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