In a room filled with Victoria’s best and brightest from the hospitality world, it was a young leader from the quaint riverside town of Warrandyte who stole the show. Dylan Tudor, from The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, was named the Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2025 State Awards for Excellence, marking a major milestone for the 21-year-old and his beloved local pub.
Dylan was given an opportunity by the hotel’s General Manager, Peter Appleby to come in and gain work experience as teenager. For those who know Dylan, the recognition came as no surprise.
A passionate, hardworking hospitality professional with a natural warmth and an infectious energy, Dylan has already carved out an impressive reputation for himself in the industry. The judges described him as a natural leader, someone with an ability to balance the dynamic demands of a bustling hotel floor with the complexities of back-of- house operations — a skill rarely seen in someone so young. “The pub and its community feel like a family to Dylan, and that shines through in every interaction,” the judges said. “He’s been winning volunteer work, which makes him not just a great hospitality professional, but a great person.”
Dylan’s connection to his community runs deep. A proud local, he has long been involved with Warrandyte’s football and cricket clubs, forging relationships and contributing to the community that shaped him. He speaks passionately about how this connection influences the way he runs his venue and the importance of knowing the people who walk through the door. “I work with local community footy groups, which personally helps me know my customers that are coming in the doors, but it also gives you a perspective you don’t see working during the day. You get to hear their opinions and preferences outside the work environment — and that makes a big difference,” Dylan explained.
Despite his growing list of achievements, Dylan remains refreshingly humble.
Speaking on the night of the awards, he admitted the honour still felt surreal. “It means the absolute world,” he said. “Coming here tonight, looking at the people that I’m up against in the category and looking at the other people in the industry, it’s just an absolute honour, it’s how I’m feeling right now.” For Dylan, this award is not just a personal accolade, but a testament to the strength of the team around him. “This award is really not just for me; this is a team award. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support. We’re getting there — and in fact, we’re doing very well.”
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte is one of Victoria’s most loved pubs, famous for its warm hospitality and tight-knit culture. It’s here that Dylan has built a reputation for being both an excellent operator and a supportive leader. His dual role working front-of-house and back-of-house has shaped his inclusive leadership style and his belief that relationships matter above all else. “To work front-of-house and back-of-house both, it’s about building that relationship with both parties,” Dylan said. “You have to have a connection with the staff that are present even just for one shift a week and also those that are there all the time. It helps that we have an unbelievably good culture amongst our team.”
It’s not just Dylan’s leadership that has impressed those around him. Behind the scenes, he’s demonstrated a sharp mind procedures, managing rosters, navigating complex budgets and driving business performance, all while remaining hands-on with customers. The judges were quick to note his versatility and talent for balancing both sides of venue management.
Looking ahead, Dylan has his sights set on an even bigger goal. “I would love to own a pub one day, it is definitely a dream of mine, a goal,” he said. “I think this award is a massive point in that direction.
I have lots to learn, but I am definitely on the way there.” When asked what defines a truly great pub, Dylan doesn’t hesitate. “Community, welcome, and atmosphere,” he said simply.
“Most good pubs will do this well and this is one thing
I love building on and will continue to in the future as well.”
It’s this genuine belief in the value of people, place, and purpose that has endeared Dylan to his peers and to the patrons of The Grand alike. It is a reflection not just of personal ambition, but of a commitment to creating spaces where people feel at home, connected, and part of something bigger. “Our little pub, in our little town of Warrandyte, is doing big things,” Dylan smiled. “And I also want to thank the people of Warrandyte, all our locals and the community that makes it happen.”
In the words of the judging panel: “Watch this space. Dylan Tudor is a name you’ll be seeing a lot more of in Victorian hospitality.”