QHA Review December 2024

DECEMBER 2024

FEATURE

GOOD VIBES

OOZING COLOUR AND COMFORT,

LYLO BRISBANE IS THE FIRST

EVER SLEEPING POD HOTEL TO

GRACE QUEENSLAND.

INSIGHTS

ADVENTURE AWAITS

A CRAFTY BUNCH

BREWDOG

A SPIRITED BUNCH

WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT

Supercharge your loyalty

program with Alveo Advanced

✓ Automated multi-channel campaigns – SMS, email

✓ Integrated campaigns via your kiosks

✓ 100’s of email templates

✓ Simple drag and drop editor

✓ Customer segmentation, and so much more…

Sign up or upgrade for only $250 per month,

for your first 12 months (usually $590 RRP)

Speak to your MAX representative today, or visit max.com.au

Offer available to new, Alveo Lite or Alveo Essentials venues only. Offer is available for 12 consecutive months only. Customers may elect to end their Alveo subscription at any

time. At the conclusion of the 12 month discounted period, you will be automatically converted to the regular retail price of $590 per month unless you have cancelled prior.

Additional Alveo operating charges apply for SMS at 8c per SMS. Eligible customers also have the option to downgrade or upgrade their Alveo tier. Offer ends 30 June 2025.

EDITOR’S LETTER

SUMMER...

I can tell that summer is definitely

approaching. Every year, summer in

Queensland is met with the same

“noise”. Yes, there is definitely going

to be storms …. that’s Summer in

Queensland, it happens. Some bright

spark will bring up daylight saving

again, and of course, the latest media

noise is beach bars. We have already

seen all of these phenomena brought

up in 2024.

Firstly, let’s dial back the hysteria over

storms in Queensland. It does nothing

for our tourism reputation and is

catastrophic to insurance premiums

across the state. There have most

definitely been some recent flooding

events and cyclones, but our members

are generally back to work quickly as

they have businesses to run and bills to

pay. However, reputation and insurance

premiums take far longer to repair.

Daylight saving is a long running

battle in Australia as we have the silly

notion that you can change time-zones

by states or “going north to south”

whereas all other systems around

the globe work going “east to west”.

Queensland’s geography makes our

current system difficult, so until we get

used to the fact that we either split time

zones within the state, or change time

for all, we will have this same “debate”

every year.

Beach bars have been brought up

again on the Gold and Sunshine

Coasts. Whilst I can honestly say

the QHA commends the fact we are

innovating in our industry, there needs

to be consideration for the businesses

that have been toiling away next to our

beaches for decades but haven’t been

“WE WOULD ASK THAT THOSE LICENSED VENUES,

THAT HAVE SHOWN THEY ARE THE PILLARS OF THEIR

SEASIDE COMMUNITIES, BE GIVEN FIRST ACCESS TO

EXPANDING INTO THESE NEW OPPORTUNITIES..”

allowed to operate on them. We would

ask that those licensed venues, that

have shown they are the pillars of their

seaside communities, be given first

access to expanding into these new

opportunities.

Finally, the QHA are busy working

with the new Queensland

Government on the important issues

facing members all year-round

reassessing policies that have held

QHA’s chief executive, Bernie Hogan, alongside Jim and Di Davies, and QHA President,

Richard Deery, at the opening of The Commonwealth Hotel in Ipswich.

back our operators, particularly the

night-time economy, and removing

Government regulation that has slowed

our businesses to a crawl over the past

few years. It will take time, but we are

up to the task. Bring on 2025!

BERNIE HOGAN

QHA CHIEF EXECUTIVE/EDITOR

REVIEW / 3

INSIGHTS

A CRAFTY BUNCH

A SPIRITED BUNCH

CONTRIBUTORS

2024

OUR

COVER:

FEATURE

LyLo Brisbane

SERVING HOSPITALITY SINCE 1885.

DECEMBER 2024

EDITION

QHA

Level 14, 270 Adelaide Street

Brisbane, Queensland 4000

GPO Box 343

Brisbane, Queensland 4001

Phone: 07 3221 6999

1800 177 594

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

3. EDITOR’S LETTER

5. CONTRIBUTORS

6. NEWS

14. FEATURE

LYLO BRISBANE

28. INSIGHTS

ADVENTURE AWAITS

40. A CRAFTY BUNCH

BREWDOG

50. TOP DROP

54. A SPIRITED BUNCH

WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT

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.

63. TRADE DIRECTORY

64. PARTNERS & CORPORATE MEMBERS

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING

For all editorial and advertising queries:

Nicky Spencer 0405 271 247

qhareview@qha.org.au

CONTRIBUTORS

DAMIAN STEELE

THERESE KELLY

PAUL ST JOHN-WOOD

CURT SCHATZ

QHA Deputy Chief Executive

A hospitality industry professional

with over 30 years of experience

in liquor, gaming, and operations.

Damian has a strong focus on

compliance and legislation.

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.

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.

Managing Partner, Mullins

With over 30 years of 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.

VICTORIA THOMSON

JENNA PENFOLD

TOM FITZGERALD

ADAM FLOYD

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

activities to protect market integrity

and keep Queenslanders safe.

Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

Jenna is passionate about

employment relations and has

experience in providing advice to

both employers and employees

on a range of workplace matters.

Jenna has a particular interest in

investigation and discipline matters.

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.

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

HON DEB FRECKLINGTON MP

State Manager of Aristocrat,

Queensland

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.

Attorney-General and Minister for

Justice and Minister for Integrity

In her role as Attorney-General,

the Hon Deb Frecklington MP has

regulatory oversight of the liquor and

gaming industry, working with hotels

across Queensland to support their

businesses and the community.

REVIEW / 5

ON TREND

GOOD NEWS FOR THE PROSPERITY OF HOSPITALITY ACROSS QUEENSLAND – BRISBANE HAS BEEN NAMED IN

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL’S 2025 TRENDING DESTINATIONS.

On 3 October, American Express Travel

revealed the next instalment of its annual

Trending Destinations list, highlighting

the top ten must-visit places for 2025 with

Millennial and Gen Z travellers in mind.

This year’s list features noteworthy

destinations based on the travel

bookings of global American Express

card members, in addition to expertise

from the brand’s global network of

travel consultants. The 2025 Trending

Destinations list included:

Brisbane, Australia

Located between the Gold Coast and

the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane offers

excellent museums as well as vibrant

dining and nightlife.

Brittany, France

Distinctive culture, coastal scenery, and

miles of seaside walking paths like the

GR34 trail top the list of reasons to visit

the Brittany region.

Franschhoek, South Africa

As the mountain-ringed gem in the Cape

Winelands region, Franschhoek is an

ideal add-on to a safari vacation with

nearly 50 wineries, farm-to-table

restaurants, and hiking.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui offers a dreamy combo of

lush jungles, white sand beaches, and

turquoise waters – perfect for active

travellers or those looking to relax.

Macau, China

Though The Historic Centre of Macau

enjoys UNESCO World Heritage

status (and the local Cantonese-

Portuguese fusion cuisine is a must-try

for foodies), the supersized casinos

are the reason this densely populated

peninsula, known as the ‘Las Vegas of the

East’, boasts a number of award-winning

restaurants.

Moab, Utah, United States

As the gateway to Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’

national parks, Moab is a perfect starting

point to explore the American south west.

Travellers come for world-class rafting,

mountain biking, canyon hiking, or simply

to bask in the red rock scenery.

Nikko, Japan

This tucked-away mountain retreat in the

mostly rural Tochigi prefecture blends

elements of Kyoto and Mount Fuji with

photogenic waterfalls and abundant

hiking trails.

Paros, Greece

Laid-back Paros has become the Greek

island of choice for many with a vibrant

cultural scene and rocky coastline

studded with beaches, secluded coves,

and sea caves.

São Paulo, Brazil

This multi-ethnic city is one of the great

cultural destinations of South America and

is home to rich architectural heritage and

some of the continent’s best museums,

street art, and homegrown fashion.

Sun Valley, Idaho, United States

With fewer crowds than other western

ski resorts, Sun Valley appeals to

premium travellers and everyday outdoor

enthusiasts. During the summer months,

visitors can enjoy trout fishing, whitewater

rafting, and mountain biking.

/ 6

REVIEW

NEWS/ AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL

President of American Express Travel,

Audrey Hendley, said thanks to their

global travel expertise, guides like the

annual Trending Destinations list and

other lodging programs like The Hotel

Collection help their card members plan

all types of trips while inspiring them to

explore new places.

“This year, we’ve added more than 300

new properties in top destinations to The

Hotel Collection, so card members have

even more options for where to stay when

they get there,” she said.

A study conducted by American Express

found that 72% of Millennial and Gen Z

travellers are more likely to book hotels that

offer credit card rewards, with 70% being

interested in a credit card with a collection

of hotel benefits across the world.

Knowing that value is a priority,

especially among Millennial and Gen Z

travellers, American Express Travel

added new benefits and expanded

The Hotel Collection to include more

properties in destinations that card

members are visiting.

The lodging program has increased its

footprint by 40% this year to include

over 1,000 hotels, expanding into 50 new

destinations. The collection includes

upscale venues located near city

centres, popular tourist attractions,

great restaurants, and active nightlife.

72%

A STUDY CONDUCTED BY

AMERICAN EXPRESS FOUND

OF MILLENNIAL AND GEN Z TRAVELLERS ARE

MORE LIKELY TO BOOK HOTELS THAT OFFER

CREDIT CARD REWARDS,

Five of this year’s Trending

Destinations are home to Hotel

Collection properties, including:

Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley

A venue in the heart of Brisbane’s

fashion, nightlife, and restaurant hub.

The hotel is just minutes from the

bars and restaurants of Howard Smith

Wharves and the boutique stores of

James Street.

Hotel Barriere Le Grand Hotel Dinard

A beautiful hotel with a prime spot facing

St. Malo in Dinard, north east Brittany.

This elegant venue dates to the 19th

century and is just a 10-minute walk to

the beach and promenade.

Avant Mar

Located in Paros, Greece, the venue is

situated on the shore of Piperi Beach

and a short walk from Naoussa – a

village and harbour filled with shops and

al fresco dining.

ULUM Moab

A luxury, safari-inspired resort that

overlooks Looking Glass Arch and offers

a secluded stay with views that extend all

the way to Canyonlands National Park.

Sun Valley Resort

Located in Idaho, the hotel gives guests

the best of both worlds with outdoor

adventure activities like downhill skiing

and hiking trails along with luxury

accommodations and signature spa

treatments.

When card members book destinations

with American Express Travel, the

brand’s massive global footprint and

incredible benefits help them make the

most of their journey.

This is made possible through a network

of travel consultants in 23 countries

who speak 13 languages, over 1,400

airport lounges in 140 countries, dining

reservations that can be made through

Resy in 30 countries, and over 2,600

properties in 114 countries through

Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel

Collection programs.

REVIEW / 7

FULL CIRCLE

ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST INNOVATIVE CRAFT BREWERIES HAS EXPANDED

BEYOND ITS PREMIER LOCATION IN BRISBANE’S HOWARD SMITH WHARVES,

OPENING THE DOORS OF ITS FIRST SYDNEY OUTPOST ON 17 OCTOBER.

Taking over the Manly Wharf Bar, Felons

has brought its award-winning craft beer

and vibrant community spirit to the famed

Sydney waterfront destination.

The brewery’s name was inspired by

the adventurous spirit of four felons who

became shipwrecked after setting sail

from Sydney in 1823, making this launch a

symbolic homecoming.

Co-founder and director of Artemus

Group, Adam Flaskas, said they’re thrilled

to unveil Felons’ new home.

“We believe the brewery will elevate

what locals have always loved about this

destination, bringing fresh energy with

award-winning beers, a creative producedriven

menu, and a stellar live music

lineup. It’s all part of building a legacy for

the future generations of Manly residents

and visitors to enjoy,” he said.

With an ever-expanding portfolio of

venues, Artemus Group are specialists

at revitalising iconic waterfront precincts

and transforming them into thriving

community and cultural hubs.

In fact, the group developed Brisbane’s

Howard Smith Wharves – a project

spanning over 10 years from conception.

Covering nine acres, it’s now one of the

leading hospitality and entertainment

precincts in Queensland.

Artemus Group’s most recent acquisition,

Sydney’s Manly Wharf precinct, is its

latest endeavour, with Felons serving

as a central feature of the wharf’s

revitalised experience.

Felons Manly will showcase a curated

selection of beers brewed with fresh, local

ingredients, including Crisp Lager, Galaxy

Haze, and Australian Pale Ale, alongside

barrel-aged and seasonal, limited-edition

brews such as a Japanese Rice Lager

specifically brewed for Manly.

/ 8

REVIEW

NEWS/ FELONS MANLY

“WE WANT TO EMBRACE THAT LAID-

BACK SURF VILLAGE CHARM, PROVIDING

A SPACE WHERE EVERYONE – LOCALS,

VISITORS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY – CAN

ENJOY GREAT BEER AND GOOD TIMES

BY THE WATER.”

With sustainability at the heart of its brewing

philosophy, Felons has also partnered with the

Seabin Foundation, an environmental not-forprofit

tackling ocean pollution. For every glass

of Japanese Rice Lager sold, one item of plastic

will be removed from Sydney Harbour.

Celebrated chef and former culinary director

of Rockpool Bar and Grill, Corey Costelloe, has

designed the Felons Manly menu with a focus

on simple cooking using best-in-class produce.

The venue’s vibrant new music program will

kick off shortly after its launch, featuring live

jazz, soul, and funk bands most nights. Felons

will also introduce its Lifestyle Club, which

aims to foster community connections through

initiatives like a weekly run club and beer yoga

sessions, while also hosting local charity events,

sustainability workshops, and collaborations

with Manly’s thriving arts scene.

Brand director for Felons, Dean Romeo, said

Manly couldn’t be a better fit for the brewery.

“We want to embrace that laid-back surf village

charm, providing a space where everyone –

locals, visitors, friends, and family – can enjoy

great beer and good times by the water. We’ve

got plenty in store that we can’t wait to share

with the Manly community,” he said.

Felons has developed a range of exceptional

quality beers, winning 21 medals and two

champion trophies, including Champion

Queensland Brewery at the 2024 Independent

Beer Awards.

The brewery also offers an array of more

complex craft IPAs, fruited IPAs, limited and

seasonal releases, and collaborations that

push the brewing frontier with an extensive

range of barrel-aged beers, imperial stouts, and

double IPAs.

Felons was founded by a group of passionate

individuals with a thirst for community, quality

craftsmanship, and living the good life. The

brand pays homage to the true tale of four

felons who set sail from Sydney heading south.

Within eight miles of their destination, a violent

gale arose and blew them off course and out to

sea. Against all odds and some 25 days later, the

felons ended up shipwrecked on Moreton Island

before coming across the Brisbane River.

It’s this spirit of freedom and adventure that

lives on today in Felons’ approach to brewing

beer, cider, and seltzer. In an epic conclusion,

the brand’s story comes full circle, back home to

the shores of Sydney, where the team are proud

to welcome all walks of life to their new home

situated among the picturesque harbour.

REVIEW / 9

THE ULTIMATE CONCIERGE

“WHAT TO DO? WHERE TO EAT? WHAT’S ON?”

