CEO’S UPDATE PADDY O’SULLIVAN
Members,
At the end of every financial year, AHA (Vic) presents a Statement of Performance to the Executive Committee and Council, that provides a detailed summary of the challenges and outcomes achieved by the Association in representing members’ interests.
I take this opportunity to highlight a few achievements from the 2023/24 Statement of Performance.
Successful Amendment and Application of New AHA (Vic) Member Divisions
As directed by the Council and Executive Committee, the AHA (Vic) administration developed, reviewed and presented for approval by members at the Annual General Meeting that AHA (Vic) amended its member divisions.
The successful amendment to the member divisions provided a simple and easier to operate structure, which enables opportunities for the Association to better represent the diverse needs of members.
This restructuring is instrumental in advancing an equitable Council representation, which then facilitates more effective advocacy.
The Association’s commitment to inclusivity and member engagement is evident through these changes.
Decriminalisation of Public Drunkenness
The Victorian Government's initiative to decriminalise public drunkenness was implemented in November 2023.
AHA (Vic) advocated for a balanced approach that would not impact the operational and regulatory environment for pubs and hotels.
Container Deposit Scheme
The introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme was another major policy implementation impacting members’ businesses.
AHA (Vic) actively participated in discussions to shape the implementation of this scheme, advocating for a framework that would be economically sustainable for members regardless of their level of engagement with the scheme.
Victorian Government's Decision to Not Proceed with a Second Safe Injecting Room
The Victorian Government’s decision to halt plans for a second safe injecting room in Melbourne's CBD was a welcome announcement for local members.
AHA (Vic) had consistently opposed the establishment of such facilities outside hospital settings, noting that it would adversely affect the hospitality and retail environment in the surrounding areas.
Gaming Reform Agenda
The Victorian Government’s July 2023 announcement of proposed gaming restrictions, including mandatory carded play and reduced EGM load limits, prompted a strong response from AHA (Vic).
In representing members’ interests, AHA (Vic) have lodged detailed submissions and routinely convened meetings with government stakeholders, advocating for harm ministration and anti-money laundering measures based on proven models from other states.
AHA (Vic) continued to champion workplace safety, with particular focus in 2023/24 on addressing gendered violence in the workplace.
Workplace Gendered Violence and Women’s Safety Initiatives
AHA (Vic) continued to champion workplace safety, with particular focus in 2023/24 on addressing gendered violence in the workplace.
Through participation in the WorkWell Respect Network, AHA (Vic) is developing programs aimed at preventing sexual assault and harassment in hospitality workplace.
The past 12 months have provided significant challenges and achievements for AHA (Vic).
The association’s strategic advocacy and robust engagement with government stakeholders has ensured members interests are appropriately represented.
As Victoria’s hospitality and business community navigate the current challenging economic and political landscape, AHA (Vic) is committed to supporting and advancing the rights and interests of members’ businesses.
Cheers,
Conclusion of the Gaming Taxation Review
AHA (Vic)’s advocacy was instrumental in the conclusion of the Gaming Taxation Review, with the government deciding to maintain the existing venue-based gaming taxation rates.
This outcome was crucial for the financial stability of gaming venues across Victoria.
Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee for Casual Workers
The cessation of the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee for casual workers was a welcomed announcement at the May 2024 Victorian Budget presentation.
AHA (Vic) had strongly opposed the scheme, with the government’s decision to end the pilot program from 1 July, 2024, validating AHA (Vic)’s advocacy efforts.
Paddy O’Sullivan Chief Executive Officer
Australian Hotels Association (Vic) p.osullivan@ahavic.com.au
(VIC)
PRESIDENT'S STUDY TOUR
The much-loved international AHA (Vic) President’s Study tour made a magical comeback in July to the beautiful islands of Fiji - Bula!
A perfect mix of members, our supportive partners and AHA (Vic) staff, were treated to the most memorable of trips, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and building relationships.
Throughout the course of the week this energetic group of members fostered important relationships leading to collaboration, mentorship and fresh perspectives.
Old friends were reunited and notably, new friendships were made.
The first night kicked off with a Traditional Fijian Feast complete with a traditional kava ceremony.
