heritage 

while always embracing innovation. The brand creates 

beautiful products that are among the best when it 

comes to modern and sophisticated entertaining, 

and will always be there to help venues bring their 

individuality to the table.

NEWS 

THINK SMART 


HOW SMART FINANCING CAN BOOST YOUR 

BOTTOM LINE, WITH DANIEL GREEN FROM GREEN 

FINANCE GROUP. 

Our news feeds (and own hip pockets) are full of 

examples of the cost-of-living challenges Aussies are 

currently facing. Interestingly, the latest household 

spending data released by Australian Bureau of 

Statistics indicates that, while consumers may be 

cutting back on spending across a range of industries, 

hospitality isn’t one of them. 

Even though the data is promising, pubs are still feeling 

the full brunt of inflationary pressures across most 

operating expenses with limited options to increase 

prices at the same level. Over time this will ultimately 

negatively impact earnings (EBITDA) leaving business 

owners in need of astute offsets. 

Smart business financing plays a crucial role in helping 

establishments to thrive, not just survive. Following 

are three ways to use finance as a tool to better your 

business returns today:

NEWS 

THESE DAYS THERE ARE SPECIFIC LOAN PRODUCTS TO COVER TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE 

REQUIREMENTS THAT ALLOW HOTEL OWNERS TO ACQUIRE ESSENTIAL TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT 

WITHOUT THE BURDEN OF LARGE UPFRONT COSTS. 

Renovate or refurb to attract and retain patrons 

Investing in renovation or expansion projects is 

one way to enhance your establishment’s appeal. 

Whether it’s adding a stylish new bar area, upgrading 

rooms, or creating an inviting outdoor space, these 

improvements can make a significant difference in 

attracting patrons. 

The key to obtaining competitive funding for your 

project is knowing how to position your business 

proposition strategically and comprehensively to the 

right lenders. 

Importantly, these days there are options outside the 

big banks. In addition to a small number of private 

lenders and capital raising groups that specialise 

in lending for hotel acquisitions and larger projects, 

there are some niche non-bank lenders that will lend 

on gaming machines, restaurant fit outs, kitchen and 

wet area installs. They understand that although these 

items may not have a significant recoverable value, 

they are generally used in conjunction with a project 

that is going to improve the hotel’s performance. 

Embrace technology to reduce overheads 

Staff shortages and increasing wages remain one of 

the biggest cost pressures for our publican clients 

today. Staying competitive requires embracing 

technology. From online booking systems and mobile 

ordering apps to automated inventory management, 

technology can significantly streamline operations, 

alleviate staffing issues, improve customer satisfaction, 

and reduce operational expenses over time. 

These days there are specific loan products to cover 

technology and software requirements that allow hotel 

owners to acquire essential technology and equipment 

without the burden of large upfront costs. 

Find savings in your current finance package 

If reduced cash flow is putting a strain on your ability 

to pro-actively consider cost-saving or revenuegenerating 

improvements or it’s been some time since 

you reviewed your current funding arrangements, it’s 

worth a sit down with an experienced pub finance 

professional. 

Competition from lenders is still strong and if there are 

opportunities to reduce your cost of funding, access 

equity or improve the structure of your package to 

allow greater flexibility or better terms, it more than 

pays to take the time to review your finance options. 

Whether it’s expanding and renovating to attract 

customers, embracing technology for efficiency, 

or managing seasonal cash flow, smart financing 

solutions will provide your business with the foundation 

to thrive irrespective of market conditions. 

Daniel Green, founder and director of Green Finance 

Group, is a multi-award-winning commercial finance 

broker with over 20 years of banking and finance 

industry experience. He is an industry leader in the 

sourcing of competitive funding for businesses in the 

hospitality, accommodation, and education sectors 

and currently leads a team of more than 20 specialist 

commercial, equipment and residential finance 

brokers. 


FEATURE

FEATURE 

Be a 

darling 

It takes a special kind of creativity to 

elevate the look, feel and experience of a 

venue into a work of art. 

Born out of a desire to bring something 

unique and fun to the Newstead community, 

Maggie May Supperclub is an experience 

unlike any other. 

If it’s not clear enough from its bubbly and 

chic aesthetic, the venue is designed to be 

playful while having a serious commitment 

to serving delicious cocktails and immersing 

guests in a nostalgic, stylish atmosphere. 

Maggie May is the Hallmark Hospitality 

Group’s latest venue in a list of charismatic 

and memorable locations such as Lefty’s 

Music Hall, Hey Chica and Lost Kingdom. 

Tucked away in Newstead’s Gasworks Plaza, 

the urban space underwent a complete 

transformation before opening in 2022, and 

received plenty of praise for its distinctively 

charming identity. 

Venue manager at Maggie May, Jackie 

Schougaard, said the supper club was the 

passionate brainchild of the directors at 

Hallmark Hospitality. 

“While they loved the offerings that were 

available in Newstead, as some frequent the 

area quite often, they increasingly felt like 

something was missing. 

“While discussing this gap and throwing a 

few ideas around, a space became available, 

so they pounced on it. 

“Over the following months the idea of a 

casual, yet stylish venue that serves up 

quality cocktails and dishes, including a big 

dose of nostalgia, came to life,” she said. 

Along with the venue’s personal, aloof and 

energetic tone of voice, Maggie May’s 

marketing resulted in a creative media 

campaign that piqued plenty of interest and 

reached a diverse audience across all kinds 

of media. 

Indeed, it was the venue’s extensive reach, 

positive coverage and fun yet carefully 

curated imagery that helped to build 

excitement and anticipation for its launch late 

last year. 

As a result, the 30th QHA Awards for 

Excellence saw Maggie May take home the 

award for Best Marketed Hotel – General 

Division in 2023. This category recognises 

excellence regarding the marketing approach 

of venues through a number of innovative 

and effective communication avenues, and 

has been won previously by Cloudland, The 

Prince Consort and The Island. 



FEATURE

FEATURE 

Everywhere you look, 

the supper club features 

breezy outdoor spaces, 

comfortable booths 

and intimate nooks, 

including The Longland 

Room, The Sun Room, 

The Garden Bar, The 

Terrace and The Patio... 

When it comes to marketing, the supper club’s ability 

to exude a level of warmth, personality and quirkiness 

certainly helped to propel it into the eyes of the wider 

hospitality industry and contributed to its overall 

success. When reflecting about how the Maggie May 

team felt on the awards night, Jackie said they were 

truly thrilled to be attending as finalists to the gala this 

year. 

“The venue is still in its infancy and solidifying who 

and what it wants to be, so I don’t think we really 

thought about winning until it was announced. 

“Everyone was just so ecstatic. The entire Hallmark 

Hospitality team is really close, so to have the full 

team over multiple tables cheer for us after all of the 

hard work everyone put in was fantastic,” she said. 

Including its marketing identity, everything about 

Maggie May is heavily inspired by the 1970’s – an 

era known for its bold, unique and flamboyant design 

sense. 

As soon as you step into the rust, moss and mustard 

interior of the venue, you can tell the space was 

designed with a meticulous attention to detail. In fact, 

the Hallmark Hospitality team selected an awardwinning 

interior designer, Borhan Ghofrani, to create 

the venue’s richly appointed atmosphere which feels 

plucked straight from a retro home living catalogue. 

Everywhere you look, the supper club features breezy 

outdoor spaces, comfortable booths and intimate 

nooks, including The Longland Room, The Sun 

Room, The Garden Bar, The Terrace and The Patio, 

with each offering a variety of different experiences. 

Whether guests are looking for a leisurely breakfast, 

a long lunch or a late-night dinner rendezvous, the 

picturesque venue certainly has something to offer 

for everyone. 


FEATURE 


When asked about the special qualities that allow 

Maggie May stand out in both the operational and 

marketing sectors of the industry, Jackie said it all 

comes down to Hallmark Hospitality’s philosophy as 

a brand. 

“We all genuinely enjoy hospitality and creating 

amazing experiences for our clientele. Everything 

we do starts with our customers and how we can 

play together. On top of this, Maggie May has such 

a unique voice, so the team were really able to have 

some fun with it. 

“It is important to really understand your venue and 

your audience while also respecting them. Then, 

you have to really focus on who you want to be and 

ensure that it comes across in everything you do. 

“Of course, this is only possible when your marketing 

and operations teams work closely together to deliver 

on your brand promise,” she said. 

In today’s modern hospitality industry, it is not only 

great food and customer service that guarantees 

the success of a hotel or pub. To stand out against 

a saturated market, we are seeing more and more 

venues embrace a unique character, style and voice

FEATURE 

Specialising 

in commercial 

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builds including: 

GAMING ROOMS 

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to intrigue customers, and even invite them 

into a completely different world fuelled by 

creativity, imagination and nostalgia. 

It is no doubt that Maggie May’s success is 

found in the distinctive way it interacts with 

guests, and additionally how it markets a 

unique and charismatic place that promises a 

truly unforgettable dining experience. 

Jackie said Maggie May will continue to host 

in surprising and fun-filled ways and maintain a 

focus on creating experiences that pull friends 

and loved ones together – leaving them with 

the very best memories. 

“We have recently installed a big new feature 

in the main space – a spinning disco ball with 

disco lights. This has given a new level of 

fun for our bar going from a daytime feel to a 

nightlife and party vibe. 

“We have additionally just started Harry’s Trivia 

every Wednesday, which works so well in the 

venue. Of course we also have the Melbourne 

Cup to look forward to as well. 

“We truly enjoy delivering memorable functions 

and events at Maggie May,” she said.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL 

The Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP 

YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE MORE 

Gambling harm not only impacts gamblers, but it 

also impacts their families, their workplaces and their 

communities. Recent research conducted by the 

Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) found 

that sports betting is deeply ingrained in Queensland 

culture. 

There has been a substantial increase in sports 

betting participation in recent years, with the research 

showing that more than half of surveyed sports fans 

in Queensland aged between 18 and 55 have placed 

a bet on a sport or race in the last year. These bettors 

were also more likely to be male and aged between 18 

and 25 years. 

While we have always known that the people at risk 

of gambling harm are more often male, the survey 

outcomes indicate that as the interest in women’s 

sport has increased, so too has women’s participation 

in sports betting. We need to break the association 

that watching sport is more fun if you’re betting on the 

outcome or another aspect of the game. 

We all have a responsibility to start a conversation with 

young people we know about sports betting and the 

risks and harms associated with gambling. Our recent 

survey of Queensland sports fans showed young 

people (aged 18-25) were less likely than older adults 

to stop betting when they reached their limit. 

It can be difficult and confronting to start a 

conversation with a young person about gambling, as 

some young people may not recognise their gambling 

is a problem, and others may recognise they have a 

problem but are unsure of where and how to access 

help and support. 

To help tackle this issue, the Queensland Government 

is partnering with Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane 

Heat Big Bash to raise awareness of gambling harm 

among young people and the wider community. 

This partnership will see Brisbane Heat cricket players 

sending a strong message to spectators and sports 

fans that they don’t need to place a bet to enjoy the 

game. 

The players will also be targeting parents by 

encouraging them to have a conversation with their 

kids about the dangers of sports betting and wagering. 

The partnership with Queensland Cricket is just one 

of the ways the Queensland Government is playing its 

role in tackling gambling harm. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling 

harm, please direct them to the free and confidential 

advice and support (24/7) available via the Gambling 

Helpline on 1800 858 858 or they can visit the 

Gambling Help Online website: 

gamblinghelponlineorg.au for online chat support. 


Victoria Thomson OLGR 

IDENTIFICATION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) 

is aware of an increase in the number of minors 

attempting to enter venues using fake identification (ID) 

or remaining on premises unaccompanied. 

Licensees must train crowd controllers and staff to 

know what to look for when a patron presents their ID. 

Below are some best practice tips on what to look for 

when a patron presents their digital or hardcopy ID to 

enter your venue. 

