Scott’s Spot

BY SCOTT VAUGHAN

Hello all and welcome to the October edition of Scott’s Spot. This month’s edition will cover photos and random observations over the last couple of months.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

There have been back-to-back regionals throughout the months of August and September starting with the Clare Country Club and followed by the McCracken Country Club. The September regionals were then hosted by the Mount Gambier Hotel then backed up by the Tanunda Hotel the following week.

A massive thank you to all these venues for hosting events, along with the incredibly strong attendance from members within these regions and the wonderful support from our corporate partners.

AROUND THE AHA|SA OFFICE

Welcome to Alisa Wenzel who has recently joined the AHA|SA as Financial Controller. Alisa is in the middle of Katherine Taylor and a confused looking Bronte McCarthy in the photo below.

Speaking of Bronte, I took a photo of our esteemed Finance Manager a few weeks back and it occurred to me, after watching the Sound of Music for the 50th time over the weekend, that Bronte has a striking resemblance (in my opinion) to

Max Detweiler or as the Von Trapp kids referred to as “Uncle Max”. See photos for proof.

I was walking past Gary Coppola’s office and noticed this sign below posted on his window. Now Gary is the king of slap dash joke telling, with this one topping the charts. Nice work Gazza.

Always nice to catch up with legends of this industry and spotted Guy Matthews in the boardroom studying the history books of the hospitality industry. I couldn’t resist a photo opportunity.

Finally, a beautiful pic taken by GM, Ian Horne, while flying into Mount Gambier on a stunning Monday evening. Love your work!

HAPPY 150TH TO THE MELVILLE HOTEL

The Melville Hotel in Yorketown recently celebrated 150 years. Congratulations to Tracey, Ed and their beautiful family for reinvigorating the Melly back in 2019.

Fun fact: Tracey and Ed were actually married in the beer garden,- with three of their four children raised in the pub.

STREAKY BAY WINS THE INCREDIBLE STEAK OFF

I wanted to acknowledge the Streaky Bay Hotel who won the national competition at the end of August, run by Accolade Wines, where venues put on a steak and match it with one red from the Accolate range. Customers are invited to “rate the steak” where over 170 venues took part.

This is fantastic recognition for another award-winning SA regional pub and congrats to Penny, Hoges and all the team at the hotel.

FAREWELL & WELCOME

I wanted to acknowledge venues who have been part of the AHA|SA for a number of years and wish them all the best for their future endeavours, while welcoming new licensees.

• Emu Hotel

• Blacksmiths Inn

• Sir John Franklin Hotel

• The Lodge Hotel

• The Rosey Hotel

• British Hotel Port Adelaide

Following are a few snaps taken in my travels:

Beautiful views from my room at McCracken Country Club.

A stunning late winter’s day at the Victory Hotel (below). Always a joy to catch up with publican, Doug Govan.

Welcome to the new Tanunda Apartments (above) with Chris Plush and Keith (IGT) at the Tanunda Hotel loving the new offering.

Farewell hug featuring Chris Linden and John Kinnear.

Finally, always a treat to catch up with one of my 550 favourite publicans and members, Mandy Collins from the Lady Daly (above) with special guest, Baxter. Mandy is the voice behind the Our Shout Podcast and is an industry champion.

That’s all for reading this edition. As always, any funny or even weird stories and/or photos, please email to svaughan@ahasa.asn.au.

Until next time, bye for now.