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Niggard
The Mac to go under the hammer
MAFFRA’S historic Macalister Hotel will go under the auctioneer’s hammer on Saturday, November 6.
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After closing a few months ago, the new owners will be able to walk through its front doors and begin trade almost immediately, according to Wellington Real Estate agent Jeremy Gray.
Local residents have fond memories of the pub, with many reminiscing about meeting their spouses, having wedding receptions and enjoying some great nights, even though the memories may sometimes be a bit hazy.
‘The Mac’, as it is fondly known, is owned by a group of Maffra residents who operated it for 12 years, then leased it for three years after that.
Part-owner Kade Killoran said he felt it was time to let someone else take over, as the current owners couldn’t give the hotel the time it needed. Mr Killoran took over the hotel with his partner and her siblings, working behind the bar, which he always felt was a joy — particularly on Christmas Eve, the pub’s busiest day of the year.
“Kids would come home for Christmas and families would just come down to the pub to spend time together — it was always a great place to be,” he said.
The pub has also played host to people who find themselves coming through Maffra — whether it was tennis tournaments creating what Mr Killoran described as “tent city” behind the pub, or motorcycle riders on their way to Phillip Island.
“I remember having parties and coming out the back the next day and finding 50 thongs — and not a single one of them matched,” Mr Killoran said.
Established in 1862, the pub held the mantle as the oldest operating business in Maffra. It was rebuilt in 1922 after it was damaged in a fire, with parts of the original building still remaining. It was originally built by ‘The King of Maffra’ — James Gibney, who was influential throughout the town in its early beginnings.
As many pubs were in those days, the Macalister was also an early post office, a police station and the assembly rooms for the town courts. — Josh Farrell
Maffra’s historic Macalister Hotel will go under the auctioneer’s hammer on November 6, from 11am on site.