Local chiefs conducted the ceremony with AHA (Vic) and National President David Canny and AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson. Much like sake in Japan or tea in Turkey, kava holds a unique place in Fijian ceremonies, celebrations and social life.
Known locally as ‘yaqona’ and ‘kava’ across the Pacific, this earthy mixture is extracted from the dried roots of a pepper plant.
Let’s be honest, it looked like dirty, muddy water but if you’re happy to look past that you are in for a tingly feeling in your mouth and a much promised, calm, sweet sleep!
Golf was at the stunning Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, with some participants even making their golf debut! The picturesque golf course offered breathtaking views across coral reefs, rolling surf breaks and even wild horses galloping across fairways.
Industry Briefing Sessions were held by a range of AHA (Vic) commercial partners including a political update by National CEO Stephen Ferguson. Members were also briefed on the upcoming RULE Prostate National Legends Campaign.
Members had the exclusive opportunity to hear from senior team members from the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.
Michael Bell, Director of Sales talked us through the challenges of running a hotel in
Fiji notably how the Fijian culture, which can be a little laid back, differs from many Sofitel properties. He mentioned the uniqueness of this property regaling us with stories about a time when Head Office kept calling for him, yet he was busy moving guests and staff up a mountain as a tsunami warning had just been issued.
Stephane Postoyan, Executive Chef shared with us the difficulty in sourcing quality ingredients and the availability of produce.
He demonstrated his dedication to sourcing local produce however balancing that with quality was a huge challenge for him and his team. The hotel has an important relationship with the local fisherman and Stephane meets with them regularly.
With over 130 chefs on the property, funnily enough, like most of our members, he is always on the hunt for more. Recently the hotel opened a Vietnamese restaurant, and
he has staffed that with several of the team he previously led in Vietnam.
Eshni Chetty, Director of Talent and Culture, continually referred to her team members not as “staff” but as ambassadors. Ambassadors who live and breathe the Sofitel ethos and who represent the hotel so beautifully.
Ambassadors are bussed in from all over the islands, some traveling for as long as two hours. Sofitel is one of the very few hotels that pays their team members company dividends.
You can feel the culture of this place the minute you walk in. The big, happy smiles, the warmth in the welcome, the joy in the ambassadors using your name when they greet you (and I mean everyone’s name every time!). It’s not fake, its real and it’s such a beautiful “family” to be a part of.
When one of our members asked the ambassador about his job, the reply was “I love it!”
Over the course of the week, we shared some very special experiences, but above all, the industry relationships that were cultivated across members and corporate partners alike was incredibly rewarding.
It’s clear that our newer members began building a network of trusted contacts. They have spent time with more experienced operators who they can turn to for knowledge and support.
A huge thank you to our incredible partners whose dedication to the industry help make these experiences happen!
This initiative not only supports these charitable endeavours but also advances the overall interests of the pub and hotel sector in Victoria. This year, we were proud to support The ACE (Aiding Casey Education) Foundation, a non-profit organisation that operates solely on donations and boasts zero administrative costs.
The ACE Foundation: A Vision for Educational Support
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Leon Shapero, a GP Obstetrician who has served the Cranbourne community since 1987, The ACE Foundation aims to assist students of all ages in the City of Casey who face significant challenges in their educational pursuits. These challenges may be cultural, language-related, socio-economic, physical, or due to family fractures. The Foundation’s mission is simple yet profound: to put smiles on students' faces by providing the necessary support to overcome these obstacles.
Impactful Programs and Initiatives (2014-2019)
From its inception through 2019, the ACE Foundation has implemented a variety of programs to support students:
• Vision Testing and Provision of Glasses: Free vision testing and glasses are provided to public primary school students with vision impairment. In total, 2,438 sets of glasses have been provided to vision-impaired students over the past ten years.
• Supervised Study and Tutoring: Free supervised study facilities and tutoring are available at Thompson Road Clinic from Monday to Thursday, 4:30-6:30 pm.
• Homework Assistance: Free supervised homework classes with basic assistance are offered at Aspire Hampton Park on Tuesdays from 1:30-6:00 pm.