• Digital driver licence: 

» animated government logo 

» last refreshed date and time 

» QR code expires and reloads 

» hologram moves when phone is tilted 

» watermark matches the licence photo 

» address details (scrolling is not always required to 

view address) 

• Interstate driver licence or Queensland Learner, P1 

or P2: 

» when presented with these driver licences it is 

always a good idea to ask information from the 

licence, such as date of birth and address, if you 

suspect the person to be a minor 

» also consider a visual and physical examination 

of the licence to check for holograms and rough 

surfaces, particularly around the date of birth. 

Licensees can refer to the OLGR website for further 

information on acceptable forms of ID. 

Under the Liquor Act 1992 (the Act) minors are 

prohibited from being in a licensed premises unless 

they have a valid exemption which generally involves 

the minor being an employee, eating a meal, being 

accompanied by a responsible adult, attending a 

function in a separate function area or attending 

a community club. Minors are not permitted in 

premises providing adult entertainment under any 

circumstances. 

OLGR compliance officers have observed minors 

remaining in venues licensed to provide entertainment 

after the close of the dining service. Venues have 

reported minors may enter with adults to enjoy a meal, 

but only the minors remain once the entertainment 

commences. The venues are at risk of breaching their 

liquor licence. 

Licensees are responsible for ensuring unaccompanied 

minors do not enter a venue nor remain on the 

premises with the completion of the dining service. 

Obligations extend through the actions of all venue 

staff who in turn have individual responsibilities when 

it comes to checking identification to ensure a patron 

is not a minor nor using fake identification. Checks 

should occur throughout the venue, not just entry and 

points of service. 

One venue is addressing this issue by implementing 

the following best practice measures: 

• conducting hourly inspections throughout the venue 

and asking any patron who appears to be under 25 

years old for ID regardless of where they are located 

in the venue (i.e. even in dining areas) 

• supplying staff with written instructions to refer to 

when completing venue sweeps so they’re aware 

of their responsibilities and obligations in relation to 

minors 

• requiring staff to sign a register once they have 

completed their venue sweeps to ensure all staff are 

accountable in their roles 

This practice assists the licensee to create and 

maintain a safer venue and supports them in upholding 

the conditions of their liquor license and comply with 

the Act. 

As covered in my September column, issues with 

regards to minors in higher risk licensed venues is 

a priority area identified in the 2023-24 Proactive 

Compliance Plan now available to all licensees on 

our website. As such, this will be a key focus for 

compliance activities this year. 

I encourage licensees to refer to OLGR’s online 

content for further information, resources and 

guidance on detecting minors in licensed premises 

and the definition of a ‘responsible adult’. 


LEGAL MATTERS with Curt Schatz 

ADEQUATE INSURANCE TO 

PROTECT YOUR HOTEL INVESTMENT 


There are various risks and challenges associated 

with operating a hotel business. Among the critical 

considerations for managing said risks is ensuring that 

you obtain adequate insurance for both the business 

and the premises, whether you use the premises 

under a leasing arrangement or own the property. 

There are various types of insurances which a prudent 

business operator ought to take out to protect their 

business. 

Public liability insurance 

Public liability insurance is essential for protecting 

your business from the potential legal and financial 

repercussions of a claim arising from accidents, injuries 

or property damage during business operations. Public 

liability insurance is the minimum level of insurance 

that any prudent business operator must take out. 

Coverage should include claims from any third party, 

including suppliers and customers, and the amount 

of coverage can vary depending on the needs of 

your business and the size of your operations. If you 

operate a larger venue and generally host a larger 

crowd, it would be more appropriate to obtain public 

liability coverage with a claim limit (generally $20m to 

$50m). 

Property insurance 

One of the main reasons hoteliers should prioritise 

having adequate insurance is to protect their property 

against unforeseen events. Whether it is a natural 

disaster such as floods or earthquakes, manmade 

accidents like fire, or intentional acts such as 

vandalism, property insurance will provide a financial 

safety net. This type of coverage will ensure you can 

recover and rebuild the business operations following 

an incident. Generally, property insurance will be for 

90% or more of the replacement value of the property 

on the premises. 

Business interruption insurance 

Unexpected events such as temporary closures 

can lead to financial losses. Insurance policies that 

include business interruption coverage can assist 

your business during such periods of closure by 

compensating you for lost income and assisting in 

covering ongoing expenses. The purpose of this type 

of insurance is to help you ‘weather the storm’ and 

allow you to resume operations as normal once the 

business is able to reopen. 

Landlord insurance 

If you operate your business under a leasing 

arrangement, your obligations for insurance are 

generally outlined in your lease document. Usually, this 

will include the type and level of coverage that you as 

the tenant are required to take out in the name of your 

business and either a) in the name of the landlord or 

b) noting the landlord’s interest (and any mortgagee of 

the landlord). 

The landlord will also usually have their own insurance 

for the business premises. It is important to consider 

and compare the insurances that will be taken out 

by the landlord for the business premises and the 

insurances which you will be obtaining for the business 

so that the business premises and operations are 

adequately insured. 

In addition to fulfilling any obligations under a lease, 

insurance serves as a proactive and strategic method 

of mitigating risk, protecting your assets and ensuring 

sustainability of your business from an unforeseen 

event. To maintain adequate insurance, it is important 

to review your coverage limits as your business 

grows so that the insurances you have in place are 

appropriate for your operations.

SUPERANNUATION 

FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES 

The right financial advice can help set your staff up for 

a future full of positivity. Here’s how Hostplus financial 

advisers can help them. 

When is a good time to get financial advice? 

It is never too early to start planning for a secure 

financial future, but we think there are some key 

life milestones where getting expert and informed 

advice could make a big difference to our member’s 

retirement. 

Beginning work 

If it is a staff member’s first job or new job, we’d 

encourage them to reach out to us. We can help with 

opening a super fund account, and also with ways 

they could build up their balance. 

This is a time in their life when they also might start 

to consider their insurance needs. People don’t often 

think about insurance until they need to make a 

claim, so it’s a good idea to be on the front foot with 

insurance and get the right advice. 

Starting a family 

This is another important time when financial decisions 

may need to be made. It can feel overwhelming, 

but we can help there too. We can discuss with 

your employees ways to maximise government cocontributions. 

We can also help explain what happens 

to their super while on parental leave. 

Retirement planning 

When your staff begin retirement planning, they can 

benefit from advice on ways to build a healthy nest 

egg. We can help with the maths and work out how 

much they’ll need in retirement. 

Sometimes members need assistance from our 

advisers when they want to make a lump sum 

payment into super. This could be funds from an 

inheritance or from the sale of a property. We’re also 

experts at establishing tax-effective retirement income 

streams for members. 

Easing into retirement 

For those who don’t want to retire permanently from 

the workforce, our financial advisers can help them 

ease into retirement with a transition to retirement 

strategy (TTR). Transitioning to retirement is also the 

right time for your staff to do a health check on their 

super and review how things are tracking. They might 

also want to learn how to maximise government 

benefits or get help with aged care options, perhaps 

for their parents. This is also a good time to seek 

financial advice. 

Hostplus offers financial advice online, over the 

phone and face-to-face 

An effective way to take the first step is using 

SuperAdviser, our easy-to-use online advice tool. 

For others, a phone call can help members understand 

what’s right for them and what’s possible when it 

comes to their super. So, we offer phone-based super 

advice. This is limited advice relating to a member’s 

Hostplus account. It covers topics like contributions, 

insurance and investment options. 

Others prefer face-to-face financial planning, and we 

offer that too. Your staff can get comprehensive advice 

from qualified financial planners. They’ll be able to 

decide and pay for the advice they want. 

Whatever option your staff choose or whatever life 

stage they’re at, we’re here to help. That’s a plus. 

Contact us for advice. 

This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information 

is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Please read the relevant Hostplus Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), available at 

hostplus.com.au before making a decision about Hostplus. For a description of the target market, please read the Target Market Determination (TMD), available at 

hostplus.com.au. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 

495 890, MySuper No 68 657 495 890 198. 

Hostplus has engaged Industry Fund Services Limited (IFS) ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514 to facilitate the provision of personal financial advice to members 

of Hostplus. Advice is provided by financial planners who are Authorised Representatives of IFS. Fees may apply for personal financial advice; for further 

information about the cost of personal advice, you can speak with your financial planner or visit our website www.hostplus.com.au. Information to help you decide 

whether you want to use personal financial advice services being offered is set out in the relevant IFS Financial Services Guide, a copy of which is available from 

your financial planner. Hostplus has engaged Link Advice Pty Ltd ABN 36 105 811 836, ASFL 258145 to facilitate the provision of limited personal financial advice 

to members of Hostplus via the web-based product SuperAdviser. 


INSIGHTS 

CHEERS TO 

145 YEARS 

OF XXXX 

CELEBRATIONS ARE IN ORDER 

FOR XXXX, QUEENSLAND’S 

MOST ICONIC BEER, WHICH 

IS MARKING ITS 145TH 

BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR. 


A favourite for beer drinkers across the 

nation, XXXX boasts some of the most 

popular Aussie beers, including XXXX Gold, 

XXXX Bitter, XXXX Summer Bright Lager and 

XXXX Zero – Australia’s first carbon neutral, 

alcohol free beer. 

The XXXX story starts all the way back 

in 1878 with two brothers, Nicholas and 

Edward Fitzgerald, who had one big dream in 

life – to create the finest ales known to man 

that can be loved by generations across this 

sun-drenched land. 

After starting out in Castlemaine Victoria, 

the brothers decided they needed a worldclass 

brewery (and warmer weather), so they 

packed their bags and headed to Brisbane. 

After they bought an old distillery, their first 

beer was sold in September that year, and so 

the Castlemaine Brewery was born – known 

today as the home of XXXX. 

From its humble beginnings in 1878 to the 

much-loved brand it is now, XXXX has been a 

constant supporter of Queensland. The iconic 

beer has shown up constantly throughout 

the state’s history, whether by offering much 

needed employment at the Milton factory or 

by providing ongoing support for Queensland 

sport, including sponsorship of the Broncos 

and Maroons. Needless to say, XXXX is 

synonymous with Queensland and the 

Queensland lifestyle.

INSIGHTS

IN ANY CASE, XXXX HAS 

ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT 

GETTING THE MOST OUT 

OF EACH AND EVERY 

DAY, WHICH IS AS MUCH 

OF A MINDSET AS IT IS 

A LIFESTYLE. WITH THE 

RIGHT ATTITUDE AND 

ENERGY, ANY SITUATION 

CAN BE TURNED INTO THE 

GOOD LIFE... 

Speaking about the ongoing love affair between the 

iconic beer and Queensland, XXXX Sales Director, Pat 

Donohue, said if you look back at the last 145 years 

of XXXX, there are some incredible yarns about their 

brand, their fans, their people and their beers. 

“The common thread in all these stories is mateship 

and loyalty, and we know XXXX wouldn’t still be kicking 

today if it weren’t for all of the support we have had 

from the entire Sunshine State. 

“Our brand is not just about beer, it’s about the unique 

culture and community spirit of Queensland that we 

are privileged to represent,” he said. 

For 145 years the iconic beer brand has been 

celebrating and championing the good life by brewing 

beer to be enjoyed under the hot Aussie sun. The 

good life is the most treasured part of the Aussie 

lifestyle, whether you’re kicking back on a beach with 

rods in the sand enjoying the sunset, or rising with the 

sun to chase the early worm. 

In any case, XXXX has always been about getting the 

most out of each and every day, which is as much of 

a mindset as it is a lifestyle. With the right attitude and 

energy, any situation can be turned into the good life. 

Throughout its history, XXXX has championed this 

mantra so much that its now intrinsically linked to 

Queenslanders and their way of life, camaraderie and 

vibrant community spirit. The iconic XXXX Brewery 

in Milton, Brisbane, stands as a testament to this 

heritage, and welcomes visitors from all over the world 

to experience the craftsmanship and passion that goes 

into every drop of the iconic beer. 

