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Loretta Wilmshurst Tribute The following tribute was made at the AHA|SA Women In Hotels Hall Of Fame dinner, to acknowledge the incredible contribution made by Loretta Wilmshurst. Today we celebrate the incredible journey of Loretta Wilmshurst, a trailblazer in the South Australian hotel industry. Her story is one of courage, determination, and a steadfast commitment to building not just businesses, but vibrant communities. Loretta’s hotel journey commenced in January 1980, when she and her husband Rodney took a bold step and acquired the Moonta Hotel. Loretta, at 31 years old, found herself embarking on a journey that would test her resilience. Amidst challenges like a mice plague, lively discos, and rooms filled with cigarette smoke, Loretta embraced the bustling energy of those early days. As she vividly recalls, back then, calculations were done mentally and drinks were tallied in one’s head. Those were the times of social club 12 | Hotel SA | www.ahasa.asn.au
picnics, where camaraderie was fostered, and the drinks flowed generously, leaving unforgettable memories. Sundays were a day of rest, and the 12 o’clock closing created a rhythm of life that Loretta navigated with her trademark tenacity. Saturday night closing meant the entire team rolling up their sleeves to clean the pub, followed by a welldeserved knock-off drink. It was a time of community, of shared responsibilities, and of building connections that would withstand the test of time. Loretta’s journey continued, marked by transitions that showcased her unyielding spirit. From acquiring the Commonwealth Hotel in Pt Augusta, to transforming Spuds Roadhouse in Pimba near Woomera, she embraced challenges head-on. Who can forget the transformation of Spuds, where 4,000 tons of filling were brought in to combat boggy roads and where electrical work turned the yard into an amazing winter display of lights?
In each chapter, Loretta’s perseverance remained a constant. Through motel rooms, workshop services, RAA assistance, and more, she nurtured an environment of service and community. The joy of a Sunday night schnitzel drew crowds, uniting people from stations, Woomera, and Roxby. Through fires, hold-ups, and the recent challenges brought by the pandemic, Loretta’s true spirit shone brightly. She fostered loyalty among her staff, creating a family that stood together through thick and thin. With a steadfast approach, she expanded her hotel group, including the Commercial Hotel in Two Wells. Along the way, there may have even been a ghost or two! So we celebrate Loretta’s remarkable journey, a journey that has left an indelible mark on our industry. Her dedication to the South Australian hotel industry is truly awe-inspiring, and we are thrilled to induct her into the Women in Hotels Hall of Fame. Back to Contents
