South Australians are being encouraged to get back to the local this August, with over 110 pubs across the state joining forces for SA Cheers Together.
Running from 1 to 31 August, the month-long initiative from the Australian Hotels Association SA (AHA|SA) is putting mateship, conversation and community front and centre, encouraging locals to make plans, catch up and check in with the people who matter.
The campaign comes as Australians continue to grapple with loneliness and social disconnection, with recent research from Real Insurance finding almost 12 per cent of respondents have no close friends.
For pubs, creating connection is nothing new. Bringing people together is at the heart of what they do.
Glenn O’Rourke, owner of the recently revamped Rosemont Hotel in Adelaide, said people are increasingly looking for genuine human interaction.
“A great pub gives people something a screen never can: real conversation, friendship and a genuine sense of belonging,” he told Adelaide Now.
AHA|SA CEO Anna Moeller said SA Cheers Together is about reminding South Australians what their local pub can offer beyond a meal or a drink.
“SA Cheers Together is our slogan and our message,” Moeller said.
“It’s about bringing people together all month long and supporting the pubs at the heart of our communities.”
From metropolitan Adelaide to regional South Australia, participating venues will be running a range of simple ways for locals to get involved.
Parmi deals, shared platters, bring-a-mate meals, trivia, movie nights, raffles and community tables are all part of the program, giving people plenty of reasons to head down to the local and share some time together.
Moeller said pubs remain at the heart of many communities and that SA Cheers Together celebrates the important role they play in keeping those communities connected.
With 113 venues taking part (at time of writing), the message is simple: make a plan, grab a mate and get to the local.
South Australians can visit participating pubs throughout August and share their SA Cheers Together moments using #SACheersTogether.
Campaign resources for venues can be found at SA Cheers Together.