XXXX has continued this glorious reputation through 

Lion – a leading beverage company headquartered in 

Sydney, Australia. With origins dating back more than 

180 years, Lion is equally known for its commitment to 

quality, craftsmanship, community and sustainability, 

and has recently become Australasia’s first large-scale 

carbon neutral brewer. 

Lion is a pioneer in brewing and continues to innovate 

across a range of adult beverages. Its core beer 

portfolio includes many locally loved brands in Australia 

and New Zealand such as XXXX, Little Creatures, 

James Squire, Stone & Wood, Emerson’s, Speights, 

Panhead and a growing craft beer presence in the 

United States, having brought New Belgium and Bell’s 

Brewery into the fold. 

Lion also has an enviable portfolio of New Zealand 

wine brands, a premium fine wine business in North 

America, a craft spirits distribution arm in Australia in 

Vanguard Luxury Brands and Yarra Valley-based Four 

Pillars Gin, and employs close to 4,000 people across 

its markets. 

Like its parent company, XXXX has always been the 

drink of the people, and when times are tough, the 

brand has done what they can do to help. During The 

Great Depression of the 1920s, XXXX helped hard-hit 

farmers with free barley seeds and bought out pubs 

which were facing closure to ensure that the families 

could keep running them. 

Then came the Queensland Floods of 1974, 2011 and 

2013. Even with the Castlemaine Brewery underwater, 

brewers managed to build makeshift rafts to get beer 

to those who needed it and donate funds to help keep 

the state afloat. 


INSIGHTS 


“OUR BRAND IS NOT JUST ABOUT 

BEER, IT’S ABOUT THE UNIQUE 

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT 

OF QUEENSLAND THAT WE ARE 

PRIVILEGED TO REPRESENT... 

XXXX are there for the good times, too. Whether it’s 

helping the local publican establish a top spot for a 

schooner, kitting out the local footy team or anything in 

between, XXXX has got a proud tradition of supporting 

the community, as demonstrated recently by the beer’s 

Pride in your Origin, State of Origin campaign. 

The early 1990s saw a rejuvenation of XXXX, where 

they got on board with the Queensland Maroons in 

1991 and have been backing them ever since. That 

same year saw the launch of XXXX Gold, Australia’s 

first mid-strength lager that would go on to become 

the best-selling beer in Australia and pioneer a new 

category in beer for the future. 

Aussies certainly have a special spot for this refreshing, 

full-flavoured drop, and after 145 years of brewing 

excellence, it’s not hard to see why. 

Life’s good when you give a XXXX.

INSIGHTS 


ACCOMMODATION with Tom Fitzgerald 

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT 


Resource consumption in Australian hotels, as well as 

other countries, is typically measured and managed 

through a combination of methods and metrics 

to ensure sustainable practices. As sustainability 

continues to be a key topic across many industries, 

you need look no further than organisations in 

Queensland innovating and demonstrating ways to 

incorporate more sustainable practices into everyday 

operations. 

Sunshine Coast 

The Caloundra City Centre Motel has reopened as 

Motel Caloundra – a stay on the Sunshine Coast that 

aims to be the first net-zero offering in the region. 

One of the many new inclusions of the motel’s 

transformation is the introduction of a rooftop bank of 

47 solar panels, which will produce 19.50kw of power 

during the day, and batteries which will produce a 

further 23kw of power during the evening. This allows 

the hotel to operate for majority of the time without the 

need for external energy sources. 

Gold Coast 

City Of Gold Coast are hosting a sustainability tour 

showcasing new advancements and initiatives being 

used in venues. JW Marriott Surfers Paradise offers 

a worm farm in the JW Garden, which allows their 

restaurant to recycle kitchen scraps into compost, 

which is then absorbed by their garden. They have 

also introduced bees native to Australia, which assists 

in pollinating the fresh herbs and vegetables grown in 

the garden. 

Dorsett Gold Coast are vocal on their mission to 

become a leading force in sustainable travel, currently 

offering eco-friendly features such as a Guest Room 

Management System which can be switched to ‘green 

mode’, and automatic lighting in the rooms. The 

hotel is rolling out multiple technology advancements, 

including two Guest Service Robots, which are 

designed to create a streamlined check-in experience. 

Dorsett also supports small, local suppliers rather than 

larger hospitality providers. Jin Café & Bar sources 

local gin from Granddad Jack’s, forming a recent 

partnership.

Tom Fitzgerald 

ACCOMMODATION 

QHA and EcoTourism Australia 

Accommodation Australia and Ecotourism Australia 

have partnered to provide a pathway to receiving 

their Sustainable Tourism certification, starting with 

the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. The Strive 4 

Sustainability Scorecard is a practical way to demystify 

what sustainable and responsible tourism 

means for you and your customers and provides you 

with practical insights to assist your sustainability 

journey. 

It measures where a business or tourism operator is 

at on their sustainability journey at a point in time and 

assesses the following four pillars of sustainability: 

• environmental impacts 

• socio-economic impacts 

• cultural impacts 

• sustainable management 

Once a sustainability assessment is completed, all 

businesses will receive a scorecard and detailed report 

with personalised feedback report. For those operators 

that score 50% or higher, a certificate will also be 

provided that can be displayed publicly to promote 

their score. 

If you are a QHA Accommodation member and apply 

for certification within 12 months of completing the 

scorecard, you are eligible for a $100 discount on your 

first year.Earlier this year, Accor entered into a strategic 

partnership with Ecotourism Australia to certify all 

Accor hotels, apartments and resorts across Australia 

and the Pacific as ECO certified or Sustainable Tourism 

certified businesses. 

UQ Business School and The Low Harm 

Hedonism Initiative 

UQ Business School are working with hotel partners 

across the globe on The Low Harm Hedoism Initiative 

and developing solutions to reduce environmental 

damage caused in enjoyment-focused tourism 

contexts. Funded by the Australian Research Council, 

the initiative set key targets for sustainable practices 

to remain cost-efficient and ideally increase customer 

satisfaction. 

A few strategies to become more sustainable 

include: 

Reducing plate waste at buffets 

Many resources are used to produce food, and if it 

goes into landfill, it produces planet warming methane 

while decomposing. Practical ways to reduce plate 

waste include using smaller plates and making it okay 

to return to the buffet (to reduce plate overfilling). You 

can even make it fun – there are examples of stamp 

collection games where children win prizes if they don’t 

leave food behind. 

Reducing room cleaning 

Altering the existing practices to routine room cleaning 

can have an immense impact. A typical room clean 

in a four-star hotel uses 35L of water, 100ml of 

chemicals and 1.5KWh of electricity. Implementing a 

‘please clean my room today’ sign can help reduce 

the number of cleans while not impacting guest 

satisfaction, considering studies show that guests 

have no need for their room to be cleaned daily. 

Hotels save money by not cleaning a room. Guests 

are aware of this and to ensure customer satisfaction, 

hotels can find ways to share the savings with guests 

with enticements such as drink vouchers and making 

them aware of their positive contributions. 

A variety of other ideas are being tested including 

towel reuse approaches (laundry consumption 

contributes immensely to greenhouse emissions) 

and using recycled paper serviettes. Many hotels in 

Australia are increasingly focused on reducing their 

environmental impact and implementing sustainable 

practices to ensure the long-term viability of their 

operations. Consumers don’t expect perfection, 

however you will find they are welcoming being a part 

of the journey if organisations are transparent about 

changes to the accommodation experience. 

Source acknowledgements: 

The University of Queensland, How hotels can operate in sustainable 

ways, save money and great guest reviews. 

Travel Weekly, Article: This newly revamped Sunshine Coast boutique 

has net zero in its sights. 

Brand TD, Article: Accor Queensland hotels certified by Ecotourism 

Australia. 


FOCUS 

DEFYING EXPECTATIONS 

IT GOES TO SHOW THAT YOU DON’T NEED A MILLION-DOLLAR KITCHEN TO OFFER AN OUTSTANDING DINING 

EXPERIENCE WORTHY OF RECOGNITION IN THE QUEENSLAND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. 


Introducing The Lighthouse Hotel - a quaint watering 

hole in Burnett Heads that just so happens to have 

one of the best bistros in regional Queensland. 

While the hotel is known for its lively atmosphere and 

entertainment, what keeps locals and tourists coming 

back for more is the venue’s commitment to attentive 

customer service and simply incredible food. 

In fact, it was the small hotel’s diverse menu combined 

with its expertise in sourcing local ingredients that 

brought it in front of an audience of hundreds at the 

30th QHA Awards for Excellence this year. 

Manager at The Lighthouse Hotel, Gavin Hales, said 

the team was ecstatic when their venue was awarded 

Best Bistro – Regional up against other hospitality 

industry leaders on the night. 

“Internally, we were confident, because together we all 

know how hard we work and what we have been able 

to deliver as a venue. 

“After seeing so many other larger hotels in the same 

category, in addition to the many that have won the 

category before, it was so humbling to take out the 

award. 

“The team definitely soaked up the lively atmosphere 

and enjoyed the night immensely,” he said. 

Framed perfectly by regional farmland and the coast 

of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, The Lighthouse 

Hotel is fortunate enough to be situated in one of the 

best ‘food bowls’ in the country. As a result, the hotel’s 

award-winning eatery, Beacon’s Bistro, uses as much 

produce as possible from nearby farms and trawlers.

FOCUS 

The quality and freshness of these ingredients are 

made present in every meal on the hotel’s menu, 

which features coconut prawn miang, atlantic salmon, 

mushroom and asparagus arancini balls, mississippi 

chicken, caper butter patagonian toothfish and tuscan 

chicken and prawns. 

Gavin said the key to excelling in the food and 

beverage sector of hospitality is by providing a great 

atmosphere while offering an incredible product from 

the moment guests walk into the venue. 

“It is important to exceed customer expectations by 

delivering meals and beverages that are fresh, new 

and memorable. 

“You also need a strong team. Having everyone 

buy into what you want to deliver is of the utmost 

importance. Seeing a crowd of happy faces from 

customers and staff is infectious,” he said. 

While it has only recently gained attention for its bistro, 

the hotel has always been an icon for the community 

of Burnett Heads and has provided a welcoming place 

for locals and tourists for over 140 years. 

Founded in 1883, The Lighthouse Hotel originally 

promised sea views, accommodation, liquors and 

fine meals to its visitors who hailed from the nearby 

farming community and township, which consisted 

of 40 houses and shacks at the time. 

After decades of renovations and developing a 

strong community following, the venue remains a 

warm and friendly eight-room hotel in the heart of 

Burnett Heads with an idyllic location right next to 

the Bundaberg Port Marina. 

Gavin said the venue has always been popular, but 

when they shifted their business model after Covid19 

to become more food and entertainment focused, 

the hotel raised turnover in all areas. 

“Since then, we have also begun to run major events 

like the Lighthouse Rock and Lighthouse Country 

music festivals. 

“These attract between 5,000 to 6,000 people 

and bring plenty of visitors to the region who not 

only enjoy our facilities, but other attractions in our 

community as well,” he said. 


FOCUS

FOCUS 

Second to the venue’s food and beverage is its 

fantastic location in Burnett Heads. As a quiet 

and relaxed coastal village only a short distance 

away from Bundaberg, the region has the unique 

advantage of being where the country meets the 

coast. 

As such, the hotel attracts travellers to iconic 

Queensland tourism destinations such as Oaks 

Beach, Mon Repos Turtle Centre and Lady 

Musgrave Island – a tropical paradise on the 

Southern Great Barrier Reef known for its pristine 

waters and diverse marine life. 

Gavin said, as both The Lighthouse Hotel and other 

major attractions in the area continue to grow and 

draw in more people, they are constantly looking for 

ways to facilitate an increasing number of guests. 

“We are looking at acquiring more land to allow for 

camping. This will not only benefit us, but also the 

community as a whole. 

“Burnett Heads is a hub where you will find tradies 

and other workers who often meet at the bar 

towards the end of the day. You will often find 

families dining at The Lighthouse Hotel for lunch 

and dinner as well. 

“SEEING A CROWD OF HAPPY FACES 

FROM CUSTOMERS AND STAFF IS 

INFECTIOUS... 

