4 minute read
Berri's Community Spirit A Prized Asset
from Hotel SA June 2024
by Boylen
Hotels are the heart of regional communities – and none more so than the Berri Hotel.
The community-owned hotel won the Community Service & Support award at the 2023 AHA|SA Awards for Excellence.
“Overall, it is the local community that shapes the Berri Hotel,” said Jeremy Sweet General Manager.
“It provides a sense of belonging, social connections, economic opportunities and a platform for collective action.
“By actively participating in and supporting the local community, we help create a thriving and inclusive environment for everyone involved.”
The list of organisations that benefit from the highlyregarded country pub is too long to list, but includes the likes of:
• Guide Dogs SA
• Leukemia Foundation
• Leukemia Foundation
• Relay for Life (Cancer Council)
• Royal Flying Doctors Service
• St Vincent De Paul Society SA
• Rotary International
• Lions International.
It supports a range of schools, as well as 15 community events and 16 community sporting clubs.
"The sponsorship and support the Berri Hotel provides is essential for the growth and sustainability of our netball club,” said Lauren Cresp, Treasurer of the Berri Netball Club.
“The hotel contributions play a crucial role in enabling our teams, events and juniors to thrive in an all-inclusive environment."
REVITALISED INSIDE AND OUT
Built in 1918, Berri Hotel has been community-owned since May 1937.
Having undergone a number of major renovations in recent years, it offers 101 rooms and suites, function spaces, a bistro, sports bar, gaming lounge, and drive through bottle shop. In recent times, the opening of the Berri Hotel Riverview Apartments was a project, with the creation of 30 new short-stay apartments as part of the Hotel.
As a community-owned pub, it invests profits from meals, drinks, accommodation, gaming, events etc back into the local community.
This is in addition to the employment of local staff and use of local suppliers.
Not surprisingly, its tagline “Here for you” talks directly to the community.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
The Berri Hotel has a wide focus. It invests broadly, so that it supports the well-being, health, lifestyle and performance of the local community. For 2022/2023, this represented an annual financial contribution in excess of $150,000.
The total over seven years has exceeded $1 million. Youth is an important focus. It has sponsored Glossop High and Rivergum College, as well as supporting the Breakfast Program at Berri Regional Secondary College.
This initiative provides breakfast to students before the start of the school day.
“By ensuring that students have access to a nutritious meal to fuel their bodies and minds, promoting better academic performance and overall well-being,” Jeremy Sweet General Manager
ALL LEVELS CONTRIBUTE
Berri Hotel Group's board is structured to ensure representation of local businesses, government, and community groups.
The staff, management and board actively participate in a range of community groups, initiatives and events, including:
Berri Barmera CBD Revitalisation Plan
Destination Riverland Tourism Plan 2030
Outdoor Cinema loan and set up for community groups and sporting clubs
Member of a Reference Group for Regional Industry and Engagement for student pathways and careers with the Department of Education.
Local Prostate Cancer Push, working with the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and Berri Lions Club.
PROMOTING HOSPITALITY
As Australia continues to grapple with a skills shortage in hotels, the Berri Hotel is working hard to be part of the solution.
It actively promotes the hotel industry to the community, highlighting careers in the hospitality industry, encouraging support of local tourism operators, and providing education about the tourism and hospitality industry's contribution to the wider economy.
Examples include:
A Berri Hotel and Berri Regional Secondary College partnership, awarding an annual scholarship to a nominated year 12 student. This initiative features seminars with students regarding careers in the industry.People of Berri Hotel' a coordinated social media campaign profiling the team members, suppliers, and customers of the Hotel.
Local media releases promoting benefits of Hotel operations for the community and economy (jobs, visitor nights, visitor expenditure and events.)
“Berri Hotel seeks partnerships with local organisations, non-profits and community groups that positively impact both the community and the individuals involved,” said Jeremy Sweet General Manager
“These interactions promote a sense of unity and create a stronger social support system within our community.
“Our community hotel aims to create a positive impact on the local community, while providing a unique and enriching experience for locals and visitors alike.”
