Hotel SA November 2023

P U B L I C A N P R O F I L E
The following is an edited version
of the speech announcing the
induction of Lisa Matthews into the
Women In Hotels Hall of Fame.
Daughter of the late Tony Matthews
and proud mother, Colleen, Lisa
holds the role of an older sister to
her brother, Scott, and the late Ward
Matthews. As a third-generation
member of the Matthews family,
she carries a remarkable legacy
within the hotel industry, one that
traces its origins back to 1942 when
her grandfather, Seymour Matthews,
and his wife, Dossie, leased the
Bayview Hotel in Whyalla.
The Matthews family has left an
indelible mark on this industry,
having owned or operated over
36 leases or freeholds for more
than 80 years. Lisa's journey in the
world of hotels began at a mere
six weeks old when she took up
residence in her first hotel. This
was during her parents' tenure
managing the Tasman Hotel in Port
Lincoln. The spirited atmosphere of
hotel life played its part in her early
development, as she took her first
steps at just nine months old, often
with the support and amusement of
patrons and staff.
The Tasman Hotel was a
foundational experience in the world
of pub life, where Lisa, even as a
toddler, entertained patrons with her
charm, enjoying her raspberry drinks
at the bar. Many wondered if it was
a suitable environment for a young
child, but Lisa's natural ease in the
setting soon dispelled any doubts.
When Tony and Colleen took over
the Eyre Hotel in Whyalla, Lisa
seamlessly transitioned into her
new surroundings and being the
inquisitive type, she occasionally
created some issues for the
accommodation guests. On one
day, she went to all the rooms and
gathered up the toothbrushes of
every traveller staying at the hotel,
which created a few problems for
mum when she had to politely ask
the guests on return whether they
would like a new toothbrush for
the evening.
Lisa Matthews
Tribute
As the only granddaughter to
Seymour & Dossie, she was very
close to them and adored her time
with them as they doted upon her.
Seymour was renowned for his
flamboyance and charm, spotted
driving the streets of Adelaide in his
Rolls Royce with the cigar in hand.
Lisa attended Loreto Convent
school in Marryatville and it was in
these years that her personal values
took root, never seeking to be the
centre of attention or overtly flashy.
She would not allow her grandfather
to pick her up from school in his
flashy Rolls Royce, insisting their
success remain low profile, and that
Seymour park around the corner!
After completing her schooling,
Lisa spent five years in professional
horse training, competition work
and instructing at Templewood
Riding School. She even managed
a short stint in Canberra working
for a Quarter horse enterprise and
training horses for diplomats’ wives.
Following a stint overseas, her
passion for understanding people
and what motivates them led her
to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree
with a major in Psychology.
After obtaining her degree, Lisa
joined the family business,
focusing on the people and culture
aspects of the business. In this
role, Lisa also developed policies
Mel Cooper presents
flowers to Lisa.
and procedures for the business,
formalizing employee recruitment
and managing all matters related
to employment contracts, training,
industrial relations, human
resources, and employment
relations. She actively participated
in the AHA industrial relations subcommittee
and the AHA Women in
Hotels committee. She also served
on the board of Tennis SA.
One often overlooked aspect of
Lisa's role in the business was
keeping her father, Tony, in check.
With his uncompromising style, she
often served as a buffer between
him and the demands of staff
and family, providing a stabilizing
influence throughout the trials and
tribulations of life.
However, it was a significant turning
point in 2001 when her father faced
a major health event, thrusting
Lisa into assuming various key
responsibilities for the pub group.
With no formal succession plan
in the business, she took on tasks
involving finances, insurance,
contract negotiations, and any
areas where her father needed
representation, or had previously
managed.
At the age of 29, Lisa married
Graham, a dashing young lawyer,
and they have now spent more than
30 years together as husband and
wife. Together, they raised their two
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