• Reading Books for Prep Students: Every prep student receives a reading book at the start of the school year. Up to 5,000 Hard cover books given to Prep students each year
• Replacement Meals: The Foundation provides 2,500 replacement meals every four weeks to 12 secondary schools in the City of Casey for students who come to school without breakfast or a prepared lunch. So far, 72,000 meal replacement items have been provided.
• Operation Newstart Casey: Financial support is provided to this program, which aims to re-engage disengaged young students with the education system and their local community.
• Young Mothers Return to School Programme: Financial support is given to this program at Cranbourne Secondary College and Narre Warren South P-12 College, helping young mothers return to school.
Community Support and Fundraising
The ACE Foundation’s impact is made possible by the generous support of the local community.
Every October, the community comes together in a show of solidarity and support for the Foundation’s annual fundraising Gala. People from all walks of life donate for the silent auction and various prizes, making it a heartwarming event that reflects the community’s commitment to supporting the ACE Foundation's mission.
Hotel Care Foundation’s Contribution
Hotel Care Foundation’s recent donation to the ACE Foundation underscores our shared commitment to supporting education and community welfare. Every cent in a dollar reaches a child, through at least one of their programs. Our donation has approximately covered 40 sets of glasses or 4 months' worth of meal replacement items. A total of 16,000 meal replacement items have been donated with the help of AHA (Vic)’s donation to the ACE Foundation.
By partnering with organisations like the ACE Foundation, we continue to strengthen their impact on the community, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.
For more information about the ACE Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit www.acefoundation.org.au.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every student in the City of Casey has the opportunity to succeed.
Here's to many more years of assisting children in overcoming challenges in their education. Congratulations to the Aiding Casey Education Foundation for its remarkable contributions to the community.
Industry Leadership and Future Prospects:
Kerrin Petty, TWE’s Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer, highlighted the significance of this innovation: “Our Barossa Valley site is fast becoming an international hub of innovation in winemaking, sustainability, and resilience. Introducing full automation in our barrel hall increases our luxury and premium winemaking capacity, so we can craft more of our renowned wines for wine lovers around the world while creating a safer working environment for our people.”
Jodie Rowlands, Director of Supply Technology, echoed this sentiment, noting the positive impact on safety, efficiency, and traceability: “The efficiency and precision of automated, sensor-based forklifts to transport the barrels lowers energy consumption compared to manual handling processes. We’ve seen improvements in safety, efficiency, and traceability in our barrel hall, with the team on-site embracing the new way of working.”
As TWE continues to push the boundaries of winemaking technology, the Barossa Valley facility stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With its new automation system, TWE not only enhances its production capabilities but also sets a new standard for the global wine industry, ensuring that wine lovers around the world can enjoy the finest wines crafted with precision and care.
TWE Team poses with at their Barossa Valley facility
PARKROYAL MELBOURNE AIRPORT COMPLETES MAJOR HOTEL REFURBISHMENT
The multi-million-dollar refurbishment of Melbourne’s premier airport hotel, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport has been completed, with guests and event attendees invited to discover the property’s contemporary new look, modern interior décor and enhanced facilities.
As the only hotel directly connected to the airport’s terminals via convenient undercover pedestrian skybridges, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport offers guests a way to achieve a restful sleep ahead of their flight, and to access their terminal within minutes without stepping a foot outside - no need to wait for a shuttle or haul heavy luggage along the busy streets.
The hotel’s refreshed interior adds style to the convenience. Carpets and textiles have been inspired by Melbourne’s distinctive character and diverse aerial landscapes and architecture, from its rural paddocks and winding Yarra River to the city’s grid-style urban planning. Boasting 276 rooms with spectacular runway and Melbourne skyline views, including eight suites and eight family rooms, the property provides a relaxing alternative to the typical early morning alarm, traffic panic and parking challenges which can make travel stressful rather than serene.
In addition to travellers checking in to awaken refreshed for their flight, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport is also favoured by people farewelling family and friends who can enjoy a celebratory modern
Australian meal in the revitalised Airo restaurant or casual Airo Bar, as well as business travellers who like to unwind the night before a meeting or relax after a long day.
