Facing the demise of their beloved watering hole, a posse of determined residents are making the bold move to purchase it themselves.
Yangan is a small community of less than four-hundred people, 160 kilometres south-west of Brisbane. The Yangan Hotel Motel was first established in the 1890s, to water local graziers.
But last December it closed, when the leaseholders ended their term and moved on.
Inspired by the Grong Grong community, who last month teamed up to raise a million dollars to save their local, several dozen Yangan residents and friends have begun putting up pledges to buy it, for the asking price of $500k.
Each has committed to purchasing at least one share, for $5k, amassing $240k so far.
The funds will likely be put into a company, which would hire management and staff and be responsible for operations.
There are already many ideas being floated to improve the Hotel’s broader appeal and attract more visitors, such as theme nights and events.
Long-term local Margaret Bateman, whose great-uncle was once publican of the pub, told The Courier it’s something the town needs.
“It’s a focal point, a community place. It’s more than just somewhere to have a beer.”
I would like to be a $5000.00 shareholder.