The Australian Hotels Association NSW and many others across the industry are mourning the loss of legendary publican, Phillip Webster.
Phillip was a long-serving member of the AHA NSW executive and publican at Richard’s on the Park in Canley Vale in Sydney’s West. He is survived by his beloved sister and business partner Vicki. Phillip (pictured above with Scott Leach and Lyn Humphreys) had just turned 62.
AHA NSW President Scott Leach paid tribute to his long-term friend.
“Phil was a true legend, an icon and servant of the industry,” Leach said.
“Larger than life, Phil’s passion for our industry was always a driving force of the AHA for more than 30 years.
“He remained at the forefront of policy and politics across his entire career. His wit and wisdom was highly regarded by players on all sides of politics, and he was a good friend to many of the most influential people in our industry.
“As many know, Phil was a close friend and confident. Today is an extremely difficult day for those who had the good fortune to call him a friend.
“We held bedside meetings, received instructions and he demanded until the last that we continue the fight for our members even when he couldn’t.”
AHA NSW Senior Vice-President Lyn Humphreys said her long-time best mate always had three loves in his life, “his pub, his boats and his AHA.”
“The passion with which he lived his life was the same passion he gave to our industry and I am grateful to have had my big buddy as a mentor and a guide,” she said.
“His loss will be felt by so many who have been touched by his generosity, his time for others, his understanding of the industry and his zest for life. A big man who leaves a huge legacy.”
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said his friend’s “commitment to the AHA NSW and improving the trading environment for all of the state’s hoteliers was legendary.
“So many of the privileges now enjoyed by NSW hotels are the result of Phil’s drive, skill and passion,” he said.
The Shout, Australian Hotelier and everyone on the Food and Beverage Media team extend their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Phillip at this difficult time.