“Melbourne Airport is welcoming record numbers of international and domestic guests, and recently won the best airport in Australia and the Pacific for the fourth year in a row. We are thrilled to provide fresh spaces, enhanced guest rooms and unparalleled food and beverage options for those travelling through the travel hub of Australia, and to meet the demands of the increase in traveller numbers,” said Cameron Mead, General Manager of PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport.
“Our hotel offers unrivalled convenience, with guests able to travel completely undercover to access their terminal within minutes, without the need to navigate shuttle bus schedules, pay for a ride, or expose themselves to the elements while wheeling suitcases across concrete footpaths.”
Hotel highlights:
Handy Short Stay Hourly Accommodation
Say goodbye to tedious long layovers with PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport’s convenient Short Stay Hourly Accommodation, which lets guests trade terminal time for a comfortable nap, an in-room movie, a gym workout with runway views, a few laps in the headed indoor pool,
or a stint in the steam room or spa. Short Stay Hourly Accommodation is available between 7am and 7pm, to book online or by calling the hotel directly. A 3-hour pass is $109, a 5-hour pass is $119, and an 8-hour pass is $149.
Versatile Guestrooms
Offering spacious, residential-style proportions, the hotel’s newly refurbished guest rooms feature a neutral colour palette inspired by Australian landscapes and lifestyles, custom-designed furniture, plush fabrics, and modern daybeds where guests can sink in and enjoy Melbourne skyline and runway views. Additional features now include improved luggage access, hanging space and in-room minibars, while the 66-square-metre (sqm) Spa Suites include separate lounge areas and ensuite bathrooms with spa baths. PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport offers a range of guest room sizes and configurations, ranging from the 32sqm King Room through to the 41sqm Twin Room, 44sqm Business Suite and 66sqm Spa Suite – the largest guest rooms in the Melbourne Airport precinct.
Family Needs Covered
Parents can leave airport stress behind by taking advantage of the hotel’s family-friendly facilities. All eight 44 square metre family rooms have been refreshed, offering a king-sized bed and two single beds over a luxurious 44 sqm. Families can also make use of the indoor swimming pool and Airo Restaurant, with its customised kids’ menu, and walk to their flight within minutes, without the need for a shuttle bus or a long walk to the airport.
Facilities for Fitness Lovers
From the 12-metre heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and steam room to the fully equipped fitness centre, which can be enjoyed 24 hours a day, there are plenty of options for guests, including families, to be as active or as tranquil as they like to prepare for, or recover from, their flight.
Dynamic Dining
At the hotel’s reimagined food and beverage venues, guests can trade airplane food for freshly baked pastries and coffee or a hearty
cooked breakfast before strolling across the skybridges to check inthe ideal way to get into the holiday mood or prepare for the workday ahead. Airo Restaurant dishes up Australian-Asian fusion fare in a warm, elegant space with a patterned, gridded ceiling, Bar Airo serves boutique beers, signature cocktails and regional wines, while Café Airo is a lively spot for quick and casual bites. Those who prefer their meals in bed can take advantage of in-room dining, while the hotel’s popular ‘Breakfast on the Run’ is the preferred option for guests on the go – and fans of sleeping in.
Elevated Events
With its unrivalled location, dedicated 1000-square-metre events floor and 16 sophisticated, refurbished function rooms with customised furniture and fabrics, 14 of which boast natural light, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport is perfectly placed to host meetings, conferences, and events of all sizes.
Featuring flexible configurations, including smaller meeting spaces for more intimate get-togethers through to the 300-seat Victoria Ballroom, every meeting and event room incorporates the latest smart technology and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, as well as onsite AV and planning teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
With bespoke carpeting, accent lighting, layered materials and an understated colour palette throughout its upgraded event spaces, which also incorporate double-glazed windows, the renovation, coupled with its convenient and cost-effective airport location, further cements the hotel’s reputation as Melbourne’s ultimate destination for fly-in-fly-out meetings.
PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport’s refurbishment follows the achievement of numerous industry awards, including the 2023
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and Oceania's Leading Airport Hotel award at the World Travel Awards for 2023.
PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport
Arrival Drive, Melbourne Airport VIC 3045
T: (03) 8347 2000
ANDIAMO RESTAURANT + BAR AT PEPPERS MARYSVILLE
Found on the high street of Marysville, Andiamo Restaurant + Bar at Peppers Marysville proudly celebrates the rich, local flavours of the Yarra Valley and High-Country regions. With a commitment to using the freshest local ingredients and showcasing the best local wines, Andiamo has quickly become a must-visit destination for food and wine enthusiasts.
At Andiamo Restaurant + Bar, the menu is a tribute to the bountiful produce of the Yarra Valley and High-Country regions. Executive Chef Patrick Browning has curated a selection of dishes that highlight the unique flavours and quality of local ingredients such as the iconic Buxton trout. From farm-fresh vegetables to sustainably sourced meats, every bite at Andiamo tells a story of the region's agricultural heritage.
Complementing the delicious meals is an expertly curated wine list featuring some of the finest wines from local wineries. Guests can enjoy a variety of wines that perfectly pair with their meals, enhancing the dining experience and offering a true taste of the Yarra Valley's renowned viticulture.
Andiamo is known for its hearty, comforting meals that are perfect for any time of the year. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, including its signature wood-fired pizzas. Cooked to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven, these pizzas are a favourite among guests and locals alike, offering a delightful blend of crispy crusts and rich toppings.
Situated next to the conference centre, Andiamo Restaurant + Bar is conveniently located for both hotel guests and visitors. The restaurant serves a delicious daily breakfast to help guests start their day right. Dinner is available from Monday to Saturday, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing evening meal. Additionally, lunch is served on Saturdays, offering a leisurely dining option for weekend visitors.
Whether you are staying at Peppers Marysville or just passing through, Andiamo Restaurant + Bar invites you to indulge in a dining experience that celebrates the best of local cuisine and wine. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that reflects the heart and soul of the Yarra Valley and High Country, Andiamo promises a memorable culinary journey.
ABOUT PEPPERS MARYSVILLE
Peppers Marysville offers a luxurious escape in the serene surroundings of Marysville. With elegantly appointed rooms, a state-of-the-art conference centre, and exceptional dining options, Peppers Marysville is the perfect destination for relaxation, business, and leisure.
ABOUT WELLNESS SPA
Guests can indulge in a variety of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments, all designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The Wellness Spa is committed to high quality products to ensure the best care for guests. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or a revitalizing experience, Wellness Spa provides the perfect escape to nurture your mind, body, and soul. Learn more about
at www.peppersmarysville.com.au
PROTECTING YOUR VENUES REPUTATION & PROFITS: SURCHARGE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
In recent years, surcharging has become a hot topic among pubs in Australia. With tight regulations and increased consumer awareness, it is crucial for pub owners to understand and comply with surcharge laws to avoid penalties and maintain customer trust. This guide aims to provide pubs in Australia with the necessary information to navigate surcharge laws effectively.
In recent years, surcharging has become a hot topic among pubs in Australia. With tight regulations and increased consumer awareness, it is crucial for pub owners to understand and comply with surcharge laws to avoid penalties and maintain customer trust. This guide aims to provide pubs in Australia with the necessary information to navigate surcharge laws effectively.
Understanding Surcharge Regulations: Surcharging involves charging customers an additional fee for using certain payment methods, like credit or debit cards.
1. In Australia, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Payment Systems Regulations 2016 regulate surcharges, ensuring they reflect the actual cost of processing the payment.
2.Excessive surcharges are illegal, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is scrutinising the hospitality sector closely.
3. Venues can only charge what it costs them.
As you’d likely know it’s common and legal for businesses to add a surcharge to card transactions. However, with different card types and varying surcharges, publicans need to be cautious about adhering to the regulations.
The ACCC is currently taking a closer look at the hospitality segment, imposing substantial fines on businesses for excessive surcharging. Venues found guilty of these violations not only face financial penalties but also suffer severe reputational damage.
recipe and meal solutions to help cut down on labour and preparation, whilst maximising convenience and versatility of application. Continual investment in new recipes and ongoing product innovation helps drive this process forward.
Quality accreditation is a key pillar in Bega Foodservice’s dedication to the Australian marketplace. This commitment is evident in their internationally recognised, quality and food safety accredited Australian manufacturing facilities, to their management and control of the supply chain from milk and ingredients sourcing, through to product manufacturing, packaging and shipping to distributors.
