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Articles by Amanda Bryan
Sharks Leagues Club counts down to opening Original
The new Sharks Leagues Club at Woolooware Bay will officially open its doors on Saturday 7 November, with the family-run Dedes Waterfront Group newly announced as its food and hospitality partner. The club sits beside Ocean Protect Stadium and boasts panoramic views across the stadium, Botany Bay and the Sydney city skyline, and forms part of the Woolooware Bay town centre.
ClubsACT calls for closer collaboration ahead of gaming reform rollout Original
The ACT government has introduced its Gaming Machine (Harm Prevention and Reduction) Amendment Bill 2026 to the ACT Legislative Assembly, bringing its previously announced reforms a step closer. The reforms, outlined last month, include the banning of EFTPOS and ATM cash withdrawals at venues with poker machines, the establishment of mandatory account-based cashless gaming, and a legislated timetable to cut poker machine authorisations to no more than 1000 by 2045.
Clubs clean up at Western Sydney Tourism Awards Original
Cabravale Club Resort been named Western Sydney Tourism Business of the Year at the Western Sydney Tourism Awards which were held on Friday at the Western Sydney Convention Centre in Penrith. Cabravale Club Resort, which completed a major redevelopment late last year, was also the most awarded on the night, receiving three platinum awards and two golds by organiser the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW, followed by West HQ which won two platinum awards.
Midweek pub visits gain popularity among Aussies Original
More Australians are heading to their local pubs and clubs on a Tuesday and Wednesday according to newly released Westpac data, with Wednesday growing faster than any other day of the week. Wednesday spending also shows more than three times the growth recorded across the week as a whole, according to the analysis from Westpac DataX, which was based on more than 80 million consumer transactions at pubs and clubs across Australia between July 2024 to June 2026.
Canterbury Leagues embraces its emerging leaders Original
A group of Canterbury Leagues Club staff from a range of departments are taking part in an Emerging Leaders program to help them take their professional development to the next level. The Emerging Leaders program, facilitated by Shelly McElroy and Julie Davaine of Dream Culture, will see the group tasked with building on their leadership skills and bringing fresh thinking back to their teams over the coming eight months.
Caboolture Sports creates new dining destination Original
Caboolture Sports Club has unveiled Restaurant Ninety Four, a new dining destination named in tribute to the club’s opening year. The new dining space is at the heart of the Moreton Bay club’s redevelopment and aims to become a welcoming space for family meals, celebrations and catch-ups. It also features an open kitchen, designed to bring more theatre and sizzle to the dining experience, the club said, and an expanded steak and smoked meat offering, as well as full table service.
The Doylo awarded big business gong Original
The Doylo has taken out the Excellence in Large Business Award at the 2026 Business NSW Central Coast Business Awards in recognition of its growing economic and social contribution to the Central Coast. The win recognised The Doylo’s evolution in recent years from a traditional hospitality venue into a diverse lifestyle and leisure organisation that creates employment, supports local businesses, and invests in community infrastructure, the club said.
Midweek visits on the rise for clubs and pubs Original
More Aussies are heading to their local clubs and pubs on a Wednesday night according to newly released Westpac data that shows spend on this day is growing faster than any other day of the week. Wednesday spending also shows more than three times the growth recorded across the week as a whole, according to the analysis from Westpac DataX, which was based on more than 80 million consumer transactions at clubs and pubs across Australia between July 2024 to June 2026.
The Terrace at Carina Leagues opens its doors
Carina Leagues Club has unveiled The Terrace, a new dining destination that the Queensland club describes as a “little taste of Europe”. The Terrace offers relaxed Mediterranean-inspired dining, according to Carina, with pizza, pasta, gelato and sangria at the heart of the offering. A brand new fully rotating pizza oven capable of cooking up to 18 pizzas in one go has been installed, and 20 gelato flavours are available. A new kitchen was also built that will service the club’s function centre.
Maso’s Club unveils a major makeover and a new name
After more than five decades of operation, St George Masonic Club (Maso’s) in Sydney’s southern suburbs is being relaunched under a new name. The club is now known as The Boundary and features a new look and feel including a fully renovated kitchen with new menu, plus a new lounge area with big screens for sports viewing.
Jack Daniel’s Southern Flavours launches nationally Original
Jack Daniel’s Southern Flavours are rolling out nationally, giving retailers and venues a fresh opportunity to unlock incremental growth and drive trade-up within the North American Whiskey (NAW) premix category. The national expansion follows strong early results in Queensland, where Southern Flavours resonated with consumers seeking greater variety while maintaining the quality and heritage of the Jack Daniel’s trademark.
