Local hotels claim state hospitality awards

TWO of Ballarat’s institutions have won out against statewide competition at this year’s Australian Hotels Associations’ Victorian State Awards for Excellence.

Announced last week during at a gala event in Melbourne, the Best Hotel award for Pub Style Accommodation went to Oscar’s Hotel and Cafe Bar while Western Hotel’s Henry Wines won the Emerging Leader of the Year and the Peter Burnett Scholarship for Hospitality Excellence.

Having previously won an AHA State award for Overall Hotel of the Year (Regional) in 2018, Oscar’s owner Nicky Quinlan said their accolades are down to the hard work of their staff.

“It’s always very exciting and we’re very grateful for winning it and always appreciative of the work our staff do because that’s the reason we win awards,” she said.

“Ballarat’s hospitality just has a great feel in general. It’s consistently busy. Winning this award makes us feel like we’re doing the right thing and it gives validation to our staff’s work.

“We’ve got about 50 staff. One of them, Leone has been with us for 19 years, and she is our main housekeeper who’s been with us this whole time. It’s because of her that I think we won.”

The Quinlan family is celebrating 20 years of Oscar’s this year, which Ms Quinlan said makes their win even more exciting.

Henry Wines has spent nearly a decade in hospitality with his experience mainly being in cafes before working at The Western two years ago.

Alongside his award, Mr Wines will be able to use his$10,000 scholarship on any course in hospitality he chooses.

He said winning the accolade highlights the industry as a viable career option.

“There are good careers in hospitality,” he said. “What we’re trying to do at The Western is let people know there are careers here, especially with high school kids where it doesn’t get talked about as much.

“I think the award, to be an emerging leader, means being a leader to your staff and also within the community.

“It’s about nurturing a comfortable hospitality environment.

“I’m assistant manager here at the hotel. I started working at The Western two years ago under Dan Cronin who’s been my mentor ever since.”