As part of their Foodservice range, Bega Group is proud to offer the extensive
selection of high quality, nutritious Dairy Farmers products to foodservice professionals nationwide. Made from quality ingredients, all products within the range are Australian owned and made, free from artificial additives, developed and produced with versatility and ease of application in mind. Whilst Dairy Farmers has always been Aussie made, thanks to its 2021 acquisition by Bega Group, it’s once again Australian owned.
The extensive Dairy Farmers range available from Bega Foodservice includes:
CREAM AND CULINARY – Dairy Farmers Cooking Cream, which heats quickly to high temperatures without burning or splitting, maintains ideal viscosity for sauteing, reducing, pan-frying, baking, and freezing. Other products include a rich Thickened Cream, tangy Sour Cream, Buttermilk, and Dairy Farmers Thick Vanilla Custard.
CHEESE AND BUTTER – Dairy Farmers offer a fantastic selection of quality cheese, from Shredded Mozzarella, Shredded Tasty and Parmesan, to Cheese Slices in a variety of styles to suit popular foodservice applications. Choose from Dairy Farmers Tasty Natural Cheddar Slices, Burger Slices, Hi-Melt Burger Slices, Ready Cut Sandwich Slices and Super Value Sandwich Slices. Additionally, Dairy Farmers Cream Cheese serves as both a spread and a dessert ingredient, and Dairy Farmers Butter is available in both Salted and Unsalted varieties.
YOGHURT – Yoplait offers a diverse selection of high-quality yoghurts, tailored to meet various consumer preferences. Their range features convenient Petit Miam pouches, Real Fruit Classics, and a Zero Classics range in 100g and 160g single serve tubs, ideal for individual portions. Yoplait also provide 1kg tubs for Classic Ranges, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every yoghurt lover.
The Farmers Union range of yoghurt includes Natural Greek Style, Euro, flavoured and functional options. The signature tart taste of Farmers Union yoghurt is available in tubs ranging from 10kg to 160g, in addition to their 130g pouches. Harnessing the goodness of milk, cream and cultures, the Farmers Union Yoghurt range is a versatile all-rounder. Bega Foodservice additionally offers a comprehensive selection of Dairy Farmers luscious fruit flavoured stir through Thick and Creamy Yoghurts - a proud Aussie favourite sure to satisfy your customers!
SPREADS AND DRESSINGS - Bega Foodservice offers an extensive range, including the stylish ZoOsh selection of sauces, dressings, mayonnaise, and chutney. These are prepared from the finest quality ingredients, special spice blends and authentic recipes and designed for maximum versatility. The range also includes iconic Aussie spread Vegemite and Bega’s own Peanut Butter in both Smooth and Crunchy varieties.
The professionalism of the Bega Foodservice team extends beyond the quality of the products themselves, to the level of customer service they provide. Bega Foodservice representatives pride themselves on ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction through sharing of advice, expertise, support and inspiration to help foodservice businesses thrive.
To stay up to date on all things Bega Foodservice, visit our Instagram page @bega.foodservice
Find out more about the range by visiting www.begafoodservice.com.au where you can also be inspired by a terrific selection of delicious and easy to recreate recipes. Or for more information, contact Bega using the information below:
Bega Foods Foodservice: 1800 884 886 customerservicedomestic@bega.com.au
Bega Dairy and Drinks Foodservice: 1800 000 570 customerservice@bega.com.au
PARTNERS
THE NUMBERS GAME: DRIVING KENO SUCCESS IN FY25
The new financial year heralds new opportunities to reap the rewards of Keno in your hotel.
Victoria’s vibrant hotels emerged as a beacon of success for Keno in FY24, laying a strong foundation for future growth in the new financial year.
Led by a surge in player engagement and other strategic initiatives, Victorian hotels not only grew their market share but also set a new standard for Keno in venues across the country.
Keno National Partnership Manager Luke Harrison said Victorian hotels had created a remarkable narrative of success in FY24 that Keno was keen to further support in FY25.
"The remarkable growth we saw in Victorian hotels last financial year surpassed many other channels and is a testament to their commitment to creating an unparalleled experience for our players,” he asserts.