“With this in mind, we are very community-minded. 

We like to run raffles on Friday nights, and annually 

we raise and distribute over $18,000 to charities 

and local projects in our surrounding area,” he said. 

As the hotel’s 2023 QHA Award for Excellence 

suggests, the venue has earned its new reputation 

as an industry leader with its focus on providing 

memorable, delicious dining experiences to its 

regional community in Burnett Heads. 

However, in the hospitality industry the whole is 

always greater than the sum of its parts, and so 

Gavin said it took the determination and hard work 

of the entire team to get the small Queensland 

venue to where it is today. 

“Our assistant manager, Tania, our head chef, Ben, 

our bistro manager, Tracey, our bar manager, Kate, 

and our retail manager, Angelo, all deserve a special 

thanks. Without them looking after their respective 

areas within the business, the success of The 

Lighthouse Hotel could not be possible,” he said. 


INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT with Damian Steele 

POSITIVE CHANGES TO LATE-NIGHT 

EXTENDED HOURS PERMITS 

QHA REPRESENTATIONS HAVE RESULTED IN POSITIVE CHANGES TO THE APPLICATION CRITERIA REQUIRED FOR 

ONE-OFF LATE-NIGHT EXTENDED TRADING PERMITS. THESE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED IN A NEW OFFICE OF LIQUOR 

AND GAMING REGULATION (OLGR) GUIDELINE. 


Background 

The Government’s implementation of the Tackling 

Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Policy in July 2016 included 

changes to the application criteria for One-off 

Extended Trading Hours Permits (XHPs) applications. 

Under that legislation: 

• the number of late-night XHPs per year was 

reduced from 12 to 6 

And a post-midnight permit would only be granted: 

• for a special occasion 

• by persons independent of the licensee 

• for a reasonable time before or after when the 

special occasion is happening 

QHA representations 

The QHA suggested the determination of whether 

an event is a ‘special occasion’ and of local, state or 

national significance was highly subjective and should 

be removed or given greater scope and clarification. 

Further, the QHA requested that the requirement that 

the special occasion must be independent of the 

licensee should also be removed, as the business 

is ‘putting on the show’ and incurring the costs of 

opening, employing staff and abiding by all licence 

conditions, including gaining Queensland Police 

approval. 

Pleasingly, these representations have resulted in the 

release of a new guideline addressing these issues. 

The (new) Guideline 68: Late-night extended 

hours permit 

The guideline provides advice about the considerations 

of the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming regarding 

late-night (between midnight and 5am) extended hours 

permits under the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld), as related to 

the administration of the relevant legislative criteria. 

Public events accepted as special occasions 

To provide transparency to industry, eligible licensees 

will not need to give evidence demonstrating how the 

following categories of special public events constitute 

a special occasion for the purposes of seeking 

extended trading hours. Examples are provided for 

reference, and are not intended to be exhaustive in 

nature. 

Public holidays 

For example: 

• Australia Day 

• Labour Day 

• King’s Birthday 

This includes the morning of and morning after a 

public holiday, but excludes any periods where the 

general sale of liquor is prohibited under the Act (for 

example, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day). 

All eligible Queensland licensees can apply. 

Stadium and outdoor music festivals and concerts 

For example: 

• Birdsville Big Red Bash 

• CMC Rocks QLD 

• Winton’s Way Out West Fest 

• Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival 

All eligible licensees in the local community area 

surrounding the event may apply. 

National, international and other significant sporting 

events 

National level sporting events featuring Australianbased 

teams: 

• NRL and NRLW 

• State of Origin 

• AFL

Damian Steele 

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT 

• A-League 

• Super Rugby 

• Sheffield Shield and BBL 

International level sporting events where a national 

team or individual representative is participating: 

• Olympics and Paralympics 

• Commonwealth Games 

• FIFA, Rugby and Cricket World Cups 

• Australian Open 

• Australian Grand Prix 

• Cricket test matches (including The Ashes) 

• Other finals-level sporting matches between non- 

Australian teams or participants, such as the NFL 

Superbowl and NBA Finals 

Licensees who can apply: 

• regular season events—all eligible licensees in the 

local community area surrounding the event 

• finals or playoff games—all eligible licensees in the 

local community area surrounding the event and 

in the local community area where the competing 

teams are based 

• State of Origin and similar national and international 

level sporting events—all eligible Queensland 

licensees 

• sporting match between non-Australian teams 

or participants—all eligible licensees who will 

broadcast the event live at the premises during the 

(proposed) extended trading period 

Significant cultural or religious events 

For example: 

• St Patrick’s Day 

• Valentine’s Day 

• Oktoberfest 

All eligible Queensland licensees can apply. 

Significant art, music or community events 

For example: 

• Valley Fiesta 

• Riverfire 

• Woodford Folk Festival 

• Eurovision (only if Australia is participating) 

Licensees who can apply: 

• regional events—all eligible licensees in the local 

community area surrounding the event 

• international events—all eligible licensees who will 

broadcast the event live at the premises during the 

(proposed) extended trading period 

Regional shows, celebrations or annual rodeos 

For example: 

• Mount Isa Rodeo 

• Port Douglas Carnivale 

• Golden Mount Festival (Mt Morgan) 

All eligible licensees in the local community area 

surrounding the event may apply. 

Persons who are considered as independent of 

the licensee 

Any event held for the benefit of the licensee’s 

customers will be considered as sufficiently 

independent from the licensee. This means licensees 

are not required to submit evidence demonstrating the 

independence of the person(s) wishing to celebrate the 

special occasion at their venue. 

Reasonable time before and after the special 

occasion 

For public holidays, the eve of a public holiday (from 

midnight) and the morning after the public holiday 

are considered as occurring during a reasonable time 

before and after the special occasion. 

For other special occasions, ‘reasonable time’ can be 

considered as including any time after an event (for 

example, a stadium concert or a professional sporting 

event) that concludes at 8.30pm or later, as well as 

any related after-parties, award ceremonies or similar 

events hosted by a licensed premises. 

Existing approval process 

The existing assessment process will not change 

with all applications to be lodged with the OLGR for 

approval less than 21 days before the event or they 

will not be processed. Applications continue to require 

endorsement by the local appropriate Queensland 

Police Service. 


TRAINING AND SAFETY RTO 30826 

with Therese Kelly 

NEW FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS FROM DECEMBER 


The introduction of Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A 

brings more rigorous requirements designed to ensure 

that food handlers are trained in safety measures 

throughout the food preparation and distribution 

processes. Because of the risk involved in handling 

food, businesses now have the responsibility to ensure 

food handlers are trained in compliance with Standard 

3.2.2A. 

What has changed for Queensland 

In Queensland, all licensed food businesses must have 

a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS). The change that will 

come into effect in December 2023 is that the FSS 

qualification must have been attained within the last 

five years, as there was previously no expiry on the 

certificates. Stricter requirements regarding food handler 

training is also new to the state. Anyone who handles 

food needs to undertake food safety training. A food 

handler is anyone who works in a food business and 

either handles food or is in contact with food surfaces 

such as cutlery, plates and bowls. Examples include 

making, cooking, preparing, serving, packing, displaying 

and storing food. This does not have to be accredited, 

but it is strongly recommended. Local governmental 

authorities may conduct inspections, during which 

businesses may need to provide evidence of employee 

training. 

Food safety training and what it should include 

Food handler training needs to include the ability to 

control the temperature of potentially hazardous foods 

and an understanding of temperature danger zones. 

Food handlers should learn methods to separate raw 

and cooked items, manage allergens, properly store 

foods and use designated utensils for different food 

types. Training should include policies for managing 

sick employees and cover standards for handwashing, 

uniforms and overall staff grooming. Training should 

also teach approved techniques for cleaning surfaces 

and equipment using food-safe chemicals or heat as 

the sanitising agent. Maintaining a high food safety 

standard is an ongoing process. Regular audits, 

continuous training and updates are essential. QHA can 

offer training that will ensure your business meets these 

requirements. For food handlers, we would recommend 

undertaking a basic food safety unit SITXFSA005 - Use 

hygienic practices for food safety. To achieve the Food 

Safety Supervisor certification, the nominated FSS 

needs to have completed the following units in the last 

five years: 

• SITXFSA005 – Use hygienic practices for food safety 

• SITXFSA006 – Participate in safe food handling 

practices 

If you are looking to provide in-house training for your 

food handlers, the following topics should be covered. 

Personal hygiene and handwashing 

One important element in food safety is personal 

hygiene. Food handlers must wash their hands: 

• before starting work 

• after using the toilet 

• after handling waste or garbage 

• after coughing, sneezing or touching one’s face 

Even when using gloves, food handlers must not skip 

handwashing. 

Cross-contamination 

Cross-contamination is a leading cause of food-borne 

diseases. Food handlers must: 

• keep raw and cooked foods separate 

• use separate utensils, cutting boards and storage for 

different types of food 

• clean and sanitise surfaces and utensils between 

tasks 

Food storage 

Correct food storage can significantly minimise risks. 

Food handlers should: 

• store raw food items separately from cooked items 

• monitor refrigeration and freezer temperatures 

regularly 

• follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principles in storage 

Cooking temperatures 

Food handlers must know the recommended internal 

cooking temperatures for different food items and learn 

how to use a food thermometer effectively. 

Cleaning and sanitising work areas 

Food handlers are responsible for keeping a clean 

environment. This includes: 

• regularly cleaning surfaces with right detergents 

• sanitising equipment, utensils and cutting boards 

• proper waste management 

• managing food allergens 

Understanding the presence and impact of allergens is 

critical. Food handlers must: 

• know the common food allergens 

• use separate utensils and surfaces for allergen-free 

food preparation 

• clearly label dishes that have potential allergens 

For further information please contact QHA training on 

07 32216999 or email training@qha.org.au.

Tana Thorpe EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS 

FINES ISSUED FOR JOB ADVERTISEMENTS 

LISTING INCORRECT PAY RATES 

Over the last 12 months there has been significant 

changes to industrial relations legislation which directly 

impacts employer’s compliance obligations. One of the 

changes in 2023 was in relation to job advertisements. 

From 7 January 2023, The Fair Work Legislation 

Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 

(Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act) made it unlawful to 

advertise a job at a pay rate which is in breach of the 

Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act), a modern award or 

an enterprise agreement. This change means it is now 

unlawful to advertise a pay rate below the correct legal 

amount. 

The QHA’s Employment Relations (ER) Department 

has previously alerted QHA members of this change. 

However, we thought it was an important topic to 

raise again as we have become aware that the Fair 

Work Ombudsman has recently issued fines for job 

advertisements (such as those on seek.com) which 

list an incorrect and unlawful pay rate. Where the pay 

rate listed in a job advertisement is below the correct 

amount (such as $1.00 below the lawful amount), 

employers could face a fine from the Fair Work 

Ombudsman. 

Potential penalties or external claims 

Employers who advertise a job with an unlawful pay 

rate, can face: 

• civil penalties of up to 60 penalty units ($18,780) 

• legal proceedings from fair work inspectors or 

unions 

• compliance notices from fair work inspectors 

requiring the employer to take specified action (for 

example, to take the advertisement down) 

Please note, a penalty may be issued even if the 

business is paying the correct pay rate to employees. 

Recommendations 

To ensure you are compliant, QHA members are 

recommended to: 

1. Ensure that current and future job advertisements 

list the correct pay rate in accordance with Fair 

Work Act, modern award, or applicable enterprise 

agreement. 

2. Ensure that the pay rate is checked taking into 

consideration the classification level of the role, the 

advertised employment type (for example, casual 

or full-time/part-time) and using current wage rates 

from 1 July 2023. 

The QHA’s ER Department has wage guides effective 

from 1 July 2023 available for QHA members. We can 

also assist members to determine the appropriate pay 

rate based on the applicable classification level of the 

role. 

QHA assistance 

We appreciate there has been a lot of changes in the 

last 12 months. To assist QHA members with these 

changes, we have been hosting webinars and sending 

out updates via our ER Bulletin. If you do not currently 

receive this correspondence, we encourage you to 

contact us at er@qha.org.au. 