Vikings gets green light on new club Original
The Vikings Group has been given the all clear to build its new club in Jerrabomberra just outside of the ACT in the wake of resistance from local residents. Vikings’ original $36 million Poplars Club proposal was announced in 2024 but was rejected by the NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel last year. The reason given was that the use of the site was incompatible with the adjoining development.
Cabravale hosts innovative dining series Original
Magma by Dany Karam is launching a new dining series called Food + Fire that aims to bring new and exciting food experiences to Western Sydney. The Food + Fire series will run throughout the year at Magma by Dany Karam, an open-flame steakhouse that’s owned and operated by Karam and located within the new Novotel Sydney Cabramatta at Cabravale Club Resort.
New lease on life for Newport Social Club Original
Newport Social, a cornerstone asset for Melbourne Aussie rules club Williamstown Football Club (WFC), has undergone a significant $1.2 million upgrade. The venue refresh was designed to offer members, supporters and the broader community a modern, energising and welcoming experience, according to WFC, with a strong connection to AFL and local community football.
Coorparoo Bowls Club saved by local operator Original
A local operator, Griffin Hospitality Group, has bought the Coorparoo Bowls Club site in Queensland in a $6 million deal that retains the club’s family-friendly community credentials. A refurbishment by its new operators will include the clubhouse, bar and kitchen. Both of the club’s existing bowling greens will be retained under the deal, and a multiple-year lease aims to provide the club with greater certainty and stability.
RSL & Services Clubs Conference returns to its roots Original
The 25th Annual RSL & Services Clubs conference took place last week in Canberra, the very same city that hosted the Association’s first conference 25 years ago. The annual event, held from the 13-16 September, kicked off at the Australian War Memorial for a Last Post Ceremony commemorating Private Stanley Archibald Simpson, whose story was shared at the request of his family. On the conference podium, speakers tackled some of the biggest opportunities and challenges shaping the future of clubs.
ACT Government announces gaming reforms Original
By Amanda Bryan, Club Management Mandatory cashless gaming and cash withdrawal bans are among a raft of gaming reforms to be announced by the ACT Government. The package of reforms, which the ACT government describes as the most significant in Australia, will include the banning of EFTPOS and ATM cash withdrawals at venues with poker machines, and the establishment of mandatory account-based cashless gaming.
ACT announces gaming law reforms Original
Mandatory cashless gaming and cash withdrawal bans are among a raft of gaming reforms to be announced by the ACT Government. The package of reforms, which the ACT government describes as the most significant in Australia, will include the banning of EFTPOS and ATM cash withdrawals at venues with poker machines, and the establishment of mandatory account-based cashless gaming.
Making a fashion statement
Household — 5 min read A handful of pioneering Australian startups are working to demonstrate that technical performance and environmental responsibility need no longer be a trade-off. Australians are among the world's biggest consumers of clothing in the world per capita, with around 220,000 tonnes of clothing ending up in landfills annually, according to industry research.
Sowing the seeds of change
Agtech — 5 min read Cargill's new utility-scale solar array Agriculture has long been central to Australia’s economy and identity, but it also carries a significant climate footprint. In Australia, the sector accounts for around 18% of total climate pollution, according to the Climate Council. As an industry, agriculture is also far more exposed than most to the growing impacts of climate change, including more frequent, extreme and unpredictable weather. But the story isn’t all about challenge.
Spreading the sunshine
Energy — 5 min read New solar delivery models aim to give renters and apartment dwellers a fairer share of the solar pie. Rooftop solar now generates almost 13% of Australia’s electricity, according to new data from the Clean Energy Council. But despite record uptake, solar remains unevenly distributed, concentrated mostly in detached suburban and regional homes.
Building blocks of change
As Australia looks for ways to decarbonise its built environment and reduce barriers to home ownership, two homegrown solutions are showing credible paths beyond concrete. At RMIT University in Melbourne, engineers have spent two years creating a novel material using just cardboard, water and soil which they say is strong enough for use in low-rise housing.
335 Year-Old Antislavery Arguments
In 1700, a Puritan judge named Samuel Sewall published the first anti-slavery pamphlet in North America. It was titled “The Selling of Joseph,” and this pamphlet made several arguments against slavery, all based on interpretations of the Bible. Sewall knew his audience: Puritans justified or condemned political decisions based on theological reasons, and Sewall hoped to show his fellow New Englanders that the bulk of Scripture condemned holding one’s fellow man in bondage.