“It reflects the successful implementation of strategies to enhance player engagement and satisfaction within the vibrant and social setting of hotels.”
Together We Play
“With the recent launch of our new brand campaign, Together We Play, we hope to help Victorian hotels maintain their leading position into the new financial year,” Mr Harrison added.
“Together We Play highlights the social connections that both Victorian hotels and Keno offer to customers. At the heart of the Together We Play campaign lies the belief that Keno is more than a game of chance, it's a social experience that brings people closer.”
In its first month alone, the Together We Play campaign reached 11.8 million unique users via traditional TV and social media.
In recent years, Victorian hotels have invested heavily in enhancing customer experiences, from revitalising their physical spaces to elevating their food and beverage offerings. These efforts have not only attracted new patrons but have also solidified the loyalty of existing customers seeking a diverse and enjoyable social environment.
Highlighting the impact of these investments and initiatives, there has been a notable increase in Keno sales in Victorian hotels year-on-year.
This uptick in ticket count signifies a growing player base actively participating in the Keno experience across the state.
The power of Replay and Bonus
Another factor contributing to this engagement is the Replay feature, which players are increasingly using.
This simple function on the Keno terminal allows players to effortlessly replay their favourite numbers, providing another chance to win and adding convenience and excitement to every visit.
The Replay button becomes active in the session history after a Keno ticket is scanned, creating a golden opportunity for venues to amplify customer excitement and keep the dream of winning alive.
TOP PERFORMER
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NEW HOTEL MEMBERS
THE NHILL FARMERS ARMS HOTEL
4 VICTORIA ST, NHILL VIC 3418 | (03) 5391 1908
The Nhill Farmers Arms Hotel is located in the town of Nhill halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide and is great place to drop in and take a break. Their kitchen serves mouthwatering meals from 12-2pm and 5:30-8pm, while the inviting fireplace keeps the cold outside where it belongs.
THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL GLENGARRY
25 MAIN ST, GLENGARRY VIC 3854 | (03) 5192 4222
“The Glengarry Hotel, affectionately known as The Glen Pub by locals is a long-standing pub in the pretty township of Glengarry. Featuring a large roaring fire, a great beer garden, stunning meals and fully stocked by - you can't simply pass by without calling in.
The bistro has all your country pub favouritesparmas, steaks and themed nights throughout the week to make sure you head out with a full belly. At the bar, you'll find publican Barnsey mixing up a cocktail or two, or why not try the Glengarry Inn Cider for a bit of difference!
Out in the beer garden, the Glen Pub often hosts local muso's and it's a great spot to chill out during the summer months. Self-contained travellers (ie caravans & motorhomes) are welcome to camp in the relatively secure large grassed area behind the pub.”themiddleofeverywhere.com.au
THE SUBURBAN DINING & ROOFTOP
TOWN SQUARE EASTLAND SHOP R10/171/173 MAROONDAH HWY, RINGWOOD VIC 3134 | (03) 8845 9111
This pub located in Town Square, Ringwood houses a restaurant, public bar, rooftop bar and courtyard with private dining spaces positioned throughout the venue’s three story architecturally designed space.
With specials almost every day of the week, they also have local artists in every Friday and Sunday to play whilst customers enjoy your food and drinks. ‘The Courtyard’ is a versatile space is located on the ground floor of the venue. With direct bar access and plenty of room to move, we can host up to 65 guests canape style, or 50 guests seated. ‘The Mezzanine’ is suspended above the ground floor of the building, an exclusive space that features a private bar, banquette seating, and elegant dark wood finishings.
FRIENDS OF FIRE
740 BOURKE ST, DOCKLANDS VIC 3008 | (03) 8376 8008
The newest edition to Marvel Stadium, Friends of Fire is an American-style steakhouse and grill, with a focus on Southern, New England and New York City-style food.
Diners are greeted by three imposing wood-fired barbecue grills. Each grill is specifically designed for either carnivores, vegans or pescatarians. Central to the new restaurants is a celebration of diverse palates.
Friends of Fire also features an extensive range of mainstream and craft beers as well as an imposing overhead copper tank beer offering. The venue has a seating capacity of 450 (200 standing and 250 seated).