As outlined in this article, this change is a result of 

the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act, which became 

operative on 6 December 2022 and brought in a 

range of significant amendments. Prior to the Secure 

Jobs, Better Pay Act becoming operative, the QHA, 

in conjunction with the Australian Hotels Association 

(AHA), filed submissions and attended the Senate 

Committee Hearing to raise concerns regarding the 

proposed amendments that could have most impact 

to QHA members and the hospitality industry. 

The QHA, in conjunction with the AHA, will continue to 

raise concerns regarding future proposed amendments 

that most impact QHA members. If you have 

questions about these changes, please contact the ER 

Department team on 07 3221 6999 or 

er@qha.org.au. 


TOP DROP 

DOUBLE STOUT 

Shepherd Neame & Co 

PACIFIC HAZE 

Revel Brewing Co. 

KOLSCH STYLE ALE 

4 Pines Brewing Co. 

TOPWIRE BREWER’S 

LOUNGE CGX IPA 

Revel Brewing Co. 

x Bintani 


Velvety smooth and made 

from four different malts 

imparting roasted coffee 

and cocoa notes with a 

firm bitterness, this is my 

kind of stout. It’s dark and 

brooding, not sweet and 

overly dominated by a 

strong alcohol aftertaste 

like some modern-day 

renditions. This beer 

proves that the new way 

of doing things is not 

always right. This classic 

is right up there with 

Coopers stout in a class 

of their own. 

Refreshingly crisp. 

Bright tropical notes of 

passionfruit, pineapple 

and orange are 

complemented by a light 

bitterness. All this coupled 

with its dry body make 

for the ultimate thirst 

quencher this summer. 

Another great summer 

beer. This style is done 

justice by the crew 

at 4 Pines featuring a 

delectable aroma of 

lemon making way for 

a light malty palate. 

Finishing crisp and clean, 

there are nice hints of 

spice and citrus. 

Sometimes all the 

technical talk is lost on me 

but nevertheless, I know 

what I like and this beer 

is exceptional. “Utilising 

CGX hops, which undergo 

cryogenic separation 

from whole-hop cones 

to extract concentrated 

lupulin pellets teeming 

with resins and oils, we 

aim to achieve the utmost 

hop flavour in our beer.” 

Whatever that exactly 

means, it works and I 

want more of it. Incredible.

TOP DROP 

GALAXY HAZE 

Felons Brewing Co. 

MOOSE PEAK HAZY IPA 

8 Wired Brewing 

STATUS QUO PALE ALE 

Mountain Culture 

Beer Co. 

IN THE WILD 

DOUBLE IPA 

Range Brewing 

This effervescent rendition 

of a hazy pale sees good 

carbonation delicately 

deliver bubbles of tangy 

passionfruit and citrus to 

your palate to be savoured 

and enjoyed. A final light 

lashing of bitterness 

rounds out the flavour 

sensation. 

This is the style of hazy 

IPA I love, as they say, it’s 

“super thick and foggy, 

like the Maine coast 

on a July morning.” It 

is more malt forward 

than I anticipated but 

then waves of guava, 

mango, passionfruit, 

pineapple and pine hit 

your tastebuds and linger 

for a while. It is dank, 

earthy and herbal and all 

those things you want in a 

quality hazy IPA. 

There’s a good reason 

why this pale came first 

in the GABS Hottest 

100. It’s complex, it’s 

well balanced and it’s so 

many things. There’s a 

nice degree of mild tart 

bitterness contrasting the 

flavours of tropical fruit, 

citrus and pine. Some 

pale ales can be too fruity 

and too sweet but this 

one is not sweet and yet 

still dry, fruity, juicy and 

silky smooth all at the 

same time. It is possibly 

the greatest pale ale I 

have ever tried. 

I feel good tonight, In The 

Wild you alright. With 

my son having just won 

his grand final I went 

in pursuit of something 

special and this was it. 

8.7% ABV meant it was a 

party in a can. My mouth 

was awash with flavours 

of berries and tropical 

fruit. It’s thick and juicy 

and just what I love. 


A CRAFTY BUNCH 

ONE OF A KIND 

A BIG CHEERS TO SOBAH – THE FOUNDER OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST 

INDIGENOUS-OWNED AND NON-ALCOHOLIC CRAFT BREWERY. 


Known for its colourful craft beers infused with native 

bush tucker, Sobah officially opened its first location on 

30 September this year. Neatly situated on the Gold 

Coast, the venue operates as a contemporary café, 

non-alcoholic brewhouse and Indigenous art gallery – 

so it’s certainly far from your average brewery. 

Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Clinton 

and Lozen Schultz, Sobah has helped build what is 

now Australia’s fastest growing drinking category – 

non-alcoholic beverages. Born from a desire to provide 

a better choice for those that want to stay sober but 

love to socially drink, the brand is one of the few that 

pioneered the non-alcoholic trend in Queensland. 

Sobah’s new location demonstrates that not only are 

healthier drinking choices being made more present 

in the nation’s craft beer industry, but also positive 

awareness and exposure when it comes to First 

Nation’s culture, cuisine, values and traditions. 

In addition to being chemical, preservative and alcohol 

free, Sobah’s brews also set themselves apart by 

being infused with native Australian fruits and spices.

For example, the craft brewery’s core range of 

beers include its Lemon Aspen Pilsner, Finger Lime 

Cerveza, Pepperberry IPA and Davidson Plum Ale. 

Sobah also experiment with seasonal releases that 

combine exciting bush tucker flavours, such as 

Aniseed Myrtle Stout, Boab + Wild Ginger Lager, 

Wattleseed Gold and Tropical Lager Coral’ation, 

which was brewed to raise money for the Coral Sea 

Foundation. 

The brand’s badha gali (a close translation for ‘beer’ 

in Gamilarayy), has been a hit with critics over the 

past six years, and earned a place in the 2021 

GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beers while additionally 

scoring silver and bronze at the 2021 Australian 

Independent Beer Awards and this year’s Royal 

Queensland Food, Wine and Beer Awards. 

Despite being non-alcoholic, Sobah’s brews retain 

a light, fresh and crisp taste with a distinct hop 

aroma and flavour. The brewery’s commitment to 

honouring culture and tradition is clearly at the heart 

of everything it offers, with its beer cans featuring the 

intricate linework and bold colours of Aboriginal art. 

Depictions of culturally significant flora and fauna, 

such as the wedgetail eagle (Maliyan) are also seen 

to echo throughout the entirety of the new venue. 

DESPITE BEING NON-ALCOHOLIC, 

SOBAH’S BREWS RETAIN A LIGHT, FRESH 

AND CRISP TASTE WITH A DISTINCT HOP 

AROMA AND FLAVOUR...

A CRAFTY BUNCH 

Clinton, a proud Gamilaraay man and psychologist, 

said he created the beer brand in 2016 after two 

years of being sober. 

“I felt frustrated at the lack of decent adult nonalcoholic 

drinks available in Australia. While I didn’t 

want to drink booze anymore, I really loved the taste 

of beer. 

“So, with a bit of research and some yarns with 

brewers in Europe, I figured out a way to make great 

tasting non-alcoholic beer that no one else was 

doing here. 

“We’re on a mission to champion Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander culture, native foods and wellbeing 

through our unique range of brews to help 

reduce the stigma around socialising sober,” he said. 

Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, also known 

as Kombumerri country, Sobah’s new location 

was created to be a welcome space where taste, 

culture and connection intertwine. Celebrating both 

exceptional taste and mindful choices, the venue 

offers an upstairs space for art, yoga and traditional 

healing while also hosting engaging brewery tours 

that take guests behind the scenes. 

Of course, Sobah is all about bringing a fresh 

perspective to brewing and cuisine, so their café 

is no different. Highlighting the flavours of native 

Australian ingredients, its menu is full of delicious 

and one-of-a-kind meals including wattle hotsmoked 

kangaroo fillets, crocodile burgers, 

barramundis wrapped in paperbark and emu eggs. 

The menu is perfectly complimented by Sobah’s 

fruity craft beer, however macadamia milk coffees, 

native kombucha and flavoured mineral water from 

Wollumbin (Mount Warning) are also available. 

“WE’RE ON A MISSION TO CHAMPION 

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER 

CULTURE, NATIVE FOODS AND WELL-BEING 

THROUGH OUR UNIQUE RANGE OF BREWS 

TO HELP REDUCE THE STIGMA AROUND 

SOCIALISING SOBER,” 

Since it was founded, Sobah has thrived while 

following the philosophies of Gamilaraay Lore 

‘dhiriya Gamil’, which include acting from a position 

of respecting people, place and the environment 

while understanding and working towards fulfilling 

responsibilities and engaging in positive reciprocity. 

Because of this, the brand is continuing to give back, 

create opportunities for others, encourage sustainable 

and healthy ways of living and assist in bringing about 

positive changes in the craft brewing industry. As 

such, we are certainly looking forward to seeing Sobah 

continue to grow, expand, innovate and experiment 

with Australia’s native bush tucker flavours.

Here's 

cheers 

The 

QHA Podcast 

LISTEN IN TO THE BACKSTORY 

BEHIND THE INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS 

STORIES, THE LATEST PRODUCT 

RELEASES AND EVEN GET TO KNOW 

THE DECISION-MAKERS THAT 

IMPACT OUR INDUSTRY 

TUNE IN EACH MONTH ON 

YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN AT QHA.ORG.AU

A CRAFTY 

BUNCH 

W H Y N O T S T O C K & S U P P O R T 

Aether Brewing 

Aether is more than just a 

brewery or just some beer. It is an 

expression of creativity, innovation 

and quality which is hand crafted 

by a team who treat each other as 

family. We are driven by our shared 

unrelenting passion for what we 

do and the dedication we have for 

great beer shows in each and every 

beer that leaves our home in the 

North of Brisbane. From our multiple 

award winning core range to our 

highly anticipated seasonal releases, 

we create a beer for every taste. 

1800 325 013 

aetherbrewing.com.au 

Ballistic Beer Co. 

At Ballistic we have a simple theory. 

Fresh beer is the best beer. That’s 

why we brew in small batches, more 

frequently, and store it cold so you get 

the same blast of flavour our brewers 

do. Our pale ales, lagers, IPAs, sours 

and special releases will blow away 

the traditional ideas and expectations 

of what beer should be. 

Set in an old World War II 

ammunitions factory in the historic, 

industrial suburb of Salisbury, Ballistic 

HQ is home to a team of innovative 

brewers who believe everyone should 

have the chance to enjoy a well 

crafted, quality beer. 

(07) 3277 6656 

ballisticbeer.com 

Brisbane Brewing Co. 

Brisbane’s longest-running 

independent brewery, familyowned 

and serving award-winning 

beer since 2005. Our beers are 

brewed to suit the climate, bringing 

people who love to explore the 

world and locally made craft beer 

together. Welcoming and friendly, 

unpretentious, and easy going, 

enjoy on hot summer or cool sunny 

winter day, “The Brisbanest Beer”. 

(07) 3891 1011 

brisbanebrewing.com.au/wholesale 


Burleigh Brewing Co 

Founded in 2006 by Peta and 

Brennan Fielding, Burleigh Brewing 

was one of the first independent 

craft breweries in QLD. Now 

celebrating 15 years of the brand, 

Burleigh Brewing has upgraded 

their Taphouse in Burleigh Heads, 

won countless awards for both 

business and beer (a testament 

to their shared and individual 

strengths), grown to a team of 70, 

and in their own humble, hardworking 

way, helped transform the 

Gold Coast’s craft brewing scene 

into one of the most vibrant and 

thriving in the country. 

(07) 5593 6000 

burleighbrewing.com.au 

The Catchment Brewing Co 

Catchment Brewing Co, located in 

a beautiful art deco building in West 

End, is a fully functioning brewery, 

bar and restaurant and your one stop 

shop for all things craft beer, awesome 

food and functions. 

