A legacy that spans generations
Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Cranbourne, Kelly’s Motor Club Hotel has been a cornerstone of the local community for more than 100 years.
Established in 1923, the hotel began as a modest venue serving travelers and locals. Today, under the stewardship of the fourth generation of the Kelly family, it stands as a vibrant hub for dining, entertainment, and community gatherings.
From its bustling bistro and café to the alfresco deck that seats 80, Kelly’s Hotel offers a warm and welcoming outing for everyone. The venue also boasts a well-stocked bottle shop and newly renovated function rooms, making it a go-to destination for celebrations and gatherings. Its menu reflects the best of classic pub dining, complemented by seniors’ specials and family-friendly options.
More than a hotel – it’s a part of the community
Kelly’s Hotel is not just about hospitality- it’s about heart. The hotel was recently nominated for the Heart of the Community Award by the Australian Hotels Association, the second consecutive year (2024 and 2025), which is a testament to its unwavering commitment the community.
One of its most impactful initiatives is the Primary School Scholarship Program, which provides $5,000
scholarships to local schools to support students transitioning to high school.
In 2025 alone, 17 schools benefited from this program. These scholarships ease financial burdens for families and enable young learners to pursue their education with more confidence.
The hotel also supports local charities, sporting clubs, and community events, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in Cranbourne’s growth and wellbeing.
Hotel owner Paul Stocks says it’s the wonderful customers and his dedicated staff that are the soul of Kelly’s.
“I’m proud to be fourth generation running this place. Our customers are fantastic and I love interacting with them. Some are long-term customers, just like many of our staff – some have been with us for 30 years.”
The banking shift: Why Kelly’s chose CBA
Paul says it’s important to continue to move the business forward, to keep abreast of current trends and meet changing customer expectations.
After banking with another Australian bank for more than 80 years, Kelly’s made the bold decision to switch to the Commonwealth Bank.
“I felt that Commonwealth Bank could help us with our business structure,” says Paul. “The bank has a deep understanding of our industry and that’s certainly true of Callum and Adam (Paul’s relationship executives at CBA).
“It’s never easy to move banks but so far, it’s been very beneficial for us. Knowing there’s a whole team working with us, they’re very responsive.”Hospitality businesses face unique challenges, from managing seasonal fluctuations to optimising payment systems across multiple service points. CBA has been able to provide tailored solutions to meet these needs, including:
- Industry Expertise:
CBA’s dedicated hospitality bankers, including Relationship Executives Callum Cox and Adam Loveridge, brought decades of combined experience to the table. - Merchant Services Optimisation:
CBA streamlined Kelly’s payment systems across its bottle shop and venue terminals. - Community Support Alignment:
By facilitating scholarship account management and deposit processes, CBA reinforced Kelly’s commitment to giving back to the community – a shared value that underpins the partnership.
Looking ahead: Tradition meets innovation
As Kelly’s Hotel continues to thrive, its relationship with CBA stands as a powerful example of how businesses and banks can work together to create lasting value. Kelly’s is well-positioned to embrace new opportunities, invest in its facilities, and expand its community programs – all while honoring the traditions that have defined it for more than a century. And Paul is looking forward to all that.
Disclaimer:
This article has been prepared without considering an individual reader’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Readers should consider the appropriateness to their circumstances. Please refer to our product information and Merchant Agreement for applicable terms and conditions available on the CommBank website. The information in this article and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made, based on the information available at the time of its publication but no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made in this article. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.