Scott’s Spot

By Scott Vaughan

One for the Road with Vaughany

Hello all and welcome to the August edition of Scott’s Spot. This month’s edition is once again a shortened version due to the lockdown and heavy restrictions that are currently imposed on this incredibly resilient industry.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

We were extremely fortunate to hold a meeting at the Pastoral Hotel in Port Augusta. A very special thanks to the O’Dea family who hosted a fantastic event with once again a massive turnout by members and our corporate partners.

We were very disappointed that the Murray/Mallee Regional could not go ahead due to lockdown, as Phil Carson from The Terminus in Morgan and I had been discussing this for two years. Importantly next year, we will be back at The Terminus with all guns blazing as surely there will be no hiccups next year. Famous last words, I know!

While on the Riverland, I have noticed the Front Bar Footy Show with Andy, Sam and Mick Molloy has been collectively promoting the Renmark Hotel, of course in their humorous way by taking the you-know-what out of it. This is on the back of the clever, newly created Mick Molloy Bar. See below a couple of promotions that bear Mick’s name and I’m sure he’s extremely proud of!

Did you know that the Renmark Hotel was the first communityowned hotel in the British Empire when it opened in 1897, with the profits used to build infrastructure in the town? Nice piece of trivia.

I called through to the Commercial in Strathalbyn and was allowed to take a snap of COVID-19 compliant publican, Stacey along with her partner in crime, Amber. Can you spot the beautiful smiles through the masks.

There is a constant that I notice on my personal Facebook feed and his name is Darren Banks, publican of the Yorke Valley Hotel in Maitland with his wonderful wife, Renee. His upbeat promotional videos always put a smile on my face and frankly, Darren could be on commercial TV such is his charisma and authenticity.

The video featured on the next page is the first coming out of lockdown and clearly explains to his patrons the restrictions that will be in place to the letter of the law.

What struck me in his sign-off was Darren’s authenticity in thanking the community while continuing to not only support his hotel, but included Maitland Hotel along with all businesses within the Maitland community.

This would be an example across the state of the selflessness within this industry amongst the frustration and pain that is being felt across our member base. Massive thanks to Darren for allowing me to share this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adatEWETheQ&ab_channel=AustralianHotelsAssociationSABranch.

In this month’s edition of “Interview with the AHA|SA”, have a look and see what the extremely talented Elise Fassina from the Fassina Group has to say, answering some hard-hitting questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Tg--sY8gk&ab_channel=AustralianHotelsAssociationSABranch.

Following are a few quick snaps over the last few weeks.

I managed to get a snap of Jodi and Phil along with their gorgeous puppy, Kai, while having a beverage at my local Bacchus Bar in Henley Beach.

I stopped into both the North Star Hotel in Melrose along with the Transcontinental Hotel in Quorn.

Before signing off, I would like to acknowledge both Jack and Rhonda from the Bushman’s Arms in Naracoorte, along with Jeff and Vicki from the Port Anchor Hotel in Port Adelaide who signed off as publicans (for now) in July. Enjoy some well-deserved R&R over the coming months.

Let’s raise a glass!

Bye for now.