Cuban Missile Crisis: 60 Years Later
Growing up in a house of Cuban exiles, there are certain things you become accustomed to—strong coffee, plantains, and an endless history lesson on US-Cuba relations. From an early age, I was versed in the cruelties of Castro and Che, the last stand of Assault Brigade 2506, and the tragedy of the Cuban Missile Crisis. With the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis upon us, everyone the world over can look back with relief that the world did not succumb to thermonuclear war.
Coming to Terms with Kennedy: An Interview with Stephen F. Knott
How should we assess John F. Kennedy and his legacy? To what extent has our understanding of the Kennedy era changed over the past sixty years? In what ways has his assassination contributed to our current conspiracy theory-rich political culture? Teaching American History Presents takes a deep dive into these subjects as our Senior Fellow, David Tucker sits down to discuss the complicated legacy of John F. Kennedy with Stephen F. Knott, MAHG faculty member and author of Coming to Terms with John F.
George Washington on Political Parties
In 1792, as President George Washington neared the end of his first term in office, he was strongly contemplating retirement. Decades of service to his country had taken their toll on the aging statesman and Washington looked forward to a peaceful retirement at Mount Vernon. To that end, he asked James Madison to prepare a draft of a farewell address to be delivered to the country. Stepping down from office, however, was not in the cards, at least not yet.
Introducing 50 Core American Documents, 2nd. Edition
50 Core American Docs: An Introduction 50 Core American Documents is an introduction to both American history and to the Core Documents project of Teaching American History.
The Failure of Reconstruction-And Its Consequences
When a faculty member scheduled to teach in the summer 2022 residential Master’s in American History and Government (MAHG) program fell ill, other faculty sprang into action, splitting up responsibility for his course sessions. Two professors, team teaching other courses, temporarily left their colleagues in charge as they covered those sessions of the planned course on Civil War and Reconstruction that matched their expertise.
The NSW government has announced $20 million in electric vehicle charging grants in regional NSW in a bid to establish Australia’s largest destination charging network. Up to 3500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be rolled out across regional NSW, with the NSW Government offering a co-funded grant ranging from $2000 to $40,000 per site. A range of destinations can apply for the grants, including hospitality venues and tourist attractions.
ABS data charts latest staffing challenges
One in five businesses still do not have sufficient staff, and for those caught short, the search for talent is getting tougher, according to the latest ABS Business Conditions and Sentiments report. The ABS report, which was conducted via a phone survey last month, found that medium businesses were more likely than large and small businesses to report staff shortages (34 per cent compared with 31 per cent and 17 per cent).
AVC unveils more Queensland venue makeovers
Skip to content Three more Australian Venue Co. operated Queensland pubs are re-opening after major renovations. The Salisbury Hotel has recently re-opened after a $1.6 million renovation that added a new open beer garden, refreshed sports bar and refurbished accommodation rooms, both internally and externally. The beer garden caters to 108 people with two sections, one flowing from the bistro and the other from the sports bar.
Pub Invest properties sold for $52m
Skip to content All of the pubs in Damian Kelly’s Pub Invest portfolio are now under new ownership following the sale of the final two. The Crown Hotel in Surry Hills and the large format North Nowra Tavern on the NSW South Coast were sold for a combined $52m this week by HTL Property, which was appointed by administrators Wexted Advisory’s Andrew McCabe and Joseph Hayes.
Harvest Hotels builds its Wagga portfolio
The Victoria Hotel, Wagga Wagga Regional pub group Harvest Hotels has spent $29 million on its second pub in Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina. The Victoria Hotel has a prime position in the Wagga CBD and is Harvests’ second investment in the region following its acquisition of The William Farrer Hotel in July last year.
Pub Leaders Summit in pictures
Laundy Group director Danielle Richardson, Applejack Hospitality chief Hamish Watts, industry advisor, Justine Baker, and Marcello Colosimo, CEO of Momento Hospitality shared their leadership and retention strategies. On Monday last week, Australia’s top publicans and industry leaders gathered for an action-packed day of networking, and to share business advice and trends. Here are some highlights from the day. Keynote speaker Alicia Stephenson.
LocalsCo buys 123 year-old Perth pub
Western Australian pub group LocalsCo has bought the 123 year-old heritage-listed Bayswater Hotel & Motel in Perth from its owner of 40 years. LocalsCo, owned by Dave Allan and Lawson Douglas, has a number of historic large-format hospitality venues, including the Subiaco Hotel, the Rose Hotel in Bunbury, the Exchange Hotel in Kalgoorlie, and the recently purpose-built Treendale Farm Hotel in Australind.
America's Military Holidays
The United States commemorates military service members in different ways, on three separate days each year, two of which are formally recognized as national holidays and widely celebrated. The history and cultural and legal evolution of these days is fascinating, providing perspective on Americans’ views on military service in peacetime and war. The first to appear on the calendar each year is also the least well-known and celebrated: Armed Forces Day.
