Hotel duo rises to the occasion

RISING Sun Hotel operators Pat Sheehan and Marilyn Bell have won the prestigious Nikakis Benchmark Award at this year’s AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence.

The award, named after former Australian Hotels Association president and industry identity, the late Nick Nikakis, is considered the most prestigious of the various citations handed out each year.

It recognises an individual or business that, through sustained performance and commitment, serves as an inspiration to others in the hospitality industry.

Mr Nikakis’ wife, Carolyn presented the honour to Mr Sheehan and Ms Bell, who the AHA said had “exemplified outstanding dedication and service to their community and the hospitality industry, demonstrating the true spirit of the Nikakis award”.

“Their longstanding involvement in local organisations and support for the AHA have made them pillars of the Bendigo community and champions of regional pubs and hotels,” it said.

Mr Sheehan’s parents, Vincent and Irene, bought the Rising Sun in July, 1953. Mr Sheehan has been the licensee since December, 1982.

In Barnard Street, the hotel was extended during the 1970s to include a dining room and drive-through bottleshop, while in the following decade it hosted one of the city’s most popular discos.

The bistro was renovated and extended in 1990, with a focus on excellent food and relaxed dining.

Another large extension in 1995 involved the addition of a gaming room and relocation of the bottleshop.

The hotel celebrated its 70th anniversary last year.

Mr Sheehan said he was “very surprised” to be recognised in such a fashion.

“You feel very honoured when you’re chosen to receive an award like this,” he said.

Part of Mr Sheehan and Ms Bell’s selection was for the personal and business couple’s long sponsorship of, and involvement with, Bendigo region sports clubs.

Tennis, football, swimming and athletics clubs are just a few to benefit from Rising Sun sponsorship.

“I love sport; I love putting back into the local community,” Mr Sheehan said. “I’ve always loved being involved with local sports clubs.”

The presentation ceremony was held at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on Monday night, with venues and individuals being honoured in 40 categories.