Courthouse celebrates 125 years in style

MURWILLUMBAH’S iconic Courthouse Hotel will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a birthday bash on February 1, bringing together owners, staff, and regulars to mark the occasion.

Publican and co-owner Matt Tillett said the response to the milestone had been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s a milestone well worth celebrating. 125 years is an incredibly long time,” Tillett said.

“We’re aiming to attract a broader audience because we’re very much a locals’ hub.”

Tillett said many people share stories with him about the venue, and he believes the hotel’s walls hold many untold stories.

“I thought there was so much history here, so I asked the Tweed Museum to help trace the hotel’s history,” he said.

He discovered it was first registered in 1899, and the original license was issued to George Skinner on February 13, 1900. Skinner

ultimately relinquished the license to his brother Benjamin, who changed the name to Skinner’s Hotel in 1909. After a series of changes, the Courthouse Hotel regained its name in 1920 when George B McClymont took over the license. Tillett, who grew up in Perth, said he was drawn to Northern NSW for its sense of community.

“Living and working in a town of this size feels very natural,” he said.

“It’s fantastic being a publican in the town.

“I walk down the main street and recognise or know everyone’s name.”

Tillett said efforts were underway to modernise the venue while preserving its character.

“It will remain the original pub but with a facelift,” he said.

“We’re opening the main floor with more dining space, a bigger sports bar area and a better area for live music.

“We’re also going to open the upstairs as an event and function space and a lot more kid-friendly stuff for families.”