CHAMPAGNE corks were popping last week when the Riverland’s Big River Golf and Country Club took out two awards at the 2020 Australian Hotels Association (SA) Awards for Excellence.
The community-owned, Berri venue won the Best Redeveloped Hotel (Country) and Best Gaming Venue (Country) award categories.
It will now fly the flag for the Riverland and SA at the Australian Hotels Association National Awards in Tasmania in September.
General manager Glen Roberts said the Big River Golf and Country Club team was “honoured” to receive the awards, presented at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
“We have developed a facility and customer experience here of which we are all extremely proud and passionate,” he said.
“This success would not have been possible without such a fantastic level of investment in the property by our community ownership group, and the phenomenal level of support and loyalty we enjoy from the Berri and Riverland community.”
Paul Stewart, chair of the Berri Hotel Group – the property’s community ownership group – added his congratulations.
“Well done to Glen Roberts, Peter Jesser, and the whole team for these awards. Also thanks must go to former chairman Tim O’Brien for bringing this project to life,” Mr Stewart said.
“l would also like to acknowledge our architect Tony Zappia from Studio Nine, and builder Michael Kregar of Kregar Building for their contribution to the recent renovation.”
Mr Stewart said the renovation – completed in 2019 – would ensure the venue played an increasingly bigger part in the region’s tourism landscape.
“This renovation will allow us to continue to drive tourists and business travellers to the venue, as well as our highly valued local customers,” he said.
“We have big aspirations for this wonderful property, and hopefully these are the first of many more accolades.”
The two successful award submissions highlighted the extensive renovations that were completed to the property’s tavern and gaming room, plus other leisure spaces.
This work also included the introduction of a new children’s playroom and cinema, designed to better accommodate the family market.
In addition to a focus on the renovations, the awards judges looked closely at overall guest experience, customer satisfaction levels, operations, results, and community engagement.
Mr Roberts said the Big River Golf and Country Club is one of the Riverland’s proud community-owned hotels.
“Community-owned hotels are not simply private cash businesses,” he said.
“They are hotels that invest profits from meals, drinks, accommodation, gaming, events etc. back into the local community.
“This is in addition to the employment of local staff and use of local suppliers. Ultimately, this means that as hotel trade thrives and grows, so too can the community as a whole.”
The Big River Golf and Country Club has 30 rooms, tavern with bar and dining, 18-hole golf course