Whether sampling the medal winning 

core range beers named after iconic 

streets in the local catchment or the 

seasonal smash hits that will amaze 

you, it’s well worth a visit for a taste of 

West End. 

Catchment Brewing Co - For locals, 

by locals, everywhere. 

(07) 3846 1701 

bookings@catchmentbrewingco.com.au 

catchmentbrewingco.com.au 

Felons Brewing Co 

Founded by Brisbane locals, Felons 

Brewing Co. is a modern-day brewery 

proudly positioned on the banks of the 

Brisbane River. Our brewery is nestled 

down under the Story Bridge, within 

Howard Smith Wharves. We truly 

believe that beer is what binds us all 

to this great part of the world and as 

proud brewers, we believe in brewing 

with passion and freedom. 

07 3188 9090 

felonsbrewingco.com.au

Q U E E N S L A N D L O C A L S 

A CRAFTY 

BUNCH 

Fortitude Brewing Co 

Fortitude Brewing Co delivers 

you 15 taps of fresh beer locally 

produced in our Tamborine 

Mountain Brewery. Enjoy a day 

trip up the mountain and visit our 

team for the best fresh pizza and 

tasting paddles. 

07 5545 4273 

fortitudebrewing.com.au 

Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co 

Nestled in the Scarborough Marina 

on the Redcliffe Peninsula, our 

brewery is home to award-winning 

craft beers and delicious meals, that 

can be enjoyed in our double story 

venue, that boasts views across the 

bay to the beautiful Glass House 

Mountains; a view best enjoyed with 

a beer in hand. 

1800 727 104 

scarboroughharbourbc.com.au 

Slipstream Brewing 

Slipstream Brewing is an 

independently owned brewery based 

in Brisbane. We are a small but 

passionate team producing some of 

the most accessible and sessionable 

craft beers in Australia. We’re the 

missing gap between bland beer and 

wanky beer, our beers hit the bullseye, 

brewed with nothing but pure flavour 

in mind. Hops are the heroes and 

we milk them for all their worth. We 

love the freshness, juiciness, the zing 

and the zest. One sip, it tastes so 

good – capture that feeling and fill the 

fridge with it. Beer is the last thing you 

should settle on, so come and get 

caught in Slipstream. 

(07) 3892 4582 

slipstreambrewing.com.au 

4 Hearts Brewing 

The first brewery to open its doors in 

Ipswich in over 100 years, 4 Hearts’ 

brew masters are committed to 

premium local ingredients and 

profound taste. Preservative free and 

all natural they use the highest quality 

ingredients to consistently deliver a 

tasty beer every brew. Our core range 

features modern spins on traditional 

brews while our ever growing range 

of seasonal beers takes things to 

more adventurous levels, utilising 

local seasonal produce as inspiration 

(honey, rosella or carrots anyone…?). 

0439 439 710 

4heartsbrewing.com

PUB TALK with Paul St John-Wood 

END OF YEAR PREPARATIONS 


It was pleasing to see the Office of Liquor and Gaming 

Regulation Queensland relax the application criteria 

for one-off extended trading hour permits for licensed 

venues. The most significant change states, “any 

event held for the benefit of the licensee’s customers 

will be considered as sufficiently independent from 

the licensee. This means licensees are not required to 

submit evidence demonstrating the independence of 

the person(s) wishing to celebrate the special occasion 

at their venue.” This change now allows a greater 

number of pubs to access one-off extended hours 

permits, which is certainly welcomed in the lead up to 

the festive season and into the new year. 

Pubs, Pots & Profits – Plainland 

Thank you to the hoteliers and QHA partners who 

were able to take time out of their businesses to 

attend the Pubs, Pots & Profits Forum held at Porter’s 

Plainland Hotel in October. We had over 80 attendees 

who received valuable insights from CUB, Cooking the 

Books and QHA team members. This was also the first 

time we have incorporated a mini trade show into this 

meeting format. Thank you to the 12 exhibitors who 

showcased their products and services to the meeting 

attendees. 

This was the final Pubs, Pots & Profits forum for 2023. 

We would like to thank CUB for their ongoing support 

of the program and thank the hoteliers who have 

attended these meetings throughout the state. The 

calendar of events for 2023 will be out next month 

and we look forward to seeing you at one of the many 

meetings or events around the state. 

Minors attending Christmas parties 

Can minors attend their work Christmas party at the 

hotel if their parents are not there? The answer is Yes. 

A minor is permitted on the premises when attending 

a function (a staff Christmas party for example), or 

is consuming a meal (a business may book their 

employees in for a Christmas dinner rather than a 

designated function). However if the party group 

move to the public bar for drinks after their meal or 

function booking then the minor can only remain if 

they are accompanied by an adult who is responsibly 

supervising them. 

The Queensland Liquor Act defines a responsible adult 

as a parent, step parent or guardian of the minor or 

an adult who has parental rights and responsibilities 

for the minor. If a person in the Christmas party group 

does not fit this criteria than, following on from the 

function or dinner, the minor is no longer an exempt 

minor and will need to leave the licenced premises. 

You must also be mindful of any specific conditions on 

your licence which may prevent minors (even exempt 

minors) from being on premise in certain areas of the 

venue or while entertainment is being provided. 

2024 QHA membership renewals 

It is that time of year again for Queensland Hotels 

Association membership renewals. As with previous 

years, you will receive your renewal invitation letters 

and invoices emailed directly to the primary contact 

for the venue or the relevant billing contact. With your 

support in 2023, the QHA has represented member’s 

interests across a broad range of issues, and we look 

forward to continuing a strong relationship with each of 

you again in 2024. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you 

require any assistance with the renewal process or if 

you would like any further information on your QHA 

membership.

South Africa 

Study Tour June 2024 

Including Capetown, Sun City, Kruger National Park. 

Experience first hand the wonder of South Africa, how they amaze 

tourists worldwide with the national parks, resorts and first-class dining. 

Including in-depth discussion and back of house tours of food and 

gaming operations throughout the tour. 

To express interest please contact Bernie Hogan on bhogan@qha.org.au 

or visit sanfordtravel.eventsair.com/qha-south-africa-2024

A SPIRITED BUNCH 



SPIRIT ANTHOLOGY 

WITH AN INCREDIBLE TALE SHAPING EACH OF THEIR 

LIQUORS, GRANDDAD JACK’S CRAFT DISTILLERY IS 

RUN BY STORYTELLERS THAT JUST SO HAPPEN TO 

MAKE WORLD CLASS SPIRITS. 

Founded by a father and son team, Granddad Jack’s 

is a family-owned and operated producer of spirits and 

liquors – each one inspired by the many stories of David 

Goulding, also known as Granddad Jack. Founded in 

2017 after his passing, the craft distillery continues to 

be driven by David’s old-fashioned values and creates 

spaces that cultivate a sense of community, uniqueness 

and passion for handcrafted spirits. 

With two established distilleries in Brisbane and the Gold 

Coast and international distribution in seven countries, 

Granddad Jack’s exceptional range of spirits, including 

gins, vodka, coffee liqueur and single-barrel whiskey, 

are enjoyed around the world. Founder and CEO of 

Granddad Jack’s, David Ridden, said experience is what 

they focus on above all at their distilleries. 

“That experience starts the moment you walk into 

one of our cocktail bars or our Granddad Jack’s 

Bar Experience in Newcastle. We are all about the 

communities we are located in, and love supporting the 

people that support us. 

“Every distillation has the spirit of Granddad Jack, and 

that’s just something you cannot buy. Our family has a 

commitment to the very highest quality. Here, we are all 

about drink less but better –have three or four amazing 

drinks, not 10 average ones,” he said. 

Of course, brands driven by such passion, ambition 

and purpose often deliver some of the best products. 

Granddad Jack’s is no stranger to critical acclaim, and 

was announced in 2022 as one of the world’s top four 

gin producers in the prestigious International Wine and 

Spirit Competition (IWSC). 


The craft distillery leaves behind a trail of awards 

with just about every spirit it releases. For 

example, its iconic 65 Miles Gin was awarded 

95 points and a gold medal in the Gin and Tonic 

category in the 2023 ISWC, and was additionally 

voted Australian’s best gin at the 2023 Ginuary 

Festival for its unique spice flavour profile. 

Made using locally sourced coffee and infused 

with coconut, vanilla, eucalyptus and cinnamon, 

Granddad Jack’s Barbershop Coffee Liqueur 

is also highly praised, and won a Double Gold 

Medal and the title of World’s Best Coffee Liqueur 

at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards while 

continuing to be a regular gold and double gold 

medal recipient ever since. 

Another celebrated spirit, Greenhouse Gin, won 

the highest possible award for its category at 

the Bartender Spirit Awards 2022 in addition 

to a myriad of other trophies that year. The 

unique, innovative gin is made with organic 

botanicals including juniper berries, grapefruit 

peel, cucumber, rose hip and lemon myrtle, which 

results in a smooth and balanced flavour profile. 


“GRANDDAD JACK LOVED A WHISKEY 

AND TELLING STORIES, SO BACK IN 

NOVEMBER 2017 AT A FAMILY BARBEQUE 

WE DECIDED TO BUILD A DISTILLERY...


While these are only a few of the craft distillery’s 

claims to fame, they certainly serve as a testament 

to Granddad Jack’s craftsmanship and dedication to 

producing quality spirits that are enjoyable to drink. 

Underneath all of these incredible achievements, 

however, are the exceptional tales of Granddad Jack. 

David said he had always wanted to tell the story of his 

grandfather’s life, as it was simply a remarkable one. 

“Granddad Jack loved a whiskey and telling stories, 

so back in November 2017 at a family barbeque we 

decided to build a distillery. 

“We thought, because he loved a good whiskey, what 

better place to tell his life story. Everything we do in 

the business is about telling his story in every way we 

can,” he said. 

Littered throughout every gin, liqueur, vodka and 

whiskey are snapshots of Granddad Jack’s life, which 

truly represents everything good and authentic about 

the craft liquor industry. Born in 1919 in a small town 

on the South Island of New Zealand, David Goulding 

became the ‘man of the house’ at a very young age 

and was often called upon throughout his life to 

provide for his family. 

As a teenager, David and his mate set out to look 

for work at a sheep station on an epic 65-mile 

journey that made the local paper, carrying only a 

canteen comprised of a billy, two tobacco tins for 

drinking tea, some milk, lunch and the very first 

batch of his homemade whiskey. As such, Granddad 

Jack’s 65 Miles Gin was created as a tribute to 

David’s dedication, with the full flavoured, spicy gin 

representing his adventures and the tough roads he 

travelled in his early years. 

Similarly, the craft distillery was also inspired by the 

moment when, as a 14-year-old, David was asked 

by a bailiff to pay off a huge amount of money for the 

farm. After working hard at the sheep station and 

travelling 65 miles there and back every week, he 

managed to pay off the debt in full. This integrity, hard 

work and a never-give-up attitude is memorialised in 

the brand’s iconic Bailiff Whiskey, which can also be 

purchased with a charming old-school bank bag and 

ledger. 

Granddad Jack’s Green House Gin also pays homage 

to David through his beloved garden. In his later life, it 

became a place where people in the neighbourhood 

would drop in for a visit, and would also be where 

the young adults of the family shared their very first 

whiskey. 



GRANDDAD JACK’S HAVE PROUDLY WON OVER 70 INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL 

AWARDS FOR THEIR SPIRITS AND DISTILLERY BARS SINCE OPENING IN AUGUST 2018, 

AND HOST PLENTY OF EXPERIENCES AT THEIR VENUES EACH WEEK... 


David passed away at the ripe old age of 93 and, 

according to the craft distillery, had enjoyed a whiskey 

neat every day up until then. Today, his memory 

continues to drive the Granddad Jack’s brand, which 

creates more and more opportunities for guests to be 

immersed in the stories of the legend that made the 

craft distillery possible. 