In an industry where the trend cycle moves fast and

entertainment, dining, tourism, and nightlife experiences are

constantly changing, hotels can’t be expected to answer these

commonly asked questions in a comprehensive way every time.

That is where Touch-It comes in – a handy new piece of tech

revolutionising the way tourists find out about what’s going on in

the communities they visit.

This fast-growing digital advertising platform is no doubt a

game-changer for hotels, as it gives holidaymakers direct access

to book activities, browse restaurants, and discover nightlife,

entertainment, special events, and everything happening in the

local area at the touch of a button.

Not only are the kiosks provided 100% free to use, but each

also pays a percentage of every booking generated, creating an

additional stream of income for venues.

Touch-It was founded by both William Pawson and Sean Savage,

and was born out of a desire to help stimulate local business and

see Australian tourist hubs return to their former glory.

William said they remember before the pandemic, when the Gold

Coast was a bustling tourist paradise with thriving businesses

and overflowing hotels.

“After I returned from living overseas, I found the city’s epicentre

to have shrunk and its tourist numbers to have declined. While it

was sad to see the affects on my home city, it was heartbreaking

to see the same story repeat right across the country.

“We knew we needed to do everything we could to showcase

our exciting region, driving hotels back to full capacity and

stimulating the Australian tourism industry.

“Specifically designed for the Australian market, there’s no other

solution that allow local businesses direct access to the tourists

while providing holidaymakers with detailed information in such

an easy and user-friendly manner. Our solution showcases

a complete range of activities, restaurants, nightlife, and

entertainment, allowing guests to take their time to peruse and

choose exactly what they are looking for,” he said.

Aussie-owned and operated, Touch-It was created with

our state’s industry in mind. Freeing up hotel staff and

providing a more comfortable concierge solution for the

next generation of tech-savvy travellers, its singular 55”

screen allows guests to:

peruse local restaurants, reserve tables, and

order food for delivery

browse and book activities with the touch of a

card, eliminating the need for patrons to enter

sensitive personal/financial information

receive incentives like discounts, free drinks,

free entry, and dessert codes

discover local council and community events,

including markets, fireworks, surf competitions,

and more

/ 10

REVIEW

NEWS/ TOUCH-IT

Sean also said Touch-It also gives local businesses the chance

to showcase their services and events directly where tourists are

staying, eliminating the need for them to advertise to a broader,

less-focused audience.

“In turn, this makes hotels and pubs using our kiosks the prime

location to stay, as they give easy access to a wealth of incredibly

valuable tourist information. We believe our technology has the

capability to strengthen the local economy while bringing more

tourist dollars to homegrown businesses

“Touch-It works in any tourist destination – from Brisbane to the

Sunshine Coast, Cairns and the rest of Australia – and provides

all information in multiple languages to eliminate communication

barriers,” he said.

Designed to help venues reach and engage with more

holidaymakers, unique and innovative tech like Touch-It helps

bring our industry into the 21st century without losing the easygoing

check-in experiences that our state is known for.

William said they envision Touch-It as a franchise with the

capability to roll out at any tourist destination across the world –

especially those experiencing economic downtrends.

“Touch-It kiosks will remain free to use, with the venue receiving

a percentage of every booking generated. This model is risk-free

and very appealing to hotels and pubs wanting to generate more

interest and trade.

“Initial research suggests that venues with our machines will be

seen as a preferred accommodation option by holidaymakers and

could expect an increase in bookings as a result.

“This easy access to information will revolutionise the industry

and bolster local businesses that drive tourism to this great state.

Future developments include the ability to organise airport and

hotel transfers, request taxis, and much more,” he said.

REVIEW / 11

NEWS/ TABCORP

TAB TAKEOVER

BEST POSITIONED TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE THAT WAGERING AND GAMING

PLAY IN HOSPITALITY, HEAD OF MAX AND TAB IN QUEENSLAND, ADAM FLOYD,

GIVES US A RUNDOWN OF THE INDUSTRY.

Firstly, thank you for a sensational Spring

Racing Carnival. It was fantastic to see

punters packing out Queensland pubs and

celebrating some truly memorable moments

across racing and sport.

Queensland’s retail performance for TAB

was strong this Spring Racing Carnival,

with venue turnover up 2.7% compared to

last year. The Melbourne Cup Carnival was

a particular highlight of the season, with

Flemington awash with green thanks to the

terrific TAB takeover.

As owners of the broadcasting rights of the

Melbourne Cup Carnival, we were able to

beam live racing to an audience of over 130

million avid racegoers around the world

through our SKY Racing channels, the TAB

App, and affiliated partners.

You may have also spotted the TAB

helicopter hovering above Flemington,

promoting our next level offerings on the

TAB app, both to punters on the ground and

those watching in your venue via

SKY Racing.

Indeed, the TAB app is providing more value

to customers in venues than ever before,

with some fantastic new features, including

My Offers.

With My Offers, we’re giving customers

greater flexibility and control when it comes

to how they use their offers and promotions,

with extra boosts and savers available

exclusively in eligible TAB venues!*

More information on My Offers can be found

on MyTAB by clicking on TAB Training.

There’s also been no rest for our MAX team,

who have been working hard to bring you

the latest enhancements across gaming,

including the introduction of Alveo – a

superior marketing tool that grows with

your needs, bringing all your member and

customer data, communication channels,

and insights together in one solution.

Alveo helps you engage your customers,

build your brand, and reach your marketing

goals faster than ever before. You and your

team can send all your promotions, news,

and offers via SMS, email, and to the kiosk

in minutes.

Whether you are a small local venue or

multi-site group, Alveo has the options,

features, and smarts to boost your

marketing activities. You can find out more

about it and our limited promotional offer by

visiting the MAX website or reaching out to

your MAX representative.

There’s plenty more happening across

Tabcorp and some exciting things in

the pipeline, but that’ll have to wait until

next time!

*Available to account holders on the TAB app.

Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

/ 12

REVIEW

MORE VALUE IN VENUE

PERSONALISED DAILY OFFERS

ON THE BETS YOUR PUNTERS CHOOSE *

*Available to account holders on the TAB app. Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au REVIEW / 13

WITH SO MANY IMAGINATIVE HOTELS

BURSTING ONTO THE SCENE ACROSS OUR

STATE, GONE ARE THE DAYS OF “IF YOU

BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME.”

/ 14

REVIEW

FEATURE/ LYLO BRISBANE

Brimming with curated

spaces that just ooze

colour and comfort,

LyLo Brisbane is the first

ever sleeping pod hotel

to grace Queensland, and

has a bit of a different approach to

accommodation as we know it. Hailing from

New Zealand, the brand’s very first Aussie

venue has certainly lived up to the hype after

opening its doors in May.

For LyLo’s managing director, Tim Alpe,

accommodation is a collaborative experience,

and should be so much more than just a bed.

“We talk to and learn from our guests each

day, designing our property around them.

As a result, we have so many beautifully

designed spaces. For example, our rooftop

has a big communal kitchen with a self-serve

beer and cocktail wall. We also have spin

bikes and areas for yoga and other activities

that are up and running constantly.

“We have a really unique offering with our

pods, which are totally different to everything

else in the market. However, LyLo is a location

where you don’t just get a brilliant sleep, but

also leave feeling fulfilled by all of the things

you participated in during your stay.

“WE TALK

TO AND LEARN

FROM OUR GUESTS

EACH DAY, DESIGNING

OUR PROPERTY AROUND

THEM. AS A RESULT,

WE HAVE SO MANY

BEAUTIFULLY

DESIGNED SPACES.”

“We’re in a fantastic

position right in the

heart of Fortitude Valley,

but while our location is

vital, we understand the

experiences we provide are just

as important. I think that’s the reason

why a lot of people are choosing to stay here

when they come to Brisbane,” he said.

LyLo is uniquely designed to give guests

everything they need, but nothing they

don’t. Underlined by privacy, great design,

comfort, and security, the hotel’s signature

pods act as perfect parcels of budget-friendly

accommodation, while the rest of the venue

encourages travellers to play, work, relax,

and mingle.

Bathed in bright colours and natural light,

the communal living spaces and quiet coworking

rooms littered across the venue

easily lend themselves to socialising. The

hotel’s rooftop hangout area even boasts a

retractable roof, designed to help guests chill

out, relax, and sunbake.

Tim emphasised that they wanted LyLo to

have the design of a hotel, but the personality

of a hostel.

REVIEW / 15

“BATHED IN BRIGHT COLOURS AND

NATURAL LIGHT, THE COMMUNAL LIVING

SPACES AND QUIET CO-WORKING ROOMS

LITTERED ACROSS THE VENUE EASILY LEND

THEMSELVES TO SOCIALISING.”

“For us, it was all about taking what I

suppose you could call an antiquated

offering and creating something different.

Our pods are so unique, and we’re proud

of the fact that there’s nothing like them in

the city, but we’re always asking ourselves,

‘How much better can they be?’.

“When designing the venue, the challenge

for us was ensuring we catered for both

our core 18 to 35-year-old customers

and those who never normally stay in

communal accommodation. A large part

of our success to date has been our ability

to attract a real mix of customers, which is

largely due to the nature of our property.

“The way we put together pods and rooms,

but probably even more so the communal

areas, is super important. Comfort and

fun are key. We are always thinking about

who our guests are and how they are

going to use the spaces in a way that

feels communal, but is also safe and

comfortable,” he said.

LyLo’s contemporary style of hospitality

was born in September 2022 with the

launch of LyLo Auckland, followed

shortly by the rebranding of both of the

Jucy Snooze properties in Christchurch

and Queenstown. Energised by the

success of these venues, and with a

little encouragement from LyLo’s parent

company, EVT (a hospitality, entertainment,

and travel business with a big presence in

/ 16

REVIEW


the Australian market), the brand gained

enough confidence to expand and cross

the ditch.

In terms of target locations, Tim said

they felt it was important to focus on the

key gateways to the country – Brisbane,

Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

“Brisbane was always going to be our

first city, as it’s not only a major gateway

for international visitors to Australia, but

also a popular destination for travellers

heading up and down the east coast.

The decision to have LyLo in Fortitude

Valley was again based on where our

customers wanted to stay.

“We love Fortitude Valley. It’s a bit edgy

and fits in well with our offering. We also

found an amazing location in the

Limes Hotel, which ironically was

Brisbane’s first rooftop bar. The

property was perfect for a

LyLo conversion, and we’ve

enjoyed a great first six

months,” he said.

To stand out from the

crowd, LyLo often taps

into local networks of

artists, who brighten up

its locations with cheeky

nods to native flora and

fauna.

In Brisbane, the brand worked with

a talented team of young creatives

at IndigeDesignLabs, who created a

stunning piece of indigenous artwork

for the façade of the building depicting

a journey down the Brisbane River.

Before the venue opened, contemporary

urban abstract artist, Jordache Gage,

hand-painted their vision, making LyLo

Brisbane one of the brightest landmarks

in Fortitude Valley.

Tim said they have seen a major change

in the way that people are travelling postpandemic,

as there seems to be less of

a focus on finding the next big party and

more of an interest in discovering unique,

colourful, and creative experiences.

“Employers are also much more open to

people working from remote locations

and combining travel with work. As such,

we have designed spaces that cater for

that. Here, you’ll never have to find that

one hidden, tiny, windowless business

centre in a hotel. In our venue, we offer

areas where you can work, but also eat,

drink, and hang out.

“People want to be social, but they’re also

budget conscious. They’re often happy to

pay more for better accommodation, but

save money by cooking their own meals

in communal kitchens.

REVIEW / 17

“They might not necessarily want to

have big nights out on the town –

maybe they’d rather do yoga or go

to a spin class. The environment is

changing, and we need to make sure

we are able to adapt our offering and

cater for the new types of customers

coming through.

“I think LyLo has done a really good

job of adapting and not just doing

what everyone else is doing in the

accommodation space. I’m really proud

of the fact that we’ve have gone out

on a limb with our design. We’re still a

work in progress, but I think what we’re

doing is appealing to a huge crosssection

of people,” he said.

LyLo’s properties are all strategically

located where they are likely to attract

locals. In Brisbane, while the primary

focus of the venue’s rooftop space

is to be a hangout area for in-house

guests, the brand also encourages

the community to use the space for

functions, Christmas parties, birthdays,

and even weddings.

General manager of LyLo Brisbane,

Amy Donald, said they host a lot of

events – including quiz nights, pub

crawls, and karaoke sessions – that

are designed to bring locals and

travellers together.

“It’s really important for us to engage

with the community, so we try wherever

possible to buy and hire local while

making our accommodation experience

a universally positive one. As soon as

you walk into the property, we have

self-service kiosks which are designed

to remove the friction associated with

checking in and out of hotels.

“While it’s important to have

consistency across the LyLo

offering, it’s also imperative that

our properties are designed

with the different local cultures

and environments in mind. LyLo

Queenstown is very different to

LyLo Brisbane, which is also very

different to LyLo Christchurch,” she

said.

“I’M REALLY PROUD

OF THE FACT THAT

WE’VE HAVE GONE OUT

ON A LIMB WITH OUR

DESIGN.”

/ 18

REVIEW


REVIEW / 19


This October, LyLo Auckland was

named the Best Hostel in the World at

the Global Youth Travel Awards, which

speaks wonders about the influence

this new style of accommodation is

having, not only in Queensland, but

across the global hospitality industry.

Tim said they are super excited about

where LyLo is going, and cannot

wait to see more properties across

Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

“We’re growing the brand quickly and

hope to open more locations over the

next two years. Two projects are now

underway on the Gold Coast and in

Fremantle that will open in early 2026.

“For LyLo Brisbane, our focus is on

creating more awareness around our

rooftop and making it available to

locals for private events. We’re very

focused on our guest’s experiences

here, and I think that’s so unique for

our type of accommodation offering.

“For us, the cornerstone of LyLo

is taking a collaborative approach.

Let’s design our venues and

experiences together with

our customers – that way,

more and more will

come,” he said.

“WE HOST A

LOT OF EVENTS

– INCLUDING QUIZ

NIGHTS, PUB CRAWLS,

AND KARAOKE SESSIONS

– THAT ARE DESIGNED

TO BRING LOCALS

AND TRAVELLERS

TOGETHER.”

/ 20

REVIEW

REVIEW / 21

SUPERANNUATION

AN INNOVATIVE TOOL FOR

FINANCIAL EDUCATION

HOSTPLUS MEMBERS HAVE A NEW WAY TO ACCESS FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND ADVICE*.

The super fund recently launched SuperSmart, an interactive

online financial education and advice platform. Tailored digital

advice on your contribution options and more is available

through the platform at no extra cost.

Supercharge your future with SuperSmart

SuperSmart is a member-only platform that provides expert tips

and insights on managing your super and your finances, as well

as bite-sized lessons to build your super know-how.

You can get access to short, self-paced learning modules and

interactive ways to help you understand and navigate key

decisions around super:

• bite-sized lessons to enhance your super knowledge at a time

that suits you

• articles with expert tips and insights based on your

preferences

• tailored digital advice journeys – at the end of the journey, a

statement of advice is ready to download, containing simple

steps to optimise your super and plan for retirement

Points are awarded for every lesson or article that gets

completed, helping you engage and stay motivated with the

modules.