Pub groups step up to support staff in lockdown
Iris Capital's COO Paul Devine (left) helping prepare staff care packages Several pub operators are pitching in to help boost morale and maintain a connection with their employees, and in some cases the wider industry, as staff struggle with extended lockdowns. Iris Capital has been packing care packages containing and food and household items for its staff in a plan devised by CEO Sam Arnaout’s wife Christie and put into action with the help of MD Providores and White Key Marketing.
Arthur Laundy makes Sydney pub purchase
Covid lockdowns have not slowed inner city pub sales, the latest of which sees Arthur Laundy join forces with hospitality entrepreneur Aaron Crinis to buy the Woolpack Hotel in Sydney’s Redfern. Geordie Clark and James Henty owned and operated the multiple level property for 12 years before selling the venue on the city fringe for an undisclosed sum.
Lewis Land Group launches staff vaccination plan
Lewis Land Group today announced it will provide its 650-strong workforce with vaccination leave and will offer up its sites as hubs in a strong commitment to the Covid vaccination effort. The property group, which owns four pubs – The Fiddler and the Camden Valley Inn in NSW, and the Komo Hotel and The Belvedere Hotel in Queensland – is providing all 650 of its staff members with two days paid vaccination leave.
Women to take centre stage at AGE 2021
A program to support women in the development of their presenting and influencing skills looks set to boost their representation on stage at the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) 2021. Women in Gaming & Hospitality Australasia (WGHA) has developed a public speaking program called SPOT On which includes speaker workshops and coaching for women in the gaming industry.
PKF Hospitality launches new name and expanded services
Founder Anthony Sullivan (centre) and some of the Quantaco team. Business advisory firm PKF Hospitality has changed its name to Quantaco in a move that spearheads a major expansion of its services. The company, which was founded by Anthony Sullivan ten years ago to offer accounting and business advisory, has launched a range of new services specifically for hospitality venues including capital, insurance, and soon loyalty.
Ray Reilly snaps up The London in Sydney’s Balmain
After 32 years of ownership, the Stevens family has handed their iconic London Hotel in Balmain to inner city operator Ray Reilly in an off-market $8.5m sale handled by JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group. The Victorian-style sandstone hotel pub has a commanding corner position at the east end of Balmain’s Darling Street and has been owned and operated by the Stevens family since 1989 when they acquired it from South Australia’s Coopers brewing family.
Hotels to help turbocharge vaccination efforts
The hotel industry looks set to take a key role in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines across Australia following a high-level meeting with officials leading Australia’s vaccination efforts yesterday. AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson, alongside 30 other key business and industry group leaders, attended the meeting chaired by Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
Collingwood’s Robert Burns Hotel changes hands
The Robert Burns Hotel in Melbourne’s Collingwood has a new owner and will soon have a new name and a new look following its sale to Only Hospitality Group (OHG). OHG, founded by former VFL footballer Julien Moussi, has bought the leasehold off outgoing publican Gerry Nass. The purchase marks the debut into the pub sector for OHG which operates a string of cafes and a coffee roasting facility, Inglewood Coffee Roasters.
the people_ raises the curtain on its flagship venue
Disruptive accommodation and hospitality startup the people_ has unveiled details of its flagship venue The Norfolk House & Hotel in Sydney’s Redfern ahead of plans to reopen it to the public. The Norfolk, which has been reimagined and repurposed with the local community in mind, is the first of a series of holistic lifestyle venues to be transformed by the people_.
“Leaders of Men”
Source: Woodrow Wilson, “Leaders of Men,” in Leaders of Men, ed. T. H. Vail Motter (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1952), 19–46, available online at the Hathi Trust Digital Library: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c080970683&view=1up&seq=1. . . .
Who do you trust when you can't rely on anybody?
For 30 years, politicians have been treating the subject of climate change like they would an impossible teenager. No one knows quite how to deal with them, and the strategy to ‘keep your cool and talk them down’ keeps changing. They’re demanding; and they’re in your face. Ever since the Montreal Protocol of 1987 governments have been scheming ways to minimise our carbon footprint.
The Big Five
Author: Amanda Bryan Med J Aust 2012 Published online: 16 April 2012 What are the five biggest financial mistakes that doctors make … and how can you avoid them? If you could take a sneak peek at the financial arrangements of Australia’s doctors, you’d probably find some common threads. Although medical professionals are a diverse group, financial advisers say they face some common pitfalls when it comes to turning a healthy cash flow into ongoing, productive wealth.
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