Out of Granddad Jack’s stories, an atmospheric 

craft distillery and tasting room was born, and then 

another. The brand’s venue in the Gold Coast was the 

region’s first and only craft gin, vodka, whiskey and 

liqueur distillery, and is located a just few metres away 

from North Burleigh Beach. This distillery was shortly 

followed by another chic venue located in the industrial 

backstreets of Albion – bringing more award-winning 

spirits to the already thriving craft culture in Brisbane. 

Granddad Jack’s have proudly won over 70 

international and national awards for their spirits and 

distillery bars since opening in August 2018, and host 

plenty of experiences at their venues each week, 

including a first-of-its kind experience where guests 

can make their own bottle of gin and enjoy an evening 

with the brand’s head distiller. 

David said as a further tribute to his grandfather, 

both venues are inspired by Granddad Jack’s love of 

recycling, and are all built with recycled materials from 

local areas. 

“We run distillery tours every Saturday and Sunday at 

each location, and have live music on the weekends. 

Both are also bring-your-own-food and dog friendly. 

“Our venues are places that feel like home and a place 

to meet with friends and family to tell stories,” he said. 

As a fast-growing craft distillery, Granddad Jack’s now 

export to 10 countries, and are planning to open a bar 

experience in two of those countries within the next 

year, in addition to seven other countries in the next 

five years.

A 

precinct.


A FINE ADDITION 

EXPERTS IN THE NATIONAL SPIRITS INDUSTRY AND SERVICERS OF AUSTRALIA’S FINEST VENUES, ICONIC 

BEVERAGES, IS NOW DISTRIBUTING THE SMOOTH AND GOLDEN CRAFT WHISKEYS OF HOTALING & CO. 


Hirsch Bourbon and Old Potrero Rye Whiskey are 

both joining the impressive spirit portfolio of Iconic 

Beverages, and will be distributed nationally after 

Hotaling & Co launched in Australia earlier this year. 

Originally established over 30 years ago under the 

name Anchor Distilling Company, Hotaling & Co is a 

leading distiller in San Francisco and creates artisanal 

products of incredible character and quality. Heralding 

a return to copper pot distilling in the United States, 

the brand is credited with releasing America’s first craft 

whiskey to hit the market since prohibition – the Old 

Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey. 

Iconic Beverages’ managing director, Dean Terranova, 

said they have been fascinated by Hotaling & Co’s 

portfolio and progress for a long time and are extremely 

excited to bring their core brands to Australia. 

“The category has seen incredible growth over the last 

24 months, and we are proud to add such an iconic 

name to our growing portfolio of high-calibre American 

brands,” he said. 

Distilled in San Francisco in 1993 from a 100% malted 

rye mash bill and aged for a minimum of six years 

in charred American white oak barrels, Old Potrero 

Straight Rye Whiskey marked the return of pot-distilled 

rye whiskey to the United States. 

Equally as impressive is Hirsch Bourbon Whiskey 

and its two varieties (The Horizon and The Bivouac), 

which are both created by a brand that continues 

to craft high-quality, award-winning whiskey with a 

commitment to transparency. These now legendary 

batches of bourbon were commissioned by A.H. 

Hirsch in 1974, and laid the foundation for Hirsch 

Bourbon to become the gold standard for thoughtfully 

selected American whiskey products. 

This selection of spirits will join Iconic Beverages’ 

collection of United States whiskeys, which currently 

includes WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, Balcones Distilling 

and Rittenhouse. 

Vice president of marketing for Hirsch Bourbon and 

Old Potrero Whiskey, Liz Brusca, said they are thrilled 

to partner with Iconic Beverages to introduce Hotaling 

& Co’s exceptional craft whiskeys to the Australian 

market. 

“This partnership reflects our enthusiasm for the vibrant 

Australian market and our commitment to sharing 

our passion for top-quality American whiskeys with 

discerning enthusiasts worldwide,” she said. 

Old Potrero, Hirsch The Horizon and Hirsch The 

Bivouac are now available through the Iconic 

Beverages portfolio. To become a stockist, contact 

Iconic Beverages or buy online at 

iconicbeverages.com.au.

TRADE DIRECTORY 

INSURANCE | RISK MANAGEMENT | CONSULTING 

Your trusted advisor, helping you identify your business risks 

and find the right insurance solutions so you can face your 

future with confidence. 

Call: 1800 240 432 

AJG.com/au/qha 

LIVE SPORT IN VENUES 

Foxtel Business delivers the magic of sport to venues – 

bringing people together, entertaining them and contributing 

to a boost in trade. And with over 50 live sports, there’s 

something for everyone. Serve your customers the best 

sporting action with Foxtel. 

P: 1300 761 056 www.foxtel.com.au/venues 

TURBOFAN 

COOK AND HOLD WITH 

ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE 

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, Turbofan, Waldorf, Waldorf 

Bold, Cobra, Convotherm, FastFri, Merrychef. 

P: 1300 268 798 E: info@moffat.com.au 

Service department: 1300 264 217 

STODDART 

Stoddart are one of Australia’s leading manufacturers and 

importers of a large range of world leading equipment for 

food service and bar applications. 

Darrin Miller 

P: 0417 867 979 E: dmiller@stoddart.com.au 

stoddart.com.au 

LEADING PUB AND HOTEL LAWYERS IN QUEENSLAND 

Mullins’ hospitality team has unrivalled experience in the liquor 

and gaming sector, developed over 40 years. From greenfield 

applications and integrated developments to liquor and 

gaming compliance and employment advice - we are your 

one-stop-shop to ensure the best outcomes for your hotel. 

Curt Schatz, Managing Partner | Direct: 07 3224 0230 

Email: cschatz@mullinslawyers.com.au 

mullinslawyers.com.au 

QHA 

MEMBER 

OFFER 

CITY PROPERTY SERVICES 

Over 25 years of commercial 

cleaning services | Triple certified 

Quality assured | EcoClean 

Certified using environmentally 

friendly products. 

Get 2 weeks free with any 

12 month contract when 

mentioning this advert. 

P: 1300 630 636 

citypropertyservices.com.au 

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION 

For more information on advertising and 

promoting your business in the QHA REVIEW 

contact Simon Cross. 

qhareview@qha.org.au or 0413 698 630 


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 DEPUTY CHEIF EXECUTIVE ON (07) 3221 6999. 


ACCOUNTING/ TAX 

BDO Australia 

Ph: 07 3237 5999 

bdo.com.au 

HLB Mann Judd - 

Chartered Accountants 

Ph: 07 3001 8800 

hlb.com.au 

Prosperity Advisers QLD 

Ph: 07 3007 1971 

prosperity.com.au 

SW Accountants 

& Advisors 

Ph: 07 3085 0888 

sw-au.com 

Quantaco 

Ph: 02 8346 6000 

quantaco.co 

Clarity Management 

Ph: 3058 9732 

claritymg.com.au 

Hotel Accountants Pty Ltd 

Ph: 07 5560 8988 

hotelaccountants.com.au 

McGrathNicol 

Ph: 07 3333 9800 

mcgrathnicol.com 

ARCHITECTS / REPAIRS 

REFURBISHMENT/ 

RECONSTRUCTION / 

CONSTRUCTION 

Ashley Cooper 

Construction 

Ph: 07 3142 5915 

ashleycooper.com 

BSPN Architecture 

Ph: 07 3851 9100 

bpsn.com.au 

Caughley & Co 

Ph: 0434 549 242 

caughleyco.com.au 

Open Projects 

Ph: 1800 461 421 

openprojects.com.au 

Paynters - Design & 

Construction 

Ph: 07 3368 5500 

paynters.com.au 

Rohrig Constructions 

Ph: 07 3257 4411 

rohrlg.com.au 

Imagination Play 

Ph: 07 3088 6077 

imaginationplay.com.au 

IQ Construct 

Ph: 3667 8202 

iqcontruct.com.au 

Liife Architecture 

Ph: 0401 384 547 

archliife.com 

Urban Play 

Ph: 07 3256 0554 

urbanplay.com.au 

BEVERAGES 

Accolade Wines 

Ph: 07 3252 7933 

accolade-wines.com 

Brown-Forman 

Australia P/L 

Ph: 07 3010 2000 

brown-forman.com 

Campari Australia Pty Ltd 

Ph: 07 3253 1801 

camparigroup.com.au 

Carlton & United 

Breweries 

Ph: 07 3666 4104 

cub.com.au 

Coca-Cola Europacific 

Partners 

Ph: 13 26 53 

ccamatil.com 

Coopers Brewery 

Ph: 07 3275 3732 

coopers.com.au 

CUB Premium Beverages 

Ph: 07 3666 4104 

cub.com.au 

Diageo 

Ph: 07 3257 0800 

diageo.com 

Diablo Co 

Ph: 0400 696 192 

diabloco.com.au 

Lion 

Ph: 07 3361 7400 

lionco.com 

Paramount Liquor 

Ph: 0429 448 523 

www.paramountliquor. 

com.au 

Pernod-Ricard Australia 

Ph: 07 3340 5471 

pernod-ricard.com 

Red Bull Australia 

Ph: 02 9023 2892 

redbull.com.au 

Samuel Smith & Son 

Ph: 07 3373 5777 

samsmith.com 

Southtrade International 

Ph: 07 3085 7418 

southtradeint.com.au 

Treasury Wine Estates 

Ph: 03 9685 8000 

treasurywineestates.com 

Your Mates Brewing Co. 

Ph: 07 5329 4733 

yourmatesbrewing.com 

4 Hearts Brewing 

Ph: 07 3281 1004 

admin@4heartsbrewing.com 

4heartsbrewing.com 

Heads of Noosa Brewing Co. 

Ph: 0401 399 625 

headsofnoosa.com.au 

BUILDING SUPPLIES 

& SERVICES 

Bunnings 

Ph: 07 3452 5725 

bunnings.com.au 

Urban Play 

Ph: 07 3256 0554 

urbanplay.com.au 

EDUCATION, TRAINING 

& EMPLOYMENT 

Best Security - 

Security & Training 

Ph: 07 3212 8460 

bestsecurlty.net.au 

BTAQ Consulting 

Ph: 0408 437 643 

btaq.com.au 

Find HQ 

Ph: 0431 376 689 

findachef.net.au 

Frontier Leadership 

Ph: 0423 097 246 

frontierleadership.edu.au 

Federation Academy 

Ph: 0423 097 246 

federationacademy.edu.au 

Prime Effect 

Ph: 0406 500 171 

primeeffect.com.au 

MEGT 

Ph: 0409 896 503 

megt.com.au 

Owner Manager Program 

Ph: 0437 834 195 

ownermanager.com.au 

Sero Institute 

Ph: 1800 206 010 

seroinstitute.edu.au 

TAFE Queensland 

Ph: 1300 308 233 

tafeqld.edu.au 

Tribe Workforce Solutions 

Ph: 07 3238 0808 

tribeworkforce.com.au 

The Kingsmen 

Ph: 0410 416 655 

thekingsmen.net.au 

Zenith Hospitality Staffing 

Solutions 

Ph: 07 3002 4000 

zenithhospitality.com 

ENERGY GAS/POWER 

BOC Limited 

Ph: 07 3212 4135 

boc.com.au 

TransTasman 

Energy Group 

Ph: 1300 118 834 

tteg.com.au 

Spinifex Energy 

Ph: 0419 108 638 

spinifexenergy.com.au 

Sun Flux Solar Australia 

Pty Ltd 

Ph: 0421 082 828 

sunfluxsolar.com.au 

FINANCES, BANKING, 

INSURANCE & 

INVESTMENTS 

BDO Australia 

Ph: 07 3237 5999 

bdo.com.au 

Commonwealth Bank of 

Australia 

Ph: 0476 824 307 

CommBank.com.au 

Gallagher Insurance 

Brokers 

Brisbane: 07 3367 5000 

Nth QLD: 07 4753 5311 

Toowoomba: 07 4639 7102 

ajg.com.au 

Shift 

Ph: 0498 137 007 

shift.com.au 

Green Finance Group 

Ph: 0457 883 700 

greenfinancegroup. 