The SuperSmart platform is exclusive to Hostplus members. They

can access SuperSmart by logging in to Member Online. Visit

hostplus.com.au/supersmart to find out more.

Looking for a more personal touch? Hostplus offers a range of

financial advice options to suit your needs, including phonebased

super advice and comprehensive face-to-face financial

planning. Visit hostplus.com.au/advice to find out more.

*Members with Term Allocated Pension, Lifetime Pension, Defined

Benefit Pension, nil balances, non-standard investment options, and

some Maritime Contributory Accumulation members cannot access

SuperSmart financial advice services.

Hostplus has engaged Industry Fund Services Limited (IFS) ABN

54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514 to facilitate the provision of financial

advice to members of Hostplus via Hostplus financial planners and

the web-based product SuperSmart. Hostplus financial planners are

Authorised Representatives of IFS and fees may apply for personal

financial advice; for further information about the cost of personal

advice, you can speak with your Hostplus financial planner or visit

our website 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, copies are

available from your Hostplus financial planner or SuperSmart.

The information in this email 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, available at hostplus.com.

au before making a decision about Hostplus. For a description of the

target market, please read the Target Market Determination, 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.

/ 22

REVIEW

LEGAL MATTERS/ CURT SCHATZ

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING

AND COUNTER-TERRORISM FINANCING

WITH CONTINUING TROUBLES FOR THE STAR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP IN RECENT MONTHS AND THE NEW YEAR FAST

APPROACHING, IT IS A TIMELY REMINDER THAT, IF YOUR HOTEL HAS A LICENCE TO OPERATE ELECTRONIC GAMING

MACHINES (EGMS), THERE ARE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS AND STEPS TO BE TAKEN.

In this article, we outline the steps needed to prevent

money laundering and terrorism financing from occurring

at your hotel, and for your venue to meet compliance

requirements depending on your number of EGMs.

What are the obligations of hotels?

The primary objective of the Anti-Money Laundering and

Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Act) is to combat

the illicit activities of money laundering and terrorism

financing. Under this Act, hotels with EGMs are mandated

to report transactions and suspicious activities to the

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre

(AUSTRAC), as well as undertake measures to prevent

their establishment from being exploited by criminal

elements.

The specific responsibilities imposed on hotels vary based

on the number of EGM entitlements approved under their

gaming machine licence, regardless of the actual number

of EGMs in operation. If a hotel holds a licence for 15 or

fewer EGMs, it may qualify for exemptions from certain

obligations, such as the requirement to establish an Anti-

Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/

CTF) program, conduct customer due diligence, and

submit specific reports to AUSTRAC.

Nonetheless, these hotels are still obliged to register

with AUSTRAC and report any suspicious activities. The

following outlines the general requirements.

Hotels with a licence to operate 15 or less EGMs

• enrol with AUSTRAC

• keep enrolment details up to date

• keep certain records

• submit suspicious matter reports

Hotels with a licence to operate 16 or more EGMs

• enrol with AUSTRAC

• keep enrolment details up to date

• keep certain records

• appoint a compliance officer

• conduct and maintain a money laundering/terrorism

financing (ML/TF) risk assessment

• adopt and maintain an AML/CTF program

• carry out customer due diligence (Know Your Customer)

procedures

• implement and maintain ongoing customer due diligence

• undertake regular independent reviews from Part A of the

AML/CTF program

• submit suspicious matter reports

• submit threshold transaction reports

• submit annual compliance reports between 1 January and

31 March each year

Breach of compliance requirements by hotels

AUSTRAC has various enforcement measures at its disposal

against hotels, including but not limited to:

• issuing directives or requirements for compliance with

specific sections of the Act

• issuing infringement notices for breaches of certain

obligations, such as failure to adhere to customer

identification procedures and record-keeping

requirements

• requiring that hotels appoint an external auditor to

assess AML/CTF compliance, conduct a money

laundering risk assessment, or furnish AUSTRAC with

information regarding compliance with AML/CTF

regulations

• entering into enforceable undertakings with hotels,

outlining how future AML/CTF compliance obligations

will be fulfilled

• initiating proceedings for a civil penalty order

against hotels

If you have any questions about how these anti-money

laundering and terrorism financing duties apply to your hotel,

then please feel free to contact me on 07 3224 0230.

REVIEW / 23

WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED

AS WE COME TO THE END OF ANOTHER BUSY YEAR, I LIKE TO TAKE STOCK OF WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED OVER

THE PAST 12 MONTHS AT THE OFFICE OF LIQUOR AND GAMING REGULATION (OLGR), WHAT WE COULD HAVE

DONE DIFFERENTLY, AND WHAT WE’D LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT YEAR.

One of our continuing priorities is our

Compliance and Licensing Management

System (CALMS) business transformation

project. Through this project, we aim to

build systems that make it easier and more

efficient for our customers to work with

us, self-manage compliance or licensing

activities, and access clearer information.

And we’re inviting you to help shape our

future direction. We’re considering how we

can use digital tools (such as online portals,

websites, or databases) to improve our

services. Please have your say by providing

feedback to the following questions:

• Are there pain points for any of your

interactions with us that might be

addressed using digital tools or

services?

• Looking at the digital tools already

provided by us (for example, the

Liquor, Gaming and Fair Trading

Portal), what is working well and what

could be improved?

• How else would you like to receive

services, support, or information via

digital methods? What features would

you like to see?

• Are there any good examples of

existing digital tools or services from

other organisations that you would like

to highlight to us?

To send us your feedback, email your

responses to CALMS-stakeholder

feedback@justice.qld.gov.au by the end

of January 2025. I look forward to keeping

you updated on the outcomes of this work.

Changes to how you report breaches

by excluded patrons

We know it can be hard for some

Queenslanders to keep their gambling

under control, even when they have

excluded themselves from gambling

venues. Research suggests up to 50%

of people breach exclusion orders. That

means there is high potential for an

excluded person to enter your venue.

That’s why we’ve worked with industry

to update how you report breaches

by excluded patrons, along with the

reasonable steps and intervention

measures you’ve taken to help prevent

excluded patrons from accessing selfexcluded

areas.

The new process is about helping you

look at your venue’s processes and

systems to make sure they’re working for

you, your business, and your community.

To this end, Notice of contravention of

self-exclusion order/exclusion direction

(Form 3H) has been revised to better

identify actions taken by the venue.

In addition to the Form 3H changes, when

reporting a breach of exclusion, club and

hotel licensees and TAB retail agencies

must now include a managing gambling

exclusions checklist if the excluded patron

is not identified within 30 minutes.

The checklist was developed in

consultation with key industry

stakeholders, based on measures within

Gaming guideline G16: Preventing

excluded persons entering or remaining

on licensed premises, and provides for

venues to elaborate on the measures and

preventative actions taken, in addition to

any support referrals for excluded patrons.

While initially developed for gaming

machine licensees, the measures are also

relevant to place-based Keno gaming

and approved wagering. I encourage you

to complete the checklist now as a best

practice tool to:

• assess whether you and your staff are

taking reasonable steps to identify

and prevent excluded patrons from

entering, or remaining in, your venue

or gambling areas

• ensure you’re following best practice

in managing gambling exclusions

You can access the checklist online at

business.qld.gov.au (search ‘gambling

exclusions checklist’).

To keep the process simple, where the

checklist is required in response to a

breach, you will only need to complete it

once every 12 months. You won’t need to

re-submit it with any subsequent Form

3H for your venue within that 12-month

period.

By adopting a risk-managed approach,

gambling providers that have taken

reasonable steps and identified excluded

patrons within 30 minutes will not need to

provide the checklist. This aims to support

gambling providers in implementing

sustainable, effective measures that meet

their legislative obligations to manage

exclusions, but don’t unduly impact

business operations.

Please note that we are no longer

accepting earlier versions of Form 3H.

Compliance activity update

On the topic of gambling harm prevention,

OLGR completed 119 inspections under

our gambling harm minimisation program

between July and October 2024. In

October alone, we met with 38 clubs and

hotels with a focus on assisting venues

to review and uplift their gambling harm

minimisation practices.

It was pleasing to see that the industry

clearly understands what unsafe gambling

looks like, with many venue staff being

trained by their local gambling help

service providers. We are also seeing

venues developing processes to record

observations of unsafe gambling,

encourage breaks in play, and help people

receive support from gambling help

service providers.

/ 24

REVIEW

OLGR/ VICTORIA THOMSON

These are great practices that show an

effective initiation of change, driven by the

leaders within venues, who are supporting

their frontline staff to help keep patrons safe

from gambling harm.

Holiday trading hours

As we head into the festive period, it’s timely

to remind you that different requirements

may apply to serving alcohol and operating

gaming machines over Christmas, including

on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check

out the Business Queensland website for

further details (search ‘holiday trading hours’),

or just give us a call.

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner too,

and is another busy event on the hospitality

calendar, with many pubs wanting to trade

later than normal. On New Year’s Eve, you

can supply alcohol until 2:00am on the

morning of New Year’s Day. Staff must stop

serving drinks at 2:00am, and patrons must

finish their drinks by 2.30am, unless you’ve

been approved to trade after 2:00am.

If you want to trade after 2:00am on New

Year’s Eve, we suggest you get in early and

apply for a one-off extended hours permit as

soon as possible, or get in touch with OLGR

on 1300 072 322.

CALENDAR

JANUARY

2025.

RMLV

CLO/GNT

Have a great festive season

I know this is a busy time of year for the

industry, so I hope you have a great and

safe trading period. When I consider

our role in promoting community safety

and reducing harms, I’m very conscious

that includes the wellbeing of staff in the

industry. So I hope you’re able to manage a

little downtime for yourselves as well. I look

forward to working with you again in the

new year.

BOOK TRAINING NOW

ATTORNEY-GENERAL/ THE HONORABLE DEB FRECKLINGTON MP

FUELING YOUR SUCCESS

I AM HONOURED TO STEP INTO THE ROLE OF ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND MINISTER FOR JUSTICE

AND MINISTER FOR INTEGRITY, AND I’M PARTICULARLY EXCITED TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS OF QUEENSLAND’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.

Pubs are the lifeblood of local communities,

bringing people together and fostering connection.

Without you, we wouldn’t have the tight-knit

communities that make us quintessentially

Queensland.

I know many venues across Queensland have

been doing it tough with the rising cost of living,

increasing operational expenses, and other

business pressures.

I am looking forward to meeting with venue owners

and workers over the coming months to hear more

about these challenges as well as the opportunities

you see for the sector.

As a country girl born and bred, I’ve visited many

of Queensland’s legendary regional country

pubs, many of which are small and family-owned

businesses.

Small businesses are the backbone of our

state’s economy – employing over one million

Queenslanders, contributing to local economies,

and helping their industries, businesses, and

communities to grow – and we’re keen to help fuel

their success.

I came from a small business background before

politics, so I know one of the biggest frustrations

can be spending more time on paperwork instead

of your core business.

This government’s number one priority in that

space is identifying and removing unnecessary red

tape that is tying up small businesses and making it

more difficult to operate in Queensland.

We are committed to delivering a new small

business concierge service under our Small

Business First policy, which will take the questions

out of where to get answers from government,

streamlining the process for everything from payroll

to approvals and fast-tracking enquiries.

IT’S ALL ABOUT MAKING SURE

OUR SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE

THE RIGHT TOOLS TO THRIVE,

AND THIS GOVERNMENT WILL

CONTINUE TO WORK WITH YOU

TO FIND WAYS TO SUPPORT

BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS.

It’s all about making sure our small businesses have

the right tools to thrive, and this government will

continue to work with you to find ways to support

businesses like yours.

And finally, with Christmas just around the corner, I

know this is the beginning

of a very busy time for staff in the hospitality

industry. Queenslanders will be heading to their

local pubs to catch up with family, friends, and

colleagues during the holiday season.

I would like to say a big thank you to all of the

hardworking hotel staff for their dedication

throughout 2024 and wish you and your loved ones

a very safe and merry Christmas.

/ 26

REVIEW

REVIEW / 27

ADVENTURE

AWAITS

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY TALENT AND

THE GLOBAL BUSINESSES THAT NEED THEM.

It’s no surprise that Queensland’s

hospitality industry faces a pressing

need for skilled professionals –

culinary or otherwise. With a vibrant

tourism sector and diverse dining

landscape, pubs and hotels are finding

it increasingly difficult to meet demand

with local talent alone.

This is why international recruiting

and cultural exchange experts are so

imperative. By offering professional

placement programs tailored to the

needs of each business, they help

employers tackle skill shortages while

creating opportunities for talent across

the world.

Alliance Abroad is one such expert. With

a deep understanding of the needs of

both job seekers and employers, and a

strong commitment to compliance and

ongoing support, they know a thing or

two about exchange and global talent

acquisition services.

Regional director for Australia and the

Middle East, Jennifer Woodbridge,

said international chefs play a vital role

in bridging the gap, offering not only

exceptional culinary skills, but also

bringing global flavours and techniques

that enhance dining experiences.

“The presence of these skilled chefs

enriches the Australian workforce,

allowing businesses to offer innovative,

diverse menus that appeal to both local

patrons and international visitors. This

approach is essential for establishments

looking to stay competitive in a

globalised market where culinary variety

and excellence are key.

“At the core of our approach is a

belief in the value of cross-cultural

exchange. This fuels our innovation and

drives success for both the talent and

businesses involved.

“We provide a fully integrated, end-toend

experience, going beyond just the

hiring process, and are dedicated to

supporting employers and participants

through the complexities of visa

processes and logistical arrangements,

ensuring each placement is seamless

and successful.

“Connecting people with opportunities

to live and work in different cultures

provides immense value, not just for

the individuals, but for the companies

and communities they engage with.

Participants gain invaluable skills

like cross-cultural communication,

adaptability, and problem-solving,

which are highly sought after in today’s

globalised workforce.

“For employers, international

participants bring fresh perspectives,

diverse skills, and the ability to connect

with a broader customer base. We

have seen first-hand the personal

growth and professional development

that comes from such impactful

experiences,” she said.

Alliance Abroad was founded in the

United States in 1989 after Victoria

Lynden identified an early opportunity

to link employers and international

job seekers. In the following years, the

organisation’s work in the tourism and

service sector started to extend beyond

the borders of America, marking the

beginnings of a truly global network.

Recognising a need for workforce

exchange in the Asia-Pacific region,

Alliance Abroad opened its Australian

office in 2002 and has continued to

broaden its reach, with offices now in

Ireland, Canada, South Africa, the United

Arab Emirates, Spain, and Mexico.

To this day, the organisation operates

a successful training program in the

United States, where it places up to

10,000 trainees annually with host

employers. Many of those applying for

the Australian Trainee Program bring

with them valuable experiences from

their year-long training in the country.

/ 28

REVIEW

INSIGHTS/ ALLIANCE ABROAD

“CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH OPPORTUNITIES

TO LIVE AND WORK IN DIFFERENT CULTURES

PROVIDES IMMENSE VALUE, NOT JUST FOR

THE INDIVIDUALS, BUT FOR THE COMPANIES

AND COMMUNITIES THEY ENGAGE WITH.”

