The best and brightest of New South Wales hospitality gathered Tuesday for the AHA NSW annual gala Awards for Excellence ceremony, at Royal Randwick Racecourse.
A crowd of around 1,350 industry, political and business leaders attended to see the results of 48 categories, as finalists emerged from more than 950 nominations.
The coveted People’s Choice Award was won by Terrigal Beach House on the Central Coast, as Heart of the Community was stolen away by Chris Cheung’s Coogee Bay Hotel.
Lakeside Village Tavern in Raymond Terrace was given Best Family Friendly Hotel, and Stephen Hunt’s Finnian’s Tavern in Port Macquarie was awarded the topical prize of Best Live Music venue.
“It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who continually strive to provide exceptional experiences for our guests,” offered Hunt.
A standing ovation met the announcement of popular Central Coast hoteliers Peter and Jane Harris, and Gary and Kerry Narvo, as this year’s inductees into the AHA NSW Hall of Fame, receiving the Cyril Maloney Medal. This marked the first ever time in the Association’s history that two married couples were inducted.
In the majors, Best Bush Pub went to the White Cliffs Hotel in remote central NSW, following major refurbishments last year Glenn Piper’s Beach Hotel at Merewether was named Regional Hotel of the Year, and after a five-year rebuild unveiled in 2023, Maurice Terzini’s DTL Entertainment took the gong for Metropolitan Hotel of the Year at Jacksons on George in Sydney.
“I would like to congratulate all award winners,” offered AHA NSW CEO John Whelan.
“These hotels provide tens of thousands of jobs, raise millions of dollars for charity each and every year and drive the NSW tourism and hospitality economy.”
Rounding out the event, major prize of Individual Hotel Operator went to Nicholas Clark at the Shortland Hotel, and Group Hotel Operator for 2024 went to O’Hara Hotels.
Speaking for himself and his brother Sean, Dan O’Hara thanked their respective wives, Lauren and Georgia, for their support in both the business and life journey, and offered they are “so proud” of their team and their “commitment to be the best they can every day”, some of whom have become friends and business partners. And their industry partners, which O’Hara poses contribute to the synergies of the group.
“We as a team strive to show genuine care for other team members and our customers and we are just so proud to be a part of something great.
“Special thanks to our parents, Michael and Maree O’Hara, who have instilled in us the value of hard work, chasing your dreams, taking risks, treating people the way you want to be treated, and personal responsibility.”
Dan believes the business is all about “the people we serve” and is proud of the O’Hara venues, striving to have positive impacts in their communities and offer something for everyone. He acknowledges support by the community and thinks pubs are a cornerstone of Australian history and should be celebrated as such.
“Too often in our society, people look to blame other people for their outcomes. We strongly support the government’s push for more personal responsibility, as well as trying to reduce red tape, which will allow more live music, music festivals, picnic races and B&S balls, as these all add to the social fabric of country towns, offering huge economic contributions.”
Having celebrated “long and hard” after the event, the eponymous group principal humbly offers that many people have helped them on their journey, which is something “we never forget”.
“We try to keep that great Irish hospitality pub philosophy: that a person walks into a pub a customer, and walks out a friend,” adds O’Hara. “We love this industry.”
Other award winners include:
- Disability Inclusion and Access Award – Toormina Hotel, Toormina
- Best Regional Local – Settlers Inn Hotel, Port Macquarie
- Best Metropolitan Local – The Governor Hotel, Macquarie Park
- Best Outdoor Experience – Terrigal Hotel, Terrigal
- Best Late Night Venue – Goros, Surry Hills
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue – Australian Hotel and Brewery, Rouse Hill
- Best Draught Beer Quality – The Entrance Social Club, The Entrance
- Best Wine List – Shell House, Sydney
- Best Cocktail list – Nags Head Hotel, Adamstown
- Best Unique Bar Experience – The Underground, The Grand Hotel, Newcastle
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20) – Five Islands Hotel, Cringila
- Industry Rising Star – Molly L’huede – Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney
- Employee Excellence in Service – Cristian Montarulo – Sarino’s, Mullane’s Hotel
- Regional Chef of the Year – Shane Clark – Holbrook Hotel, Holbrook Metropolitan
- Chef of the Year – Scott Greves – Humphrey’s Hotel, Hurstville and Scott Mills – Sinclair’s, The Log Cabin, Penrith
A full list of winners of this year and past is available at AHAAwardsNSW.com.au.
