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i t F RO NT
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ALISTAIR F L O W E R
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS
I
am glad to have made it through 2021. It hasn’t been easy; vaccinations, a lock down, homeschooling, masks, lock down again, extra restrictions, double vax only in venues, restrictions easing, cases soaring… And did I mention the floods? I think I’ll leave out the house prices… and the staff shortages… and the lake! Congratulations to everyone for getting through 2021, especially my staff and everyone who has been on the front line, a huge THANK YOU to you guys! Eight hour shifts on your feet, needing to wear masks and having to let the patrons know what they can or can’t do as part of the latest health order. Everyone should take a bow. It’s been a year to forget but what will be in store for 2022? Your guess is as good as mine. Booster shots take us back to memories of 2021 but as cases soar and hospitalisations seem to be much lower, will it be a year of just getting on with it? We can only hope but don’t think it will be that straight forward. Locally, 2022 will see the new PMHC Councilors hopefully “get on with it” as we welcome what seems to be a completely new team formed to join Mayor Peta Pinson. I think change will revitalise the council
56 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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and with the new CEO providing clear Playground will also be getting a revamp strategic direction, I think we will see some and we have renos planned for all our other positive traction. I am looking forward to venues. the Rainbow Beach sports fields and the We took over the Long Flat Pub in early Bicentennial walkway December and we look around the water on forward to bringing Town Green. this old girl back to life. Good luck to 2022 is a federal We look to relaunch everyone in 2022, election year which can the river campground I hope it’s filled with often be a disruption and revitalise the food and the possibility of with a new pizza love, prosperity and a a hung parliament will oven, revised menu, few cheeky margaritas. see some powerful and extended trading PS, no Eddie Obeid independents. times. We’re now the isn’t my father in law, I can’t see the town proud sponsor of half but thanks for your slowing down in of the Hastings League interest. 2022, with tourism footy teams, with the set to maintain the inclusion of the Long rage. There will always Flat Dragons! be an element of fear surrounding future Along with being the Hastings Liquor outbreaks, but local businesses do a great Accord president, I’ve also joined on as Vice job in keeping everyone safe and the support President of the Wauchope Chamber of tourism brings to small businesses is really Commerce and look forward to contributing welcome. to supporting the local businesses and For Flower Hotels in 2022, we will see two promoting the beautiful Hastings Hinterland of our venues get complete overhauls. The region. Lake Cathie Tavern will launch mid-year and Good luck to everyone in 2022, I hope it’s Hastings Hotel Wauchope by the end of the filled with love, prosperity and a few cheeky year. Both super exciting projects that the margaritas. PS, no Eddie Obeid isn’t my local communities will be proud of. Settlers father in law, but thanks for your interest.
