News

When Sandhill Road Group finally opened the Waterside Hotel in November 2025, it marked the end of a journey that had taken nearly a decade. It began as a modest renovation of one of Melbourne’s oldest pubs, a heritage-listed wharfie’s local dating back to the 1850s, and has now became something far more ambitious after […]

Mixology meets Michelin-star gastronomy at Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – MGallery Collection Each year, World Cocktail Month sees MGallery Collection hotels celebrate the art of mixology, creating a stage for creativity and connection. This year, MGallery Collection invites guests to experience the bar as a destination in its own right. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Pichaya […]

With sweeping views across the bay, Crowne Plaza Geelong is more than a 200-room premium hotel, it is a carefully considered reflection of its bayside location. Crowne Plaza Geelong is located on Geelong’s picturesque waterfront, where the gentle rhythm of the bay sets the tone for a relaxed escape. With the waterfront promenade just steps […]

Across the hospitality industry, women shape guest experiences, lead teams, and redefine what modern leadership looks like. Yet behind this progress lies a quieter, often overlooked challenge: financial confidence. While women are increasingly visible in operational and creative roles within hotels, many still face barriers when it comes to building, managing, and growing their personal […]

Hospitality businesses are already struggling with staff shortages, rising wages, and increasing pressure to build stable teams. But employers who delay hiring apprentices could also miss out on thousands in government support. In April 2026 AHA(Vic) reported that “labour costs continue to be the biggest challenge for hotel owners and managers. Minimum wage increases, higher […]

The inaugural Mates Day @ Your Local campaign has wrapped up following a strong statewide response from AHA (Vic) members, reinforcing the vital role local pubs play as places for connection, conversation and community. Held on Friday, 8 May 2026, the initiative encouraged Victorians to take time out of their week to reconnect with friends, […]

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, […]

When Australians working in hospitality talk about taking the industry overseas, few stories resonate quite like that of Melbourne born publican and restaurateur Eddy Buckingham. From collecting glasses at Melbourne’s riverside bars to operating some of New York’s most talked about venues, Buckingham’s career reflects both the global portability of Australian hospitality and the enduring […]

Carlton’s hospitality landscape enters a new chapter with the opening of Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton, marking the neighbourhood’s first internationally branded hotel and a considered addition to Melbourne’s inner-city accommodation offering. Positioned on the fringe of Melbourne’s CBD, the hotel places guests at the centre of Carlton, one of the city’s most culturally rich precincts, […]

This year’s Pubovation study tour through Queenstown gave AHA (Vic) members and partners a valuable opportunity to explore one of NZ’s most dynamic tourism and hospitality markets. Across two days, members experienced an impressive cross-section of venues. From community focused pubs and immersive tourism concepts to premium waterfront dining and late-night entertainment venues. While each […]