com.au 

Waratah Debt Capital 

Ph: 0448 681 783 

waratahmanagement. 

com.au 

Westpac Banking 

Corporation 

Ph: 0438 701 195 

westpac.com.au 

Banktech 

Ph: 1800 080 910 

banktech.com.au 

BUPA - health insurance 

Ph: 134 135 

(quote ID 2139463) 

bupa.com.au 

Trinitas Australia Pty Ltd 

Ph: 1300 836 025 

trinitas3.com.au 

Matrix Insurance Group 

Ph: 08 6555 7742 

matrixinsurance.com.au 

FOOD & ASSOCIATED 

BUSINESSES 

Bidfood Australia Limited 

Ph: 0434 939 134 

bidfood.com.au 

PFD Food Services 

Ph: 131 733 

pfdfoods.com.au 

Simon George and Sons 

Ph: 07 3717 1400 

simongeorge.com.au 

CTB & Co 

(Cooking the Books) 

Ph: 1300 911 282 

cookingthebooks.com 

Food and Agribusiness 

Network 

Ph: 0419 651 157 

foodagribusiness.org.au 

FURNITURE SUPPLY 

SlumberCorp 

Ph: 07 3892 7477 

slumbercorp.com.au 

GAMING AND RACING 

Ainsworth Game 

Technology P/L 

Ph: 07 3209 6210 

ainsworth.com.au 

Aristocrat Leisure 

Industries 

Ph: 07 3727 1600 

aristocrat.com.au 

IGT 

Ph: 07 3890 5622 

igt.com.au 

Konami Australia 

Ph: 02 9666 3111 

konamiaustralia.com.au 

Light & Wonder 

Ph: 02 9773 0299 

explore.lnw.com 

MAX 

Ph: 0418 728 927 

max.com.au 

Odyssey Gaming Services 

Ph: 07 3087 3300 

odysseygaming.com 

PVS Australia Pty Ltd 

Ph: 03 8671 1900 

pvsoz.com.au


Simtech 

Ph: 07 5596 6993 

simtechcreations.com 

Keno 

(The Lottery Corporation) 

Ph: 07 3001 9300 

thelotterycorporation.com 

TAB 

Ph: 0436 816 254 

tab.com.au 

UTOPIA Gaming Systems 

Ph: 1800 200 201 

utopiagaming.com.au 

HOSPITALITY 

CONSULTANTS 

AHS Hospitality 

Ph: 07 5512 6143 

ahshospitality.com.au 

DNS Specialist Services 

Ph: 0433 906 809 

dnsspecialistservices.com.au 

DWS Hospitality Specialists 

Ph: 07 3878 9355 

dws.net 

Lighthouse Safety & 

Compliance 

Ph: 0422 669 631 

lighthousesafety.com.au 

Logic Hospitality 

Ph: 07 5520 3957 

logichospitality.com.au 

Mondandia Consulting 

Ph: 0448 710 629 

monandiaconsulting.com.au 

Morph Consulting Services 

Ph: 0438 758 847 

morph-consulting.com 

Nuvho 

Ph: 07 3357 9951 

nuvho.com 

Professional Hospitality 

Ph: 07 3160 8132 

professionalhospitality. 

com.au 

BOC Limited - Gas/ 

Reticulation Supply 

Ph: 07 3212 4322 

boc.com.au 

Reward Hospitality 

Ph: 07 3341 5929 

rewardhospitality.com.au 

Stoddart 

Ph: 0437 576 447 

stoddart.com.au 

Hunter Industrials 

(QLD) Pty Ltd 

Ph: 07 3054 1039 

huntind.com.au 

HOTEL BROKERS / 

REAL ESTATE / 

PROPERTY VALUERS 

Off Market Hotels 

Chris Cameron 

Ph: 0477 271 875 

offmarkethotels.com.au 

Power Jeffrey & Co - 

Hotel Brokers 

Ph: 07 3832 6000 

powerjeffrey.com.au 

CRE Brokers 

Ph: 07 5371 0165 

crebrokers.com 

HTL Property 

Ph: 02 9136 6373 

htlproperty.com.au 

JLL 

Ph: 07 3231 1311 

jll.com.au 

LEGAL 

Mullins 

Ph: (07) 3224 0222 

mullinslawyers.com.au 

Holding Redlich 

Ph: 07 3135 0500 

holdingredlich.com 

HopgoodGanim Lawyers 

Ph: 0419 762 469 

hopgoodganim.com.au 

QHA PLATINUM PARTNERS 

QHA DIAMOND PARTNERS 

QHA GOLD PARTNERS 

Prostaff Events Pty Ltd 

prostaffevents.com.au 

K&L Gates 

Ph: 0416 131 543 

klgates.com 

HOTEL ENTERTAINMENT 

Foxtel Business 

Ph: 1300 790 182 

foxtel.com.au/venues 

Sky Channel 

Ph: 07 3228 6344 

Freecall: 1800 251 710 

skychannel.com.au 

Stan Sport 

Ph: 0416 208 417 

stan.com.au/sport/venues 

Nightlife - Music & Video 

Freecall: 1800 679 748 

nightlife.com.au 

Pro Score - Sporting 

Promotions 

Ph: 0431 366 800 

proscore.com.au 

Rooks Entertainment 

Ph: 07 4068 8633 

rooks-entertainment.com.au 

HOTEL & BAR SUPPLIES 

Rostron Carlyle Rojas 

Lawyers 

Ph: 07 3009 8444 

rcrlaw.com.au/brisbanelawyers 

LIQUOR 

BUYING GROUPS 

Bottlemart 

Ph: 1300 733 504 

bottlemart.com.au 

Independent Liquor 

Group 

Ph: 07 3713 2751 

ilg.com.au 

Liquor Legends 

Ph: 07 3107 7422 

liquorlegends.com.au 

LIQUOR 

WHOLESALE GROUPS 

BDO Australia 

BSV 

Daily Press 

H&L Australia 

Next Payments 

Best Security 

BOC Limited 

BSPN Architecture 

Caughley and Co 

Chewzie Table 

Ordering 

Coopers Brewery 

Command 51 

Diablo Co 

Grayza 

Green Finance Group 

HLB Mann Judd 

QHA SILVER PARTNERS 

Off Market Hotels 

Prosperity 

Advisers QLD 

PVS Australia 

Simon George & Sons 

QHA BRONZE PARTNERS 

MSL Solutions 

Odyssey Gaming 

Services 

Open Projects Group 

Operandio Pty Ltd 


Paynters 

Platypus Print 

Packaging 

Power Jeffrey and 

Company 

Quantaco 

Tanda 

Trans Tasman 

Energy Group 

UTOPIA Gaming 

Systems 

Rohrig Constructions 

Red Bull Australia 

Secure Access I.T. 

Shift 

Simtech 

Southtrade 

International 

Stan Sport 

SW Accountants 

& Advisors 

Waratah Debt Capital 



APPROVED 

MANAGER’S 

LICENCE 

RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT 

OF LICENSED VENUES 

TRAINING 

“HONESTLY THE BEST TRAINING 

ALM (Australian Liquor 

Marketers) 

Brisbane: 07 3489 3600 

Townsville: 07 4799 4022 

Cairns: 07 4041 6070 

almliquor.com.au 


Ph: 0429 448 523 

paramountliquor.com.au 

Your Mates Brewing Co. 

Ph: 07 5329 4733 

yourmatesbrewing.com 

4 Hearts Brewing Co. 

Ph: 0428 236 436 

4heartsbrewing.com 

MEDIA / MARKETING 

Daily Press 

Ph: 0412 224 969 

dailypress.com.au 

POINT OF SALE / 

PAYMENTS 

CashZone 

Ph: 0466 148 752 

cashzoneatm.com.au 

Future Business Technology 

Group 

Ph: 1300 706 155 

fgtgroup.com.au 

Hikvision Digital Technology 

Ph: 1300 976 305 

hikvision.com 

Lotus Commercial Pty Ltd 

Ph: 1300 653 536 

lotusfilters.com.au 

Luxxe Outsourced Hotel 

Services 

Ph: 03 8761 9156 

luxxe.com.au 

Security Registers 

Ph: 0452 363 166 

securityregisters.com.au 

Tru Security Services 

Ph: 0452 377 662 

trusecurity.com.au 

SUPERANNUATION 

HOSTPLUS 

Ph: 1300 467 875 

hostplus.com.au 

onPlatinum ICT 

Ph: 0402 281 561 

onplatinum.com.au 

Security Registers 

Ph: 0452 363 166 

securityregisters.com.au 

Smart Parking Limited 

Ph: 0421 155 972 

smartparking.com 

UrPay Technologies 

Ph: 0411 457 377 

urpay.com.au 

Vix Vizion Pty Ltd 

Ph: 0413 026 918 

vixvizion.com 

Whats Doing App 

Ph: 0404 561 895 

whatsdoingapp.com 

TRANSPORT 

A.P. Eagers Limited 

Ph: 07 3109 6731 

apeagers.com.au 

SESSION! FUN AND LIGHT-HEARTED 

WHILE BEING VERY INFORMATIVE AND 

KNOWLEDGEABLE. THANKS, QHA.” 

OTHER COURSES OFFERED: 

Online RSA/RSG Training 

Gaming Nominee Training 

Employment Relations Training 

Employment Relations Webinar 

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 

H&L Australia Pty Ltd 

Ph: 0407 975 411 

hlaustralia.com.au 

MSL Solutions 

Ph: 0448 134 625 

mslsolutions.com 

Next Payments 

Ph: 0447 427 868 

nextpayments.com.au 

Banktech 

Ph: 1800 080 910 

banktech.com.au 

Bepoz Retail Solutions 

Ph: 1300 023 769 

bepoz.com.au 

Harris Data Systems 

Ph: 07 5535 7677 

harrisdata.com.au 

MyVenue Pty Ltd 

Ph: 0447 129 873 

myvenue.com/pubs-cafes-bars 

UrPay 

Ph: 0411 457 377 

urpay.com.au 

PRINTING / PACKAGING 

Platypus Print Packaging 

Ph 07 3352 0300 

platys.com.au 

SECURITY / CLEANING 

Best Security 

Ph: 07 3212 8460 

bestsecurity.net.au 

Command 51 

Ph: 0437 368 352 

command51.com.au 

CMBM Facility Services 

Ph: 07 3391 1040 / 

Ph: 0419 708 715 

cmbm.com.au 

TECHNOLOGICAL 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 

BSV 

Ph: 1300 244 727 

bigscreenvideo.com.au 

Chewzie Table Ordering 

Ph: 1300 243 994 

chewzie.me 

Grayza 

Ph: 1300 944 131 

grayza.com 

Operandio Pty Ltd 

Ph: 0422 398 294 

operandio.com 

Secure Access I.T. 

Ph: 1300 880 565 

secureaccess.com.au 

Tanda 

Ph: 1300 859 117 

tanda.co 

BK Electronics 

Ph: 0431 509 409 

bkelectronics.com.au 

Cherry Hub Pty Ltd 

Ph: 0409 548 276 

cherryhub.com.au 

Hikvision Digital Technology 

Ph: 1300 976 305 

hikvision.com 

IDU Technologies Pty Ltd 

mitch@idu-identification.com 

idu-identification.com 

Jands 

Ph: 0408 506 620 

jands.com.au 

JB Hi-Fi Commercial 

Division 

Ph: 07 3360 9925 

jbhifi.com.au 

Mr Yum 

Ph: 0448 504 121 

mryum.com.au

TOP PERFORMER 

TOP PERFORMER 

TOP PERFORMER 

TOP PERFORMER 

TOP PERFORMER 

TOP PERFORMER 

TOP PERFORMER 

With super, long-term performance matters. Hostplus’ Balanced (MySuper) 

option delivers top performance over 20 years. 

Compare Hostplus 

SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index, July 2023. General advice only. Consider the relevant Hostplus PDS and TMD at 

hostplus.com.au, and your objectives, financial situation and needs, which have not been accounted for. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890. HP2395

QHA Review November 2023

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