For the final What is the Question of 2023 Roland talked with David Cook-Doulton, owner of Hotel Vera.<\/p>\n
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What is your name?<\/strong><\/p>\n David Cook-Doulton<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is your occupation?<\/strong><\/p>\n Designer and Hotelier – Hotel Vera.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What brought you to Ballarat?<\/strong><\/p>\n I love heritage architecture. I wanted to restore and protect heritage buildings. I love the concept of restoration with contemporary purpose.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is your favourite spot in the city, and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n I love the view from the balcony of The Unicorn Hotel looking towards Camp Street. Also, the view from the top of the Eureka building. It\u2019s a gift to see this grand heritage city from a different perspective.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is your earliest memory?<\/strong><\/p>\n Going to my aunt’s farm to pick-up our new puppy named Tyke. I think I was five. I was wearing a plastic token from a cereal box around my neck and Tyke was placed in a box on the rear seat of our Monaro between my brother and me. We were so excited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is the most courageous thing you\u2019ve ever done?<\/strong><\/p>\n Being true to myself. Opening Hotel Vera, book ended by COVID lockdowns and economic turmoil.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is happiness?<\/strong><\/p>\n Being true to your potential, being brave through fear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What would you do to make a difference in the world?<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone can make a difference. It\u2019s the singular voices who make a choir.<\/p>\n I hope I\u2019m making my little mark in this world. If my legacy is protecting some historic old buildings then it would be a life of purpose.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What would your friends say is your greatest quality?<\/strong><\/p>\n I hope – that I\u2019m a good-hearted person of action, not just words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\n Family. Like my grandmother, my mother has a beautiful heart.<\/p>\n My father has a wonderful sense of humour and is the most honourable of men. My brother is a combination of both, and has been my champion, always.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is your greatest vice?<\/strong><\/p>\n Potato gems and being far too nice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What last caused you to cry?<\/strong><\/p>\n Roadkill.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What would your superpower be?<\/strong><\/p>\n Perceptive vision. White space and silver linings. The ability to find opportunities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What role in any film would you choose to play?<\/strong><\/p>\n Mrs Doubtfire. Humour and camouflage, the perfect combination.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What advice would you offer your teenage self?<\/strong><\/p>\n Be brave, you have magic inside you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are you reading, currently?<\/strong><\/p>\n 10 by The Local Project.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do you hope the future might hold for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n More contentment and balance. More exciting projects, and less stress.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is the best decision ever you have made?<\/strong><\/p>\n Moving from South Yarra to Ballarat. It\u2019s the best of city creative and country community. It\u2019s more creative and stimulating. People work together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do you like to cook?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m not a great cook! I\u2019m vegetarian so I\u2019m trying to master more healthy, tasty meals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n