Jennifer explained to us how the Skilled

Professional Program works, and how

they leverage the Temporary Skills

Shortage visa (subclass 482) to bring

top culinary talent to Australia.

“The process begins with a consultation

meeting where a dedicated team

member collaborates closely with the

employer to understand the business, its

culture, and the specific requirements

for each role.

“Based on the number of roles available,

employers can choose to attend an

assessment fair in Dubai, where inperson

interviews and cooking trials are

conducted at Alliance Abroad’s office

and the prestigious International Centre

of Culinary Arts.

“For those seeking fewer hires or with

limited time, virtual interviews and

cooking video submissions can also

be arranged. We then activate targeted

marketing campaigns to attract qualified

culinary talent worldwide.

“A specialist team carefully reviews

each candidate’s profile to confirm

visa eligibility and alignment with the

employer’s criteria. Once a pool of

candidates is established, employers

can begin the assessment phase,

selecting top talent for final interviews

and cooking trials.

“When job offers are extended,

we assist chefs with gathering all

necessary documentation for visa

applications, coordinating closely with

the employer’s immigration lawyer or

agent to streamline the visa lodgement

process. After visa approval, we ensure a

smooth transition for those relocating to

Australia,” she said.

Alliance Abroad’s orientations and

individual consultations cover more

than you would expect. Everything

from cultural preparation, employer

expectations, and practical guidance

to securing long-term accommodation,

obtaining health insurance, and setting

up bank accounts.

Of course, navigating visa sponsorship

and work experience programs in

Australia also involves complex laws and

regulations, which is why businesses like

Alliance Abroad have a team of experts

dedicated to managing these processes,

ensuring that all legal requirements are

met and maintain full compliance with

industry standards.

Jennifer said they collaborate with

leading immigration lawyers and work

closely with specialised skills assessors

who provide efficient assessments for

their chefs.

REVIEW / 29


“THE PRESENCE OF THESE

SKILLED CHEFS ENRICHES THE

AUSTRALIAN WORKFORCE,

ALLOWING BUSINESSES TO

OFFER INNOVATIVE, DIVERSE

MENUS THAT APPEAL TO

BOTH LOCAL PATRONS AND

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS.”

“This network allows us to manage every aspect

of the process with precision and reliability as we

guide both employers and participants through

their responsibilities, avoiding any delays or

issues. This also enables employers to focus

on their own business and be confident in their

compliance, while participants have peace of

mind knowing their experience is fully supported.

“As a government-approved sponsor of

Australia’s Training visa (subclass 407), we are

uniquely qualified to place international trainees

with approved host employers and uphold the

highest standards of compliance, understanding

the importance of fulfilling its obligations as a

trusted sponsor.

“Streamlined, compliant visa sponsorships result

in a workplace that not only meets its staffing

needs, but benefits from a vibrant exchange

of ideas and skills. Venues simply thrive on the

richness of diverse perspectives and a dynamic

energy,” she said.

Visa sponsorships play a vital role in the

hospitality industry due to staffing shortages

being a constant challenge, especially for skilled

roles like chefs. This is where the workforce

exchange programs become invaluable, offering

/ 30

REVIEW

REVIEW / 31


employers access to a pool of talented

individuals from around the world

who bring dedication, an eagerness

to learn, and a strong commitment to

contributing to the team.

Jennifer said these chefs aren’t just

advancing their careers – they’re

transforming their lives while

finding a real sense of fulfilment in

the process.

“For instance, chef Karan Kumar

from India, chef Victor Ordaz from

Mexico, and chef Khaldon Alshblak

from Dubai have each found new

professional opportunities in

Australia that were previously out of

reach in their home countries. Chef

Abhilipsa Dash from India and chef

Marco Padra from the Philippines

have similarly found career

success, bringing global flavours

and innovative techniques to their

Australian workplaces.

“Beyond these individual success

stories, many chefs have established

a stable life in Australia, bringing their

families to join them and contributing

to the community. Australia is more

than just a career milestone for these

people – it’s a place where they’ve

found a home and laid foundations

for their families’ futures.

“Many find a balance here that’s

hard to come by in high-pressure

kitchens abroad, with Australia’s focus

on sustainability, local ingredients,

and culinary tourism providing a

perfect environment for growth. As

international chefs discover new

opportunities in Australia, they’re

bringing an added layer of depth

and excitement to the country’s food

culture. It’s a win-win for everyone,”

she said.

Australia’s hospitality sector is

facing a shortage of over 56,000

skilled workers, driving demand for

international chefs to supplement

local hires. Chefs from Dubai, India,

Mexico, and Africa are filling in

these gaps, enhancing menus with

diverse dishes and techniques that

resonate with Australia’s evolving

food scene.

Valuing creativity, quality, and

wellbeing, we know that the

Queensland hospitality industry is

also an excellent place for many of

these chefs to advance their careers.

Jennifer said they’re incredibly

proud of the life-changing

opportunities they’ve helped create

for hundreds of talented chefs from

around the world.

“For employers, the key to

successful recruitment lies in

starting with a clear definition of

your staffing needs. Understanding

the specific roles you’re looking to

fill – whether it’s a sous chef or a

commis chef – alongside the kind

of cultural experience you wish to

cultivate will lay the foundation for

attracting the right talent.

“For culinary professionals seeking

a transformative work experience,

our advice is to remain open to

exploring new cultures and be

adaptable in your role choices.

Embrace the diversity of

opportunities, as this flexibility can

lead to personal and professional

growth beyond your expectations.

“Our programs are designed to help

people build expertise, whether you’re

new to the field or looking to advance,

and we’re here to match you with the

best options for your career goals.

“Taking on this challenge can broaden

your horizons, refine your culinary

skills, and pave the way to career

opportunities you may never have

considered,” she said.

One of our most inspiring stories that

has come out of Alliance Abroad is

that of chef Ruth Jugul Dalyop, who

made the bold move from the highpressure

hospitality industry in Dubai

to a more balanced and fulfilling

position in Australia that has given her

a greater work-life balance.

Ruth said she is hugely encouraging

to others thinking of following in

her footsteps.

“If you have an opportunity, don’t

hold back. If someone has given you

the chance to take your career to the

next level in Australia, don’t settle for

less. Take the opportunity – you’re not

going to regret it,” she said.

/ 32

REVIEW

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS NO COMPLAINTS

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN! THE FESTIVE SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING, WHICH MEANS MANY

WORKPLACES ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR END-OF-YEAR CHRISTMAS PARTIES.

Getting employees together for a work

Christmas party is a great way to celebrate

the end of the working year. However, we

must remember that Christmas parties

are still work functions, where there is a

continued duty on the employer’s part to

provide a safe system of work for

their employees.

Every employer has at least one horror

story from the Christmas parties of years

gone by. Whether it’s a rolled ankle at mini

golf, awkward hookups after overindulging

in alcohol, or having some less-thanfavourable

moments memorialised on

social media for all to see, an employer’s

liability can be considerably increased

if Christmas party preparations are not

undertaken correctly.

Before the party

Pick the right venue

Christmas parties are about bringing

everyone together to celebrate the end of

the working year. Choose a venue that is

inclusive to all, that has ample transport

available for employees to get home safely

(boat parties are not a good idea), and, if

undertaking an activity, ensure it is one that

a majority of employees can comfortably

participate in if they so choose.

Just because a small number of employees

are interested in a paintball and assault

course, does not mean that it is appropriate

for the work group as a whole.

Ensure the venue serves a mix of

alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

and that there will be plenty of food

available. If juniors are attending the

party, it is necessary to establish a clear

identification process (for example,

coloured wristbands) to clearly indicate

that they are not able to be served

alcohol.

If you are having a theme, ensure it is

appropriate, non-discriminatory, and

one that won’t lead to inappropriate

or culturally insensitive costumes. An

employer who encourages a ‘be as

offensive as you can’ type of theme is

opening themselves up to considerable

risk, as this will be seen as endorsing

discriminatory conduct.

Set appropriate start and finish times

for the function

…and ensure that this is clearly advised

to all staff in writing!

This way, should the employees move

on to another venue before or after the

established finish time, any adverse

incident or injury that occurs can be

refuted as attracting liability for the

employer, as the ‘work-related’ portion of

the day has ended.

To this end, employees should be advised

that any after parties that follow on from

the event are undertaken by employees

in their own time and are not endorsed

by, nor paid for, the employer.

Set expectations with employees

Employers must be realistic with their

employees ahead of the Christmas party.

Employees can be encouraged to have

a good time and also be reminded that

the party is still a work function where

the usual policies for appropriate conduct

continue to apply.

The employer should send an email to

all staff in advance of the party with a

reminder that responsible behaviour

is still expected as per the employer’s

code of conduct and any other relevant

policies. Additionally, employees should

be informed about possible consequences

they may face for inappropriate conduct.

Should any complaints be made after the

party, the employer will be able to rely

upon this expectation-setting email to

demonstrate that they took all reasonable

steps to reduce the risk of potential issues

and to commence disciplinary action,

if required.

During the party

Responsible manager

The employer should designate at least

one responsible contact person at the

party to oversee the event, monitor

behaviour, and provide assistance for

employees if there are any concerns or if

supervision is needed.

This responsible person or persons

should monitor the consumption of

alcohol and have sufficient authority to

/ 34

REVIEW

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS/ JENNA PENFOLD

“EMPLOYEES CAN BE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AND ALSO BE

REMINDED THAT THE PARTY IS STILL A WORK FUNCTION WHERE THE

USUAL POLICIES FOR APPROPRIATE CONDUCT CONTINUE TO APPLY.”

‘have a quiet word’ when necessary to

stop or limit people from drinking. They

must also be charged with ensuring

employees get home safely in an Uber or

taxi if it’s suspected that the employee is

approaching the legal alcohol limit to drive

or is otherwise impaired.

The responsible manager should

ensure that all staff leave the Christmas

party venue at the designated and

communicated end time of the official

function, further establishing a clear

line that the official celebrations (and

consequentially, the employer’s liability)

have ended.

Employees should be informed of who

the designated responsible person or

persons are, as they will be the point of

contact in the event of anything going

wrong during the party. Members of the

management team should also be put on

notice prior to the event that they must

lead as a positive example while at the

party. Managers should not attend any

after parties.

Secret Santa

If Secret Santa gifts are being

exchanged, set a price limit and advise

employees that the gifts must be suitable

for family viewing.

Travel arrangements

If the Christmas party is being held at a

location away from the workplace, the

employer needs to give consideration to

how employees will safely arrive home.

This may be by way of taxi vouchers or

arranging carpools home with sober

drivers.

The employer must not knowingly allow

any employee adversely affected by

alcohol to drive themselves home, as any

accident will be an accepted work-related

injury and may expose the business to

other legal liabilities.

After the party

Consider the next day

If the day after the Christmas party is a

workday for some, consider reminding

staff in advance of the party of their

responsibility to attend work on time and

in a fit state to perform their duties.

If you receive any complaints

Unfortunately, we know that any alcoholinvolved

social event can lower inhibitions

and increase the likelihood of complaints

involving sexual harassment, bullying,

or other inappropriate conduct. There is

also the possibility of WorkCover claims

being filed in relation to physical and

psychological injuries alleged to have

been sustained in the course of the workrelated

party.

Employees should have already been

made aware that workplace policies apply

at the Christmas party. Any complaints

raised by employees relating to conduct

at an event must be dealt with in a timely

manner and in accordance with the

applicable policy.

In most instances, this will require the

employer to undergo a procedurally

fair investigation and to gather relevant

information (such as witness statements)

regarding the alleged incident.

If it’s alleged that an incident occurred at

the Christmas party or after the event, the

QHA’s employment relations team can

assist QHA members with addressing

the incident. This includes assisting to

assess whether an incident after the event

has sufficient connection to work for the

employer to take appropriate action.

Further information

QHA members seeking more information

or wishing to discuss a specific

employment relations matter are

encouraged to contact the employment

relations team for a confidential discussion

by calling 07 3221 6999 or emailing

er@qha.org.au.

REVIEW / 35

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT/ DAMIAN STEELE

PROTECTING CROWDED

PLACES FROM TERRORISM

THE QHA RECENTLY ATTENDED THE AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND COUNTER-TERRORISM COMMITTEE’S CROWDED PLACES

BRIEFING AND BUSINESS ADVISORY GROUP FORUM HELD ON THE GOLD COAST IN NOVEMBER.

Without being alarmist, Australia’s

current National Terrorism Threat Level

is probable. Simply put, this means that

there is credible intelligence, as assessed

by our security agencies, which indicates

that there are individuals or groups within

Australia that possess the capability and

intent to commit an act of terrorism on

Australian soil.

The national terrorism threat level is a

warning tool to provide government

and the public with an indication of

what the Australian Security Intelligence

Organisation (ASIO) is seeing and

anticipates in the near future.

Australia’s Strategy for Protecting

Crowded Places from Terrorism identifies

‘crowded places’ as attractive targets for

terrorists. Crowded places include, but are

not limited to, sports stadiums, shopping

centres, pubs, clubs, places of worship,

tourist attractions, movie theatres, and

civic spaces.

It is a sobering fact that attacks in

Australia have occurred this year,

including the Westfield Bondi Junction

stabbings and Wakeley church stabbing,

as well as multiple attacks throughout

the world in (or in the immediate vicinity

of) entertainment precincts, malls, and

international hotels.

The weapon of choice worldwide in

relation to crowded places attacks

continues to be vehicle-borne attacks,

with secondary attacks involving

bladed weapons.

Owners and operators of crowded

places have the primary responsibility for

protecting their sites, including a duty of

care to take steps to protect people that

work, use, or visit their site from a range of

foreseeable threats, including terrorism.

The approach taken to protect crowded

places should be nationally consistent,

proportionate, and to every extent

possible, preserve the public’s use and

enjoyment of these places.

Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded

Places from Terrorism is based on:

• building strong partnerships

• enabling better information sharing

and guidance

• implementing effective protective

security

• increasing resilience

• complementing local arrangements,

including security plans, emergency

response and recovery arrangements,

and business continuity

The strategy is supported by a suite

of supplementary guidelines that will

further assist owners and operators to

understand and implement protective

security measures.

These supplementary materials include:

• Crowded Places Self-Assessment Tool

• Crowded Places Security Audit

• Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Guidelines

• Chemical Weapon Guidelines

• Active Armed Offender Guidelines

• Improvised Explosive Device

Guidelines

• Disrupting Hostile Reconnaissance

Guidelines

The guidelines are designed to increase

understanding of the threat posed by

particular weapons and tactics to crowded

places. Complementary publications

such as ‘Escape, Hide, Tell,’ also provide

guidance on the issues and options that

owners and operators may consider

during risk mitigation and contingency

planning activities.

In the unlikely event you are facing an

attacker armed with a gun, knife, or similar

weapon, it is important to be prepared to

react quickly. You need to remember three

words:

• Escape – move quickly and quietly

away from danger, but only if it is safe

to do so

• Hide – stay out of sight and silence

your mobile phone

• Tell – call the police by dialling Triple

Zero (000) when it is safe

All situations are different. You will need

to make quick decisions during an attack

and be prepared to change your plan.

Remembering the Escape, Hide, Tell

principles will help in deciding what to do.

