After 21 years, Peter Burnett AM has officially retired from his role as President of the Australian Hotels Association Victoria, ushering in a new President elect and renewed vows to “promote and protect”.
Burnett has racked up a distinguished career in the hotel industry. He also served three terms as President of the National branch of the AHA, and has been made Life Member in both the Victorian and National chapters.
He was also recipient of Victoria’s revered Nikakis Award, and an AHA National Hall of Fame inductee. His passion for the tourism industry has seen him appointed to the boards of Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria.
In 2015 Burnett was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), being for “significant service to the tourism and hospitality sector at the State and National level and as a supporter of charitable and sporting groups”.
“Peter Burnett has served the association with distinction,” states AHA (Vic) CEO, Paddy O’Sullivan.
“This industry is in great shape, and thanks to Peter’s strong leadership we have created a bright future for the tourism and hospitality industry we represent.”
Celebrating its 170th Annual General Meeting, the AHA (Vic) conducted an election for a new President that saw David Canny elected unopposed.
A second-generation publican, Canny operates Ballarat’s Red Lion Hotel with his wife Dani, and the Montague Hotel in South Melbourne with their nephew.
Displaying the right pedigree, Canny was first elected an AHA Councillor in 1998, and a member of the Executive Board in 2008. He became AHA (Vic) Country Vice-President in 2012, and in 2013 elected as Victorian delegate to the AHA National board.
Based in Ballarat, he is a regular at political, industry and sporting events and says there is “a lot to be excited about” in the realm of representing hoteliers.
“Earlier this year our Premier spoke about the role hospitality plays in attracting and servicing the events that this great state hosts. It is with enthusiasm and excitement that we talk about the hospitality offering in Victoria,” says Canny.
“I look forward to working with Paddy O’Sullivan (CEO) and the talented AHA staff.”
The new AHA Victoria President says decisions will continue to be based around the mantra of ‘promote and protect’, involving:
- encouraging further investment into pubs and hotels
- ensuring regulators are willing to consult a trusted leadership
- confidence in corporate partners
- nurturing 2nd, 3rd and 4th-generation hoteliers
- safeguarding the corner and the country pub
Congratulations to Outgoing Pres Peter Burnett and to our new president David Canny.
Regards and best wishes to you both ,
Peter Nash Retired Councillor and Life Member AHA Vic.