Once a bustling hub for socializing, a small country town in central west Queensland, known as Barcaldine, saw its number of pubs shrink from a dozen to just two in recent years. However, the community is now buzzing with excitement as two pubs are set to reopen, signaling a potential revival.
Janine Carty and Phil Hunt have dedicated over a year to refurbishing the historic Commercial Hotel, enlisting the help of their eight children throughout the process. “We had plenty of labor and support,” Mr. Hunt quipped, while Ms. Carty expressed gratitude for their involvement, stating, “They can take pride in what they’ve accomplished together.” The family has worked tirelessly—after school, after work, and on weekends—even in extreme heat conditions.
Ms. Carty reflected on the experience, saying, “I’m thankful they have all pitched in, and now they can look back and say, ‘We did that with Mum and Dad’ when we’re older.” The significance of a pub in a small town is widely understood, and for the couple, it was essential to create a space that fostered community spirit and left a lasting legacy for their family.
Having lived in Barcaldine for 13 years after moving from the Sunshine Coast, originally hailing from New South Wales, they are deeply invested in the community. Mr. Hunt operates an electrical business with one of their sons, while Ms. Carty is an artist and flower grower. “All my life, I wanted to end up in a pub,” Mr. Hunt stated. However, securing financing proved challenging due to the town’s postcode. “The banks often overlook the potential of small businesses in western Queensland,” Ms. Carty noted.
Fortunately, they obtained support from a smaller banking institution that recognized the value of their venture, allowing them to proceed with their plans. “Everyone has learned new skills along the way, whether it’s tiling, painting, or laying vinyl,” Ms. Carty added. One of their sons has even started a kitchen apprenticeship under French backpackers.
As one family prepares for a grand opening, another is also in the midst of renovations. The Union Hotel Motel has changed hands twice within eight months. The venue was purchased by a privately owned hotel group, stripped of its poker machines, and then put back on the market. Lisa and Albert Hall, who previously operated a pizza truck across the central west for six years, seized the opportunity to buy it. “We fell in love with Barcaldine; it’s a wonderful community,” Mr. Hall remarked.
The Halls aim to open the pub and restaurant by July, with plans for motel accommodations to follow. “We’re focused on revitalizing it, modernizing where possible without sacrificing the building’s historical charm,” Mr. Hall explained. “It’s both exciting and daunting to realize how much work lies ahead.”
With around 1,500 residents, the feasibility of having four pubs in Barcaldine remains a question. However, the new pub owners believe there is enough demand to sustain them. “Each pub offers something unique in terms of atmosphere and offerings,” Mr. Hunt commented, suggesting that a pub crawl may soon become a popular activity again in the town. “In just a couple of hundred meters, you could visit all four pubs—it’s the perfect setup for a night out, sampling different beers and enjoying a meal,” he said.