To maintain a safe and secure premises

requires eternal vigilance. A number of

QHA members have enquired recently

about venue security issues, employing

crowd controllers, risk, and their general

legal obligations and potential liability.

There is an overarching legislative

requirement for all venues under the

Liquor Act 1992 (Qld) that licensees must

maintain a safe environment for patrons

and staff.

Further considerations in this context

may extend to provisions under the

Security Providers Act 1993 (Qld), Security

Providers Regulation 2008, and Work

Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld).

For further information, contact the

QHA, who can assist members and also

utilise QHA corporate partners with

subject expertise.

Australia’s Strategy for Protecting

Crowded Places from Terrorism and

supporting documents can be found by

going to www.nationalsecurity.gov.au.

/ 36

REVIEW

TRAINING & SAFETY RTO 30826/ THERESE KELLY

AUSTRALIAN FOOD SAFETY LAWS

DECEMBER 8 2022 MARKED SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND FOOD STANDARDS CODE (FSANZ).

THE AMENDMENTS TO STANDARD 3.2.2A BECAME ENFORCEABLE IN DECEMBER 2023.

As we reflect on the past twelve months,

it’s essential to remind businesses of what

they need to do to ensure compliance.

Food safety remains a national priority.

Each year, over 4.1 million Australians

suffer from foodborne illnesses, resulting

in severe consequences including 86

fatalities, over one million doctor visits,

and nearly 32,000 hospitalisations.

To combat this pressing public health issue,

food safety laws were established, aiming

to define minimum expectations for all

stakeholders in the food industry.

These regulations are critical for minimising

risks associated with food handling and

ensuring public health safety.

The implementation of Standard 3.2.2A

mandates that food businesses develop

and implement food safety management

systems. This regulation affects any entity

involved in food preparation or service. The

key components of this standard include:

Food handler training – staff must

receive adequate training in food

safety practices

A food handler is anyone working in a food

establishment who directly handles food

or interacts with food surfaces, such as

cutlery, plates, or utensils.

This broad category encompasses

various roles, from chefs preparing meals

to staff handling tableware or cleaning

food-contact items. Given the extensive

nature of food handling activities, it’s vital

that all employees adhere to rigorous

hygiene protocols.

Staff training does not necessarily

need to be through an accredited unit

of competency, although it’s strongly

recommended.

Ideally, staff should complete SITXFSA005

– Hygienic practices for food safety,

followed by an annual refresher course,

which is often available for free on local

government websites.

It’s important to have staff submit a

copy of their training certificates for

your records, and the QHA suggests

conducting quarterly staff meetings to

refresh safe food handling practices,

ensuring documentation of discussions

and attendance.

Food safety supervision – at least one

qualified Food Safety Supervisor (FSS)

must be present on staff

Under FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, hospitality

establishments are required to appoint

one qualified FSS – although the QHA

recommends having two. This role is

crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses

due to improper food handling.

An FSS must have completed

recognised training and acquired specific

competencies, including:

• SITXFSA005: Use hygienic practices for

food safety

• SITXFSA006: Participate in safe food

handling practices

These units are accepted across all states

and territories.

To ensure food safety is prioritised,

the FSS must have obtained relevant

certificates within the last five years.

Nominating an FSS is flexible. For

example, a small business may find it

convenient for the owner or chef/cook to

assume this responsibility.

Record management – established

protocols for documenting food safety

measures

To comply with Standard 3.2.2A,

businesses must maintain records as part

of their food safety management system.

These records should be stored and

available upon request.

Businesses are expected to substantiate

their food safety management of

prescribed activities. This means

maintaining records of critical food safety

risks and demonstrating management of

food safety activities to an environmental

health officer through suitable means. The

prescribed activities detailed in Standard

3.2.2A relate to:

• the receipt, storage, display, and

transport (if applicable) of potentially

hazardous foods under temperature

control

• the adequate processing (for example,

cooking, acidifying, and fermenting) of

potentially hazardous foods

• the minimisation of the time potentially

hazardous foods are outside

temperature control during processing

• the cooling of potentially hazardous

foods within specified time and

temperature limits

• the rapid reheating of potentially

hazardous foods to required

temperatures

• the adequate cleaning and sanitisation

of food surfaces and equipment

What is an evidence tool?

An evidence tool is a record used to

substantiate food safety management of

prescribed activities. A record refers to any

document or object (including electronic

formats) that maintains information or can

be derived from it. Examples include:

• written or electronic entries

• verified written instructions (for

example, validated recipes or standard

operating procedures)

• notes on invoices (for example, the

temperature of received food)

• data logger information in graphical

form

• photos or video footage

• other forms of documented information

Records should be created each day the

business engages in prescribed activities

and require:

• the date (and time, if applicable) when

the record was made and which food or

activity it pertains to

• the availability of an environmental

health officer (or appropriate business

personnel) upon request

• retention for at least three months

following their creation, and to be

securely disposed of after that period

By staying informed and compliant with

the updates to the food safety laws, you

can not only protect public health, but

also enhance your business’s reputation

and build customer trust. It’s crucial

for food businesses to adapt to these

regulations to ensure a safe dining

experience for all Australians.

For further information on both accredited

and non-accredited training options

available for the hospitality sector in

Queensland, contact the QHA on

07 3221 6999.

REVIEW / 37

ACCOMMODATION/ TOM FITZGERALD

ELEVATING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

HOTEL PARTNERSHIPS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE A GUEST’S EXPERIENCE BY CREATING UNIQUE, MEMORABLE,

AND CONVENIENT OFFERINGS THAT GO BEYOND THE TYPICAL HOTEL STAY.

Surpassing guest expectations is at the

core of remarkable hospitality. As guests

search for more enriching experiences,

finding valuable partners can help hotels

stand out. A blend of extraordinary

customer service and programs that

offer unique moments can make for a

winning combination.

There are many different forms of

collaborations that can help venues

create an enriched travel experience.

Throughout Queensland and beyond,

here are some great examples.

Local experiences and attractions

Partnerships can often enhance a hotel’s

reputation from a brand standpoint and

are often thoughtfully handpicked by

those with shared values.

Sofitel Brisbane Central, known as

Brisbane’s hotel of the arts, partners with

Queensland Ballet and Mitchell Fine Art to

provide guests exclusive access to artwork

as well as a high tea, where they’re treated

to a performance by the Queensland Ballet

Academy.

Similarly, The Star Brisbane and the

Museum of Brisbane just announced a

new collaboration, offering free guided

tours of the Queen’s Wharf Precinct.

Partnerships with local attractions or

cultural institutions can also give guests

access to exclusive tickets, tours, or

experiences. Another example is The

Emporium Hotel Southbank partnering

with Elite Helicopters Brisbane, offering

guests luxury fly-and-dine experiences.

Offering VIP experiences through

collaborations with high-end brands, W

Brisbane and Emporium Hotel Southbank

also provide complimentary chauffeur

services through vehicle partnerships with

Polestar and Maserati respectively.

VIP Experiences and events

Hotels can often work with event

organisers to create themed packages

or on-site experiences that align with the

timing and atmosphere of events.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on

the Gold Coast were named as official

hotel partners for the Boost Mobile Gold

Coast 500. Through this, Marriott Bonvoy

unveiled The Marriott Bonvoy Lounge,

overlooking the Surfers Paradise track.

This provided an exceptional offering for

guests – great views of the action, freeflowing

champagne, a gourmet culinary

menu, meet and greet opportunities with

supercar drivers, and prizes for guests.

The Amora Hotel Brisbane and Hotel

X regularly leverage events to elevate

guest experiences. In partnership with

Queensland Reds Rugby, Amora Hotel

Brisbane hosted a pre-match Rugby

Legends Q&A event in their DAPL

restaurant, followed by a shuttle to the game.

Hotel X recently partnered with Ability

Fest to support the live music scene.

Last year, the hotel also installed ‘Sounds

of X’ in the hotel lobby – a permanent

music installation showcasing the best of

Brisbane musicians.

Enhanced on-site services

Collaborations in wellness, spa services,

lifestyle products, or with dining and

culinary experts can also play a significant

role in creating exceptional customer

experiences – from in-room spa kits,

exclusive treatments, and fitness classes

to enhanced dining experiences, menu

items, or room service options that elevate

the culinary aspect of a guest’s stay.

Dorsett Gold Coast has an ongoing

offering with one of the region’s local

icons, Grandad Jack’s Craft Distillery. Here,

guests can enjoy a carefully curated menu

at their Jin Café & Bar as well as a tasting

station to sample the unique and complex

flavours of the distillery.

Another hotel known for its offerings

in the dining and culinary space is W

Brisbane. Resulting from an Openair

Cinemas collaboration, guests who

purchased tickets to W Brisbane’s WET

Deck in February were able to get comfy

on inflatable pool recliners while watching

classics from the pool with grazing boxes,

cocktails, and champagne.

The hotel’s Heartbake Bites Supper Club

experience also saw cookbook author,

Charlotte Ree, deliver a four-course

supper experience, bringing guests

together to share a meal.

From an amenities standpoint, hotels

often supply products that can be

appealing to guests through brand

partners. Sofitel Brisbane Central offers

guests on-demand hair and makeup

services via Privé Hair & Makeup, while

TRYP by Wyndham Southport has just

announced that guests will receive

access to a range of skincare through

partnering with Urban Skincare Co and

Vanity Group.

Technology and convenience

Hotels can partner with tech companies

to offer services like mobile check-ins,

digital room keys, and smart controls. A

recent tech partnership between Pier One

Sydney Harbour and a travel technology

platform, Exceptional ALIEN, has seen

the launch of an ‘interactive concierge’.

This centres around guests being able to

access the work of influential creators,

such as G-Flip’s Travel Playbook.

This platform offers a unique perspective

and recommends local experiences.

Within the first 48 hours, over 85% of

new guests interacted with the platform,

suggesting there’s a pressing demand

among travellers for meaningful, easyto-navigate

information about their

destinations.

Hotels are always finding new ways

to elevate experiences for guests.

Partnerships, when thoughtfully chosen

and integrated, can transform a stay into

a curated experience that is memorable,

personal, and enriching, leaving a lasting

impression on guests and increasing the

likelihood of repeat visits.

/ 38

REVIEW

A CRAFTY BUNCH/ MATSO'S

CRUSHING IT

MATSO’S VODKA LEMON LIME CRUSH IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

AFTER AN EXTENSIVE TRIAL IN PUBS AND HOTELS THAT EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS.

“WE’RE AN

AUSTRALIAN BRAND,

AND PEOPLE HAVE

BEEN LOVING OUR

GINGER BEER AND

OTHER CONCOCTIONS

FOR YEARS,

WHETHER THAT

BE ON HOLIDAYS IN

BROOME OR AT THEIR

FAVOURITE PUB."

The brand’s first dive into the ready to drink (RTD) category

was released at several venues in Western Australia earlier this

year, with quarterly sales targets being reached within weeks.

Remarkably, the citrus RTD sector is growing at over 250%, with

Matso’s Vodka Lemon Lime Crush already proving to be a popular

new option in the space.

An original take on a much-loved classic, the drink is the perfect

mix of vodka, lime, and Australian lemons, with customers loving

the perfect balance of flavour and refreshment they have come to

expect from Matso’s. Brand manager, Liv Waters, said people were

keen to get behind their local.

“I think the results show how much love there is for Matso’s. We’re

an Australian brand, and people have been loving our ginger beer

and other concoctions for years, whether that be on holidays in

Broome or at their favourite pub.

“We know people really want to support locals like us, so when they

saw that we released our take on a popular classic, they just had to

try it. Thankfully, customers loved the taste and demanded more.

We’ve listened, so that’s why it’s now available across the country.

“Matso’s has been crafting delicious drinks to beat the heat of

Broome since 1997, creating Australia’s first alcoholic ginger beer

and Australia’s first mango beer. The Vodka Lemon Lime Crush is

our latest playful twist on heat-beating refreshment and is already

off to a flying start,” she said.

Matso’s opened its second home earlier this year in Eumundi on the

Sunshine Coast. Now with its own distillery, the brand was inspired

to enter the world of spirits and RTDs. Liv said the rapidly growing

segment of citrus RTDs is currently dominated by brands that have

a strong male appeal, so to sustain category growth, they wanted to

make sure their product appealed to a female audience.

“Matso’s has always had a strong following of female drinkers in

the ginger beer space, so we think attracting more females to the

citrus RTD category is great. The space is also very much a multinational

at the moment, but we’re hoping being 100% Australian

owned and made will aid our appeal.

“We know the RTD category is continuing to grow, so the new

distillery at Matso’s Sunshine Coast will continue to test flavours

and get the creativity going. To be able to combine the strength

of the brand within a rising sector is a real win for our customers,”

she said.

Coming in at 4.5% ABV, Matso’s Vodka Lemon Lime Crush is now

available in cans and on tap nationally. For more information, please

get in touch with your Good Drinks Australia sales representative.

/ 40

REVIEW

A CRAFTY BUNCH/ FELONS BREWING CO

UNEARTHED

IN THEIR PURSUIT OF REDEFINING THE MODERN BEER EXPERIENCE, FELONS

BREWING CO HAS DELVED DEEP INTO THE REALM OF OLD-WORLD BREWING

TECHNIQUES WITH THEIR IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF BARREL-AGED BEERS.

Brimming with imaginative aromas and

flavours that represent its home by the

Brisbane River under the Story Bridge, the

brewery has really outdone itself this time

with its newest releases, Wee Heavier and

Running Ashore.

When it comes to the crafting of each,

Felons utilises oak and wild organisms as

essential components in the conditioning

process, and describes it as comparable to

winemaking, where flavours are nurtured

within the barrel and influenced by its prior

service in ageing fine wine, champagne,

and whiskey.

A gentle giant with a big malt soul, Wee

Heavier is a wee heavy style ale (also

known as strong Scotch ale) that has

been aged in ex-Gospel Whiskey charred

American oak barrels for four months. Top

notes of rye whiskey befit full-bodied spiced

fruits, sweet malt, and caramel grandeur.

Brewery director at Felons, Tom Champion,

said Wee Heavier is soulful, evocative, and

brewed to warm the body and soul.

“This one is big and sweet and goes well

with desserts such as ice cream or sticky

date pudding, but would also pair

nicely with a char-grilled steak or

mushroom pizza.

“On the other hand, Running Ashore is

quite light and fruity while also being

intense. Therefore, pairings for this would

be rich and fatty fish like sashimi, bright

and colourful curries, or rich and cheesy

pizza,” he said.

Continuing Felons’ exploration of oak

as an ingredient, Running Ashore is an

oak-fermented saison, conditioned in

Koerner Slavonian ex-chardonnay barrels

for nine months. Imbued with fresh pear,

native flower, and honeysuckle flavours,

the brew is a delightful balance awash

with vanillin – an unexpected landing on

effervescent shores.

With only 500 bottles of each being

produced, these releases are truly unique,

and represent the epitome of Australian

craftsmanship by celebrating the

intersections of wine, beer, and whiskey.

For those interested, more information on

these exceptional limited-edition drops is

available at felonsbrewingco.com.au.

