The New South Wales Minister for Racing, Paul Toole has spoken about the importance of pubs to communities.
Speaking at the Australian Hotels Association New South Wales (AHA NSW) Awards for Excellence last week, Minister Toole also acknowledged the great work that many pubs across the state do as part of their community. He also acknowledged AHA President Scott Leach and CEO of AHA NSW John Whelan for the work they do advocating for the industry.
“The awards acknowledge the contribution that our pubs make in communities right across New South Wales, and we come together to acknowledge that excellence,” Minister Toole said.
“I would like to acknowledge Scott Leach the President of the AHA and I would like to thank Scott for the work that he does in advocating for the industry. To the Chief Executive, John Whelan, for the incredible work that you do behind the scenes with Parliament and with the Opposition in raising the industries concerns, to ensure that you are getting the best deal from whoever is in government.”
Speaking about the role that pubs play in communities across the state, the Member for Bathurst was full of praise.
“Pubs in New South Wales are the life blood of a lot of communities; pubs in New South Wales are a great place where people can gather,” he said.
“They actually see people from all walks of life walking through the door. And what pubs provide are places for entertainment, places for people to dine out, places for accommodation and most importantly places where people can gather and socialise together.
“I come from a regional town in New South Wales and I am proud of my town of Bathurst. There would not be one pub in my community that does not sponsor a sporting team or community group. And I thank every pub across this state that provides that support, giving back to local communities to ensure that those sporting organisations are able to pay for their shirts, they are able to pay for the insurance and they are able to compete and participate in sport.”
The Minister also acknowledged the award winners and offered these words: “I want to say to all those winners, take your trophies back home and display it so that every patron who walks through your pub can see it displayed proudly. So they know the excellence and the work that you have done.
“Well done to the staff, well done to the licensees and managers, well done to everybody that is in the pub industry, you are doing a great job, keep it up.”