Lockington Hotel representatives Dustin Kemp, Linda Neville, Michelle Stone, Danielle Isherwood and Cody Baker.
The Lockington Hotel has added another award to its mantel following a huge win at the Australian Hotel Association’s 2025 National Awards for excellence.
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Competing against three other finalists, the community-owned pub took out the ‘Overall Hotel of the Year – Remote’ award on Monday, November 17.
Lockington Hotel chair Dustin Kemp said the staff and board were thrilled with the win.
“The team is very proud, and they’re pretty happy with themselves at the moment,” he said.
“I got a little emotional because I know the staff, and myself also, put in a lot of effort... it's the sort of job not everyone can do. You’ve got to love it to do it full-time.
“The community and the board themselves are super proud of Linda (Neville), Simon (Poynting) and the rest of the staff for what they've been able to pull together, and it takes a team rowing in the same direction to earn such successes.”
Michelle Stone, Danielle Isherwood and Cody Baker accepting their award on Monday night.
Photo by
Warrington Photography
Representatives from the Lockington Hotel joined more than 600 hospitality leaders for the awards night at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
While many of the businesses in attendance hailed from prestigious hotels and pubs, it was the Lockington Hotel’s story that set it apart.
Facing closure in 2018, the Lockington community invested thousands to keep the pub's doors open, much of which was donated by residents with no strings attached.
Today, the hotel continues to thrive stronger than ever, with more than 100 community members currently holding ownership.
The pub has also earned a strong reputation across the region, not only for its inspiring story but for its food and service.
Mr Kemp said that while there was nothing ‘flashy’ about the pub, their reputation had grown because of their good old-fashioned service.
“We've developed a reputation for having really good food in a really regular kind of pub... we're just a good pub with good people and great food.
“It's such a communal atmosphere and a communal effort. That's been a really big thing.
“Everyone in the community is super proud of what they've achieved and what we've all been able to do together.”
Meanwhile, the American Hotel took home the ‘Best Outdoor/Non-Enclosed Facility’, a fitting win after winning the ‘Best Outdoor Experience — Regional’ at the state awards earlier this year.
AHA national president David Basheer said the awards highlighted the role hotels played at the centre of community life.
“Hotels are more than venues, they are the beating hearts of their communities,” he said.
“From the smallest regional pub to the largest city property, our hotels bring people together in good times and tough times.
“Tonight’s winners show why Australian hospitality is the benchmark: welcoming, hard-working and deeply community-minded venues.”
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