REVIEW /41

SEA CHANGE

SLIPSTREAM BREWING CO HAS OPENED A GORGEOUS NEW VENUE IN

BIRTINYA ON THE SUNSHINE COAST, OFFERING QUALITY CRAFT BEER IN

A LAID-BACK COASTAL SETTING.

Modern and airy with cosy booths, alfresco

lounges, and a sprawling function space,

Slipstream Brewing Social House brings

the brand’s refined craft beer hospitality

experience to the rapidly growing

Sunshine Coast, and is the result of seven

successful and award-winning years.

Founded by husband-and-wife team,

Deale and Elisa Stanley-Hunt, Slipstream

opened its first brewery in Brisbane’s

southside at Yeerongpilly in late 2017.

Elisa said they spent considerable time

investigating opportunities for a second

venue, but once they became aware of

the Birtinya site, they knew it was perfect.

“Birtinya is a fast-growing area, and

our venue fills a gap in the market

for a sizeable, authentic, and exciting

hospitality offering,” she said.

Designed by Brisbane-based interior

designer Jumble & Stack, the new venue

incorporates industrial elements and

features from Slipstream's Yeerongpilly

bar and kitchen, including timber joinery,

vibrant furniture, lush green spaces, and a

spacious open kitchen.

Offering both indoor and outdoor

dining, the brewery’s fresh 300-capacity

location features 40 taps that showcase

its renowned signature beers, rotating

limited releases and even boasting a

new drop exclusive to Social House – a

hoppy north coast pilsner inspired by the

Sunshine Coast.

The venue will also be slinging a curated

menu of delicious grilled eats that

complement Slipstream’s craft beers,

including a selection of premium cut

steaks, impressive pork tomahawks, and

fresh seafood.

Overseen by head chef Jarick Quesada

– a culinary expert with over 20 years of

experience – the menu also incorporates

the most popular items from the brand’s

Yeerongpilly brewery, inspired by the west

coast of the United States.

For guests looking for a tipple other than

beer, there’s also a selection of boutique

wines, independent spirits, and cocktails

available in addition to coffee and a range

of non-alcoholic options.

“OUR VISION WAS TO CREATE A

WELCOMING SPACE WHERE LOCALS CAN

ENJOY GREAT FOOD, EXCEPTIONAL BEER,

AND A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE."

Beyond the food and drink, Social House

offers a variety of entertainment options,

including live music sessions, weekly

trivia nights, and pinball competitions,

solidifying its role as a community hub.

The brewery is also adjacent to a popular

live music venue, The Station, making it

the perfect spot to grab a pre-gig drink

and meal.

Deale said their vision for Social House

was to create a space that embodies the

spirit of the Sunshine Coast community.

“Here, locals can come together and

enjoy quality beers in a welcoming

atmosphere, just like we have done with

our Brisbane venue.

/ 42

REVIEW

A CRAFTY BUNCH/ SLIPSTREAM BREWING SOCIAL HOUSE

“We’re bringing the best of Slipstream to Birtinya

with an exclusive beer brewed just for the coast

and a menu that pairs perfectly with our other craft

brews,” he said.

Slipstream is an independently owned brewery

based in south east Queensland, and produces

some of the most accessible and sessionable

craft beers available. Inspired by the drops they

discovered on their visits to the United States, Elisa

and Deale make the hops the heroes, brewing with

nothing but pure flavour in mind.

In February 2024, Slipstream were awarded

Champion Brewery at the Royal Queensland Beer

Awards, but that was clearly just the start of the

brand’s glistening achievements this year.

Deale said it has been an incredible experience

opening Slipstream Brewing Social House.

“Our vision was to create a welcoming space where

locals can enjoy great food, exceptional beer, and a

vibrant atmosphere.

“We are so excited to be a part of the Sunshine

Coast community and share our love of beer, paired

with a top-notch hospitality experience for everyone

to enjoy,” he said.

Enhance Your Team

With Skilled International

Chefs!

www.allianceabroad.com

/ 44

REVIEW

A CRAFTY BUNCH/ BREWDOG

BARK&BITE

SYMBOLISING THE ARCHAIC REBELLION THAT CAME OUT OF A DULLING

INDUSTRY, BREWDOG HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL

NAMES IN CRAFT BEER – PERFECTLY BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ALTERNATIVE

CRAZINESS AND ACCESSIBLE, FRIENDLY HOSPITALITY.

In 2007, BrewDog founders James Watt

and Martin Dickie became fed up with the

stuffy beer market in the United Kingdom,

so they decided to do something about

it by making their own hardcore craft

beers in Fraserburgh, a town in north

east Scotland.

Initially, the pair brewed tiny batches,

filled bottles by hand, and sold their beers

at local markets out of a beaten-up old

van. But, as BrewDog grew, so did the

pair’s ambitions. After James and Martin

created the United Kingdom’s strongest

ever beer (Tokyo* at 18.2% ABV), the

press went nuts, suggesting they would

be responsible for ‘the downfall of western

civilisation’.

Of course, BrewDog carried on regardless,

becoming Scotland’s largest independent

brewery and launching the first iteration

of its legendary crowdfunding program,

Equity For Punks, which allowed the

community to buy shares in the business.

The brand continued to push boundaries,

ageing a beer on the deck of a fishing

boat, creating another record-breaking

drop (Tactical Nuclear Penguin at 32%

ABV), brewing a beer the bottom of the

ocean, and releasing the End of History

– a 55% ABV limited release packaged in

roadkill (yeah), and the world’s strongest

and most expensive beer at the time.

While BrewDog has since tamed down

its quirkiness, the beautiful chaos it

created has no doubt paid off. Over the

last decade, the brand has become a

behemoth in the global craft beer industry,

garnering countless accolades and even

being recognised as a UK Top Employer

and named in the Sunday Times ‘Best

Places to Work’ list in 2023.

Head of Australian operations for

BrewDog, Calvin McDonald, said they’ve

certainly come a long way with their

identity over the years, beginning with a

very punk and grungy aesthetic, evolving

REVIEW /45

“IT’S HEARTENING TO SEE OUR RIVERSIDE

PATIO CATER FOR EVERYONE, FROM YOUR

HARDENED BEER GEEK TO A FAMILY WITH

DOGS LOOKING FOR A NICE PLACE TO BE."

to a hand-designed printing press style, and

now thriving with their current branding.

“There’s a badge at the heart of our identity

that represents us and the community we

stand for. If you look closely, you can see hints

of our Scottish heritage in our packaging

and logo. Our headliners include Punk XPA,

Wingman, and the amazing Brown Snake

Ginger Beer, but we also develop eclectic new

recipes based on the beers we want to drink.

“While we use cutting-edge techniques and

processes, we’re nothing without the quartet

of fundamentals – malt, hops, yeast, and water.

These cornerstones of brewing are our building

blocks. To make great beer, you have to dial

these in from the start and balance them as

you go.

“Like our beers, our venues are always

evolving. They often take on a cosy industrial

aesthetic, with exposed brickwork and

metal paired with softer furnishings, leather,

greenery, and a splash of colour. Our bars are

all recognisably BrewDog, but every site is

individually designed to work with the building

itself in addition to local and cultural points

of relevance.

“From the beginning, our community has been

really important to us. When the pandemic

hit, our distillers paused on making spirits to

produce hand sanitiser, donating over 500,000

/ 46

REVIEW


“THE CONSUMER DEMAND FOR A

QUALITY GINGER BEER IS WELL AND

TRULY ALIVE IN AUSTRALIA."

bottles to frontline healthcare staff and

key workers. Our focus on the planet also

comes to the fore with our anaerobic

digestion plant in Ellon,” he said.

In 2010, the first BrewDog bar opened in

Aberdeen – James and Martin’s hometown.

As it turns out, this was only the beginning

of a fantastic legacy of bars, breweries, and

other venues (including a beer museum

and the world’s first craft beer hotel,

interestingly enough) stretching from

London to Brazil, Japan, Las Vegas, Berlin,

and finally Australia in 2019.

BrewDog’s operations down under began

with the grand opening of their taproom

and state-of-the-art brewery on the banks

of the Brisbane River beneath the Gateway

Bridge. Since then, the brand has set up

a bar in the heart of Fortitude Valley and

expanded into the historic Pentridge Prison

in Melbourne, South Eveleigh in Sydney,

and the west of Perth over in Western

Australia.

Calvin said, although they always back

themselves, they really didn’t know how a

taproom located at the end of an industrial

estate was going to perform – especially

for a brewery that previously didn’t have a

huge reputation in the state.

“It’s thanks to the amazing support of

the Brisbane public that we’ve expanded

the taproom capacity every single year

since we opened. We even diversified our

offering, opening our kid’s playpark last

summer and installing screens for State

of Origin this year. It’s heartening to see

our riverside patio cater for everyone, from

your hardened beer geek to a family with

dogs looking for a nice place to be.

“We opened our bar in Fortitude Valley in

November 2022. It’s an absolutely amazing

three-storey site, located in the historic

Tranberg House – right opposite the Valley

Metro on Brunswick Street. Each floor

has its own feel, which makes it perfect

for hosting functions. We show sports

on the lower ground floor level, which is

still awash in natural light, so it’s a really

pleasant place to catch a game.

“The ground floor is one of the few places

where you can grab a game of pool in the

valley or even dip outside to our terrace to

enjoy the Brisbane heat. Our top floor level

features amazing views of the city, as well

as a couple of shuffleboard tables, which

have gone down a storm with the Brisbane

public. We like to think of the entire venue

as a safe haven from the chaos, but also

somewhere that caters heavily to lunches

and after-work pints throughout the week,”

he said.

In the five years that BrewDog has been

operating in Queensland, the industry of

hospitality and craft beer has significantly

evolved. In addition to there being more

demand for world-class east coast IPAs,

the beer-drinking public is also striving for

flavourful drops at a more accessible price

point and ABV, leading to local breweries

creating punchy, hazy hop bombs with a

lower percentage of alcohol.

Calvin said this is a trend that he can

certainly get behind, especially given the

warm climate in Queensland.

REVIEW /47

“OUR BARS ARE ALL RECOGNISABLY

BREWDOG, BUT EVERY SITE IS

INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED TO WORK

WITH THE BUILDING ITSELF IN

ADDITION TO LOCAL AND CULTURAL

POINTS OF RELEVANCE."

“There are thousands of beers brewed around the

world, and they all have different flavours, colours,

aromas, and strengths. These differences are all

brought about by introducing all manner of plants,

minerals, and other additives into the mix, and

by fine-tuning the techniques by which the beers

are produced.

“We listen to our community and spend time

understanding trends, collaborating with other likeminded

breweries, and sharing ideas and recipes. It's

interesting to note just how strong the performance of

Brown Snake Ginger Beer is for us here in Queensland.

This is not a category we’d worked in much back in

the United Kingdom, but the consumer demand for a

quality ginger beer is well and truly alive in Australia.

“Our brewers worked hard on the recipe and, after

much trial and error, we’re confident that it’s the best

tasting ginger beer in the Aussie market – something

that we’d have been unlikely to say in any of our other

global operations!” he said.

Every Sunday, BrewDog hosts a Family Funday at their

taproom in Murarrie, where guests may encounter a

/ 48

REVIEW


magician, caricature artist, or end up with a balloon

animal. With both of its venues in Brisbane being well

set up to host big functions, the brewery is no doubt

looking forward to Christmas this year.

Clearly, despite being renowned for its bark and bite,

BrewDog’s reputation for hearty hospitality proceeds

it, making it a brand that encompasses the best

of both sides of craft beer – the laid-back and the

delightfully archaic.

“Much has been spoken of the duopolies that exist

in the Australian beer industry. We have great

relationships with our partners here, and ultimately,

we’re a relatively new industry full of younger

businesses trying to compete with centuries-old

establishments.

“Throughout the ongoing cost of living crisis,

we’ve seen discretionary spending go down. That

can particularly impact an industry like craft beer,

which is still perceived by some to be something

of a luxury product. This is totally understandable

– if the money in your wallet isn’t going as far as it

used to, it makes total sense that one has to find

economies somewhere.

“That’s where it becomes incumbent on us to try and

offer the best value for the consumer that we can.

Whether it’s mitigating the rising cost of goods or

being innovative with our production methods while

still ensuring the highest quality beer, we’ll look to

do that.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I truly believe that

with responsible, sustainable growth, one day craft

breweries will get close to the kind of scale that the

main players in the market have. Until then though,

it’s quite simple. When you’re in a bottle shop or pub,

have a look and see if you can support an independent

brewery wherever possible,” Calvin said.

NOOSA RUBY

SUNSET ALE

RED RYE IPA

GINGER BEER

STRADDIE BREWING CO

THRILL

SEEKER NEW

ZEALAND IPA

ONLY WHAT

YOU NEED

NEIPA

SUNSHINE BREWERY

SLIPSTREAM BREWING CO

MOUNTAIN CULTURE

BEER CO

These guys brew beautiful

beer, and this drop has that

signature Sunshine Brewery

bitterness and flavour profile

we have come to love. It’s

funny how you can tell the

beers from certain quality

craft brewers. It's almost a

signature style. This one won

a Bronze medal at the Royal

Queensland Beer Awards in

2024. Notes of cola, liquorice,

and cherry to the fore with

a delicious underlying

bitterness.

Purity is at the forefront of

everything these guys do,

and this approach certainly

shines through in their

ginger beer. A zingy, sweet

ginger beer it is not – subtle,

sugar-free, and refined it

most certainly is. It’s an

incredible thirst quencher on

a hot day and coupled with a

quality gin, it’s an altogether

special experience. If you

haven’t ever tried a Foghorn

made famous by Waldorf

Astoria New York, this is the

ginger beer to have it with.

It’s weird how a fruit that

could be conservatively

considered by many as

unfavourable to their

tastebuds has proven so

central to great tasting IPAs.

Slipstream’s Thrill Seeker

presents initial notes of

apricot and peach before it

smacks you in the face with

the fruit to which I refer –

grapefruit. It is this star of the

show that makes this brew

so special.

But all that you want!

Flavours of tangerine,

passionfruit, peach, and

mango to the fore that

just wants you have more

and more. Enough said.

Mountain Culture we

love you.

/ 50

REVIEW

TOP DROP

SEA LEGS IPA

SEA LEGS BREWING CO

RUNNING

ASHORE

BARREL AGED

SAISON

FELONS BREWING CO

LIMITED

RELEASE

PARADISE IPA

FELONS BREWING CO

SWING JUICE

COUNTRY

CLUB XPA

BIRDS OF CONDOR X

YOUNG HENRY’S

There’s nothing we love

more than resinous, super

strong IPA and this one

certainly gave us sea legs,

ba dum tss! Having sampled

one of the mid-strength

ales at a recent concert

at Brisbane’s Riverstage,

we were keen to try one

of their heftier brews and

their IPA did not disappoint.

Somewhat dank and citrusy

with a moderate bitterness

and some sweet malt, it is

superb. This is most certainly

a brewery to look out for.

Suitably impressed.

The French Revolution

changed France’s entire

political landscape. So, it

was only fitting in light of

recent elections, both here

and abroad, that a palecoloured

ale that originated

in France be savoured to

mark such an occasion.

This oak-fermented Saison

conditioned in Koerner

chardonnay barrels is

definitely one to be savoured

and enjoyed. Aromas of

lime, lemon, and pear make

way for an effervescent

mouthfeel and flavours of

pear, vanilla, and ripe fruit.

Sensational with sashimi,

which is not very French, but

it works.

A flavoursome and incredibly

enjoyable California-inspired

West Coast IPA that’s

bursting with tropical fruit

aroma and flavour, a nice

steady bitterness and a dry

finish. This is an absolute

cracker IPA.

A collaboration reportedly

conjured up over many

games of golf and a few

amber nectars on the 19th

hole. Well, thank goodness

they found some down time

to inspire such a creation.

Initial flavours of bitter

orange and pine make way

for sweet tropical fruits. It

really is a cracker, enough

said. Get swinging, this

ripper is sure to get your

Happy Gilmore golf game

back on track.

REVIEW /51

A CRAFTY

BUNCH

WHY NOT SUPPORT

Ballistic Beer Co

Brisbane Brewing Co

Burleigh Brewing Co

Blowing away the traditional ideas and

expectations of what beer should be, this

brewery has a simple theory — fresh beer is

the best beer. That’s why they brew in small

batches, more frequently, and store it cold

so you get the same blast of flavour that the

brewers do.

Set in an old World War II ammunition

factory in the historic and industrial suburb

of Salisbury, Ballistic Beer Co is home to a

team of innovative brewers who believe that

everyone should have the chance to enjoy a

well-crafted, quality beer.

07 3277 6656

ballisticbeer.com

Family-owned and serving award-winning

beer since 2005, Brisbane Brewing Co is

Brisbane’s longest-running independent

brewery.

Their beers are brewed to suit the climate,

bringing people who love to explore the

world and locally made craft beer together.

Welcoming, unpretentious, and easy-going,

enjoy Brisbane Brewing Co's beers on a hot

summer or a cool and sunny winter day.

07 3891 1011

brisbanebrewing.com.au/wholesale

Founded in 2006 by Peta and Brennan

Fielding, Burleigh Brewing was one of

the first independent craft breweries in

Queensland.

Now celebrating 15 years, 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

Located in a beautiful art deco building in

West End, Catchment Brewing Co is a fully

functioning brewery, bar, and restaurant, and

your one-stop shop for all things craft beer,

awesome food, and functions.

Whether you're sampling their medalwinning

core range of beers named after

iconic streets in the local catchment or their

amazing seasonal smash hits, it’s well worth

a visit for a taste of West End.

Catchment Brewing Co — for locals, by

locals, everywhere.

07 3846 1701

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 and nestled down under

the Story Bridge within Howard Smith

Wharves.

Felons Brewing Co truly believes that

beer is what binds us all to this great

part of the world, and as proud brewers,

they create with passion and freedom.

07 3188 9090

felonsbrewingco.com.au

Slipstream Brewing Co

As an independently owned brewery based

in Brisbane, Slipstream Brewing is a small

but passionate team producing some of the

most accessible and sessionable craft beers

in Australia.

Filling the missing gap between bland

beer and wanky beer, their products hit the

bullseye and are brewed with nothing but

pure flavour in mind. Hops are the heroes,

and they milk them for all their worth.

Slipstream Brewing loves the freshness, the

juiciness, the zing, and the zest. They believe

that beer is the last thing you should settle

on, so come and get caught in the slipstream.

07 3892 4582

slipstreambrewing.com.au

/ 52

REVIEW

A CRAFTY BUNCH/ SUNSHINE BREWERY

AUSSIE LOCALS

A CRAFTY

BUNCH

Mountain Culture Beer Co

The team behind Mountain Culture Beer

Co has a sole focus to make really good

beer — just ask the 60,000 GABS Hottest

100 voters who sent Status Quo Pale Ale

skyrocketing into the top spot.

From their original brewpub in the Blue

Mountains, Mountain Culture Beer Co is

challenging itself to create a new standard

of Australian brewing.

mountainculture.com.au

Straddie Brewing Co

Based in North Stradbroke Island, Straddie

Brewing Co was born out of a love for

Minjerribah and great-tasting beer crafted

for the enjoyment of Straddie-lovers, both

old and new.

The brewery is devoted to making fresh

and full-flavoured beer inspired by place

and island time.

07 3469 6726

straddiebrewing.com.au

Fortitude Brewing Co

Fortitude Brewing Co delivers

15 taps of fresh beer locally

produced in their Tamborine

Mountain brewery. Enjoy a day

trip up the mountain and visit

their team for the best fresh

pizza and tasting paddles.

07 5545 4273

fortitudebrewing.com.au

REVIEW /53

INTRODUCING THE FIRST AND ONLY DISTILLERY IN

OUR GREAT OUTBACK.

Surrounded by bottlebrush trees,

paddocks, botanical gardens, roaming

sheep, gum trees, and the occasional

kangaroo or emu, Western Queensland

Spirit offers up a boutique selection of gin,

vodka, rum, and liqueur, all handcrafted

using native botanicals and the purest

possible rainwater.

The distillery thrives at the heart of our

state in Roma – the home of a billiondollar

oil and gas industry and the

Southern Hemisphere’s largest cattle

yards. However, the rural town is slowly

becoming known for a lot more than that.

Co-founder and managing director of

Western Queensland Spirit, Will Fellowes,

said Roma has always been a productive

working town, so it’s a wonderful thing to

see its growing focus on tourism.

“Western Queensland is synonymous with

good character, unique environments,

friendliness, quality produce, and a more

traditional way of life. Through our spirits,

we take these characteristics and add

a flair that no one expects of our part of

the world.

“We focus on quality over quantity, and

only release spirits when we’re happy with

the end result. We have a strong focus

on collaborating with local businesses –

whether that be orange orchards or date

farms – to sustainably source botanicals,

and often partner with outback events

and important causes such as the Royal

Flying Doctor Service to do right by the

community that supports us.

“There are a myriad of incredible

small producers throughout outback

Queensland, so featuring them in our

cellar door allows us to lend our support

while exposing their brand to more

and more people. We try to bolster the

economy and tourism of the region

wherever possible,” he said.

One afternoon in 2021, Will and Michael

McLaughlin sat beneath a bottle tree as

they watched the sun disappear below the

horizon of their 55-acre property – an old

muscatel grape farm just west of Roma

named Grapeview. It was the heritage

of this land, and perhaps a few gin and

tonics, that inspired them to create the

region’s very first distillery.

After undertaking Fundamentals of

Spirit Production at The University of

Adelaide and powering through 18 months

of business planning, research, and

/ 54

REVIEW

A SPIRITED BUNCH/ WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT

“IT WAS THE HERITAGE OF THIS

LAND, AND PERHAPS A FEW GIN

AND TONICS, THAT INSPIRED

THEM TO CREATE THE REGION’S

VERY FIRST DISTILLERY.”

development, the pre-release of their first two gins

went live in August 2022, with all 100 pairs being

sold within the first day.

From there, Western Queensland Spirit has gone

from strength to strength. In addition to opening

a cellar door in 2023 (which has since welcomed

over 17,000 guests and travellers), Will said they’ve

added a number of exciting spirits to their roster.

“Our first gin, Desert Oasis, is a modern Australian

style with mandarin, strawberry gum, orange,

and river mint, while Outback is our dry style gin

made with bush lemon, desert lime, saltbush, and

geraldton wax flowers. Western Skies is a steeped

fruit gin containing blood orange, ruby grapefruit,

and lilly pilly, and Stagecoach, our newest gin,

contains prickly pear, native lemongrass, and

roasted wattleseed.

“Bushranger is a lightly spiced and low-ester rum

with muscatel grapes, orange peel, vanilla, and

ginger, but something we’re really proud of is our

Orangecello, which is made using oranges from

Rosedale Orchard, located 15km north of the

distillery. We also use dates from the Outback Date

Farms in Charleville for our Sticky Date Liqueur.

REVIEW / 55

“Mulberry Gin was one of our favourites. We made

it using locally harvested mulberries, so their

delicious flavour led to it selling out before we could

even catch our breath. The spirit became our most

requested to bring back, so we’ll be sure to do that

next year,” he said.

As a small-batch, handcrafted distillery, Western

Queensland Spirit is incredibly reactive to market

trends, even offering a monthly gin blending class

where guests can create their own one-of-a-kind

spirit using 26 different botanicals. Of course,

visitors to the cellar door can also indulge in tasting

paddles, cocktails, and seasonal grazing platters

as they lounge on the distillery’s lawn and take in

Roma’s picturesque surrounds.

Will said running the only distillery in outback

Queensland has given them a level of brand

loyalty that would not have been possible on the

coast, where there are now so many boutique craft

businesses to choose from.

“However, one of the challenges we face is that the

cellar door is dependent on seasonal tourism. We’re

the busiest during winter, but iconic events such

as the Big Red Bash and the Mount Isa Rodeo also

help draw in crowds. Unfortunately, the future of

events like these is up in the air at the moment, so

it’s harder for us to predict when guests might be

coming through.

/ 56

REVIEW


“SURROUNDED BY BOTTLEBRUSH TREES, PADDOCKS,

BOTANICAL GARDENS, ROAMING SHEEP, GUM TREES, AND THE

OCCASIONAL KANGAROO OR EMU, WESTERN QUEENSLAND

SPIRIT OFFERS UP A BOUTIQUE SELECTION OF GIN, VODKA, RUM,

AND LIQUEUR, ALL HANDCRAFTED USING NATIVE BOTANICALS

AND THE PUREST POSSIBLE RAINWATER.”

REVIEW / 57


“We’re located far from the metro areas of south east

Queensland, which means everything costs more and

takes longer to get to or from here. We’re at the mercy

of unpredictable outback weather too. Sometimes,

we might be cut off by floodwaters or bushfires and

our locally sourced botanicals might not be available

for harvest.

“Despite this, it’s a positive thing being very removed

from the typical urban distillery experience. Having

our business in such a rural destination allows our

cellar door to act as an oasis for those journeying into

outback Queensland, so we see a number of tourists

come through here on their way out west,” he said.

In addition to hosting parties, corporate events,

weddings, and music festivals, Western Queensland

Spirit also makes itself known at a number of offsite

events, including the Brisbane Gin Festival, the

Birdsville Races, and the Queensland Music Trails.

“IT’S THIS PRESENCE ACROSS

OUR STATE THAT PROMPTS

MORE AND MORE AUSTRALIANS

TO VENTURE OUT WEST AND

SOAK IN THE COMMUNITY,

CULTURE, AND ATMOSPHERE OF

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND.”

It’s this presence across our state that prompts more

and more Australians to venture out west and soak in

the community, culture, and atmosphere of outback

Queensland, in addition to all of the incredible pubs,

hotels, and businesses that call it home.

“Supporting local creates jobs and has a flow-on

effect, bolstering a number of growers and producers.

It also keeps our industry of top-notch spirits alive. Our

state’s craft distillery scene is continuing to improve in

terms of creativity, quality, diversity, and value.

“We’re staying tuned for a big 2025. Our first batch

of whiskey has recently gone into barrel, with its first

release planned for late next year,” Will said.

/ 58

REVIEW

TOP PERFORMER

TOP PERFORMER

TOP PERFORMER

TOP PERFORMER

TOP PERFORMER

TOP PERFORMER

TOP PERFORMER

With super, long-term performance matters. Hostplus is proud to be ranked #1

for performance over 20 years for its Balanced (MySuper) option.

Compare Hostplus

SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey - SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index, September 2024. General advice only. Before deciding, 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

REVIEW / 59

isn’t 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

ABN 68 657 495 890. HP2818

UN-FIG-GETTABLE

NOSFERATU DISTILLERY HAS JUST RELEASED ITS LATEST

DELICIOUS GIN, COMPRISED OF LOCALLY GROWN FIGS

TENDED TO BY ONE OF THE MOST BELOVED FARMERS

ON THE SUNSHINE COAST.

Building upon its collection of spirits

that are just as delightful as they are

mysterious, Nocturro Fig Gin is the second

of two liqueurs that have been added to

the distillery’s range this year, with the first

being its Crema Coffee Liqueur.

Head distiller at Nosferatu Distillery,

Ashley Mellor, said they were inspired

to make Nocturro last summer while

they were eating fresh figs with a drizzle

of honey.

“We love designing spirits that pair well

with food, so we set out to make a bright

and tasty fig gin liqueur. We wanted the

spirit to hero Australian produce, so we

set about finding a local grower. When

we discovered Wise Farm in Buderim on

the Sunshine Coast and tasted their fresh

figs, we just knew it was a match made

in heaven.

“An unusual botanical we used in the base

of the spirit is cascara – the cherry or

husk of the coffee bean. While it’s usually

discarded in the coffee-making process,

we give it new life after receiving it from

Mountain Top Coffee in Nimbin.

“We also included produce from The

Figgery on Kangaroo Island in South

Australia. Figs have grown on that land

since the first settlers arrived, so all of

the farm’s crops have come from one of

the oldest fig trees on the north coast – a

140-year-old beauty!” she said.

Born out of a love of gin and stemming

from a keen interest in the arts, Nosferatu

Distillery has always placed value in

provenance and the tales behind the taste.

Based in Bowen Hills, the distillery is set

inside a romantic industrial-inspired shed

surrounded by beautiful hanging garden

beds, with their bar and café being the

perfect spot for a delicious coffee during

the day or a moody cocktail in the evening.

There has forever been a link between

owls and figs, which is why Ashley decided

Nocturro Fig Gin should feature an owl on

its bottle design.

“WHEN WE DISCOVERED

WISE FARM IN BUDERIM ON

THE SUNSHINE COAST AND

TASTED THEIR FRESH FIGS,

WE JUST KNEW IT WAS A

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.”

“In Greek mythology, owls and figs

symbolise wisdom and abundance. Athena,

the goddess of wisdom, chose the owl as

her sacred creature, representing insight

and guidance through the shadows.

“Figs are also associated with Dionysus,

the god of wine and festivity, and were

thought to have mystical properties. The

philosopher Plato also mentioned figs in

his writings, linking them to knowledge

and enlightenment. Wise Farm also

coincidentally fits into this theme.

“They grow the biggest, juiciest figs we

have ever seen – a lot bigger than what

you will find in the supermarket, as they

are picked at maximum ripeness. We used

over 3,600 figs in the first batch, so you

/ 60

REVIEW

A SPIRITED BUNCH/ NOSFERATU DISTILLERY

The late Peter Wise. Figs were genuinely his

passion and joy, and his legacy will live on.

can be sure each bottle is packed with

fruity goodness,” she said.

Wise Farm’s fig trees were planted and

tended to by the late Peter Wise – an

eighth-generation farmer who chose to sell

his figs to locals using an honesty system

at his property. Peter’s daughter, Amanda

Wise, told us he began growing figs in

the early 2000s for a little bit of fun, just to

wind down.

“He slowly added more trees, and then

before long he was farming figs full-time.

Today, Wises Farm has a cult-like following,

with returning customers coming from

near and far every year to get their hands

on some farm-fresh figs.

“He was known as the fig whisperer, often

giving out advice to people who would

eagerly buy a tree from him, hoping to

grow their own figs. He spent endless

hours in the patch, ensuring the best

possible figs were produced each season.

“Figs were genuinely his passion and joy,

and his legacy will live on,” she said.

A determined 82-year-old, Peter sadly

passed away in January this year, but was

harvesting fresh fruit from his cherished fig

trees until the end.

As someone who grew up on a farm,

Ashley said she has seen the work

that goes into cultivating the land firsthand,

and admires and appreciates the

dedication that farmers have to their crop.

“We’re lucky in Australia to have amazing

produce – especially since farming

the land here is tough. That’s why we

macerated the figs, so we could keep those

wonderful, fresh, and bright flavours.

“We love that we were able to use such

great produce in our gin and also support

a small family farm at the same time,”

she said.

For those interested, Nocturro Fig Gin can

be purchased through Australian Liquor

Marketers (ALM) and Bouchon Wines and

Spirits. Stockists are welcome to reach

out for staff training or to arrange an

excursion to visit the distillery.

REVIEW / 61

PUB TALK/ PAUL ST JOHN-WOOD

CHEERS TO NEW YEAR’S

WITH ANOTHER YEAR ENDING I WOULD LIKE TO SINCERELY WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND SAFE FESTIVE SEASON

WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I HOPE YOU ENJOY STRONG TRADE FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2024 AND INTO

AND THROUGHOUT 2025.

AHA National Awards for

Excellence - Brisbane

Congratulations to all Queensland

venues who received awards at the AHA

National Awards for Excellence Gala held

at the Queens Wharf in November. The

event showcased the best the country

has to offer and the Queensland finalists

in every category shone bright amongst

their national peers.Nominations for the

2025 Queensland Awards for Excellence

open on 2 December and close early

February. I encourage all members to

consider nominating and showcasing

your venue, services, and staff to the

rest of the state.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s

Eve trading

A reminder for licensees that the sale

and supply of liquor on Christmas Eve

(Tuesday night) must finish at 12:00pm

regardless of your approved extended

trading hours. The half hour grace period

for consumption to 12:30am still applies.

On New Year’s Eve, all licensed venues

are automatically approved to trade

to 2:00am. Again, the half hour grace

period for consumption will apply to

2:30am. Venues which have permanent

approved hours or a temporary

extended hours permit can operate

through to their authorised time.

There have been relaxations made

around the criteria to apply for one-off

extended trading hours permits which

you may wish to access through the

holiday period. You are still required to

make application at least 21 days prior to

your event or occasion.

QHA & CUB People, Pots & Profits

Forum - Cairns

Thank you to the hoteliers and QHA

partners who attended the People, Pots

& Profits forum in Cairns in November.

The event was held at the Crown Hotel

and we thank Michael, Jon, and their

team for their hospitality. Thank you to

the team from CUB led by Ian Giles,

Andrew Briese from CTB and Co, and

Danny Nixon-Smith from DNS Specialty

Services for sparing their knowledge

and expertise with the forum attendees.

The 2025 QHA Events Calendar will

be distributed to each venue before

the new year and will detail the dates

and locations for all the 2025 Hoteliers

Meetings throughout the state.

2025 QHA membership renewals

It is that time of year again when your

QHA membership is due for renewal.

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 2024, the QHA has been able

to strongly advocate on your behalf for

better trading conditions and have again

extended services offered to members.

We look forward with renewed optimism

for 2025 and we welcome a continued

strong relationship with each of you

again next year. 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.

2025 AHA Future Leaders Study

Tour – Vietnam

The annual Future Leaders Study Tour,

led by AHA NSW, is on again in 2025

and will take place in Vietnam from

3 to 10 March. The seven-night study

tour will give attendees the opportunity

to network with industry peers and

learn all there is to know about

emerging industry trends to inspire

Australia’s next generation of hospitality

entrepreneurs. For further details

visit eventsbeyond.eventsair.com/

aha-future-leaders-2025.

/ 62

REVIEW

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.

Phone: 1800 240 432

Website: AJG.com/au/qha

LEADING FACILITY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS IN QUEENSLAND

Providing complete

• commercial cleaning,

• refurbishments, renovations, and

• four to eight hour block maintenance services

to Queensland’s hospitality industry since 2005. ISO Certified,

QBCC licensed, and fully insured.

Mention this ad for 10% off the cleaning contract!

Phone: 1800 26 26 37 Email: helpdesk@cmbm.com.au

Website: cmbm.com.au

START YOUR

ELECTRIC JOURNEY

WITH WALDORF!

MARKET LEADING BRANDS IN EQUIPMENT

No matter the size, shape, or demands placed on your business,

Moffat have the ability to deliver equipment that is functional,

adaptable, and reliable – Turbofan, Waldorf, Waldorf Bold, Cobra,

Convotherm, FastFri, and Merrychef.

Phone: 1300 268 798 Email: 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.

Chris Leak

Phone: 0437 722 910 Email: cleak@stoddart.com.au

Website: 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 - they are your one-stop-shop

to ensure the best outcomes for your hotel.

Curt Schatz, Managing Partner Phone: 07 3224 0230

Email: cschatz@mullinslawyers.com.au

Website: mullinslawyers.com.au

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION

For more information on advertising and promoting your

business in the QHA REVIEW contact Nicky Spencer.

qhareview@qha.org.au or 0405 271 247

QHA

MEMBER

OFFER

CITY PROPERTY SERVICES

Over 25 years of commercial

cleaning services – triple

certified, quality assured, and

using environmentally friendly

products. Get two weeks free

with any 12 month contract when

mentioning this advert.

Phone: 1300 630 636

Website: citypropertyservices.

com.au

TOUCH-IT

Provided 100% free to use.

• receive a percentage of

every booking

• generate foot traffic to

your venue

• free up your staff time

• 100% maintenance free

Get your kiosk today.

Phone: 1800 868 244

Website: Touch-It.com.au/Venue

REVIEW / 63

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 Chief Executive, on (07) 3221 6999.

ACCOUNTING/ TAX

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

McGrathNicol

Ph: 07 3333 9800

mcgrathnicol.com

Trinitas Australia Pty Ltd

Ph: 1300 836 025

trinitas3.com.au

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

Eurofurn

Ph: 07 3216 5887

eurofurn.com.au

Rohrig Constructions

Ph: 07 3257 4411

rohrig.com.au

ROOM

(nee The Apartment Store)

Ph: 0411 211 065

room.design

Liife Architecture

Ph: 0401 384 547

archliife.com

BEVERAGES

Accolade Wines

Ph: 07 3252 7933

accolade-wines.com

Brown-Forman

Australia Pty Ltd

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

Lion

Ph: 07 3361 7400

lionco.com

Paramount Liquor

Ph: 0429 448 523

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

Flying Foam Pty Ltd

Ph: 0413 447 711

flyingfoam.com.au

4 Hearts Brewing

Ph: 07 3281 1004

4heartsbrewing.com

BUILDING SUPPLIES

& SERVICES

Bunnings

Ph: 07 3452 5725

bunnings.com.au

EDUCATION, TRAINING

& EMPLOYMENT

Best Security -

Security & Training

Ph: 07 3212 8460

bestsecurlty.net.au

Alliance Abroad

International Pty Ltd

Ph: 0450 232 460

allianceabroad.com

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

NoVacancy Hotel &

Accommodation

Industry Expo

Ph: 0447 456 085

novacancy.com.au

Owner Manager Program

Ph: 0437 834 195

ownermanager.com.au

Sero Institute

Ph: 1800 206 010

seroinstitute.edu.au

The Talent Playbook

Ph: 07 3822 9665

thetalentplaybook.com.au

TAFE Queensland

Ph: 1300 308 233

tafeqld.edu.au

ENERGY GAS/POWER

BOC Limited

Ph: 07 3212 4135

boc.com.au

TransTasman

Energy Group

Ph: 1300 118 834

tteg.com.au

Solar Connected

Ph: 0432 600 788

solarconnected.com.au

Spinifex Energy

Ph: 0419 108 638

spinifexenergy.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

Ph Brisbane: 07 3367 5000

Ph North QLD: 07 4753 5311

Ph Toowoomba: 07 4639 7102

ajg.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


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

Cookers

Ph: 1300 88 22 99

cookers.com.au

McCain Food Service

Solutions

Ph: 0418 157 922

mccainfoodservice.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

Fussy Fruit Wholesale

Fruit and Veg Pty Ltd

Ph: 0416 940 930

fussyfruit.com.au

Goodman Fielder

Ph: 0403 937 801

gffoodservice.com.au

CFM Australia -

Swap & Go Oils

Ph: 0430 504 486

cfmaustralia.com.au

FURNITURE SUPPLY

SlumberCorp

Ph: 07 3892 7477

slumbercorp.com.au

GAMING AND RACING

Ainsworth Game

Technology Pty Ltd

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

Onyx Gaming

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

/ 64

REVIEW

HOSPITALITY

CONSULTANTS

DNS Specialist Services

Ph: 0433 906 809

dnsspecialistservices.

com.au

Reward Hospitality

Ph: 07 3341 5929

rewardhospitality.com.au

Stoddart

Ph: 0437 722 910

stoddart.com.au

QHA PLATINUM PARTNERS

AHS Hospitality

Ph: 07 5512 6143

ahshospitality.com.au

HOTEL BROKERS /

REAL ESTATE /

PROPERTY VALUERS

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

Professional Hospitality

Ph: 07 3160 8132

professionalhospitality.com.au

Prostaff Events Pty Ltd

prostaffevents.com.au

Off Market Hotels

Ph: 0408 192 490

offmarkethotels.com.au

Power Jeffrey & Co -

Hotel Brokers

Ph: 07 3832 6000

powerjeffrey.com.au

Ras360 Property Solutions

Ph: 07 5593 0007

ras360.com.au

HTL Property

Ph: 02 9136 6373

htlproperty.com.au

Knight Frank Townsville/

Mackay

Ph: 07 4750 3000

knightfrank.com.au/contact/

Townsville

Urbis Valuations Pty Ltd

Ph: 0429 103 989

urbis.com.au

QHA DIAMOND PARTNERS

QHA GOLD PARTNERS

Relief Hotel Management

Ph: 0419 733 681

reliefhotelmanagement.com

SGW Hotel Broker

Ph: 0417 508 452

sgwhotelbroker.com.au

RevenYou

Ph: 0497 864 694

www.revenyou.com.au

Sculpture Hospitality

Queensland

Ph: 0427 532 925

sculpturehospitality.com

HOTEL ENTERTAINMENT

Optus Sport

Ph: 0478 061 267

sport.optus.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

BOC Limited - Gas/

Reticulation Supply

Ph: 07 3212 4322

boc.com.au

LEGAL

Mullins

Ph: 07 3224 0222

mullinslawyers.com.au

HopgoodGanim Lawyers

Ph: 0419 762 469

hopgoodganim.com.au

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

ALM (Australian Liquor

Marketers)

Ph Brisbane: 07 3489 3600

Ph Townsville: 07 4799 4022

Ph Cairns: 07 4041 6070

almliquor.com.au

Paramount Liquor

Ph: 0429 448 523

paramountliquor.com.au

4 Hearts Brewing Co

Ph: 0428 236 436

4heartsbrewing.com

BSV

Cookers

DNS Specialist

Hospitality Services

H&L Australia

Next Payments

Best Security

Beyond Payments

BOC Limited

BSPN Architecture

Caughley and Co

Coopers Brewery

Command 51

Eurofurn

GC Cleaning Pty Ltd

Green Finance Group

QHA SILVER PARTNERS

Odyssey Gaming

Services

Onyx Gaming

Optus Sport

Prosperity Advisers QLD

Simon George & Sons

QHA BRONZE PARTNERS

HLB Mann Judd

Impos Point of Sale

Ozone Hospitality

Services

Paramount Liquor

Platypus Print

Packaging

Power Jeffrey and

Company

Ras360 Property

Solutions

STR, a CoStar Group

Company

Trans Tasman

Energy Group

UTOPIA Gaming

Systems

Rohrig Constructions

Red Bull Australia

Simtech

Southtrade International

Stan Sport

SW Accountants

& Advisors

SwiftPOS

The Signal Group

Waratah Debt Capital

REVIEW / 65

QHA PARTNERS & CORPORATE MEMBERS

APPROVED

MANAGER’S

LICENCE

RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF

LICENSED VENUES TRAINING

“HONESTLY THE

BEST TRAINING

SESSION! FUN AND

LIGHT-HEARTED

WHILE BEING VERY

INFORMATIVE AND

KNOWLEDGEABLE.

THANKS, QHA.”

MEDIA / MARKETING

Horse & Water Creative

Ph: 0401 345 201

horseandwater.com.au

POINT OF SALE/

PAYMENTS

CashZone

Ph: 0466 148 752

cashzoneatm.com.au

H&L Australia Pty Ltd

Ph: 0407 975 411

hlaustralia.com.au

Impos Point of Sale

Ph: 1300 308 615

impos.com.au

SwiftPOS

Ph: 1800 679 701

swiftpos.com.au

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

UrPay

Ph: 0411 457 377

urpay.com.au

PRINTING / PACKAGING

Platypus Print Packaging

Ph 07 3352 0300

platys.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

TECHNOLOGICAL

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Beyond Payments

Ph: 1300 192 600

beyondpayments.com.au

BSV

Ph: 1300 244 727

bigscreenvideo.com.au

Employment Hero Pty Ltd

Ph: 0415 769 186

employmenthero.com

STR,

a CoStar Group Company

Ph: 07 5628 2404

str.com/benchmarking

Tanda

Ph: 1300 859 117

tanda.co

OpenTable

Ph: 03 4240 3297

restaurant.opentable.com

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

TRANSPORT

A.P. Eagers Limited

Ph: 07 3109 6731

apeagers.com.au


Ph: 1300 836 025

trinitas3.com.au

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

P. 07 3221 6999

E. info@qha.org.au

W. qha.org.au

SECURITY / CLEANING

Best Security

Ph: 07 3212 8460

bestsecurity.net.au

Command51

Ph: 0437 368 352

command51.com.au

GC Cleaning Pty Ltd

Ph: 0412 700 067

gcclean.com.au

Ozone Hospitality Services

Ph: 1300 793 547

ozonehospitalityservices.

com.au

Bella Group Services

Ph: 0488 555 013

bellagroupservices.com

CMBM Facility Services

Ph: 07 3391 1040 /

Ph: 0419 708 715

cmbm.com.au

Future Business Technology

Group

Ph: 1300 706 155

fgtgroup.com.au

Chewzie Table Ordering

Ph: 1300 243 994

chewzie.me

CTB & Co

(Cooking the Books)

Ph: 1300 911 282

cookingthebooks.com

Dashback

Ph: 0414 069 273

dashback.com.au

Harris Data Systems

Ph: 07 5535 7677

harrisdata.com.au

Hikvision Digital Technology

Ph: 1300 976 305

hikvision.com

IDU Technologies Pty Ltd

Ph: 07 3035 5401

idu-identification.com

Jands

Ph: 0408 506 620

jands.com.au

JB Hi-Fi Commercial

Division

Ph: 07 3360 9925

jbhifi.com.au

/ 66

REVIEW

*<0.5G CARBOHYDRATES.

CRISP & REFRESHING

CASTLEMAINE BREWERY

ZERO CARB * GREAT TASTE

QHA Review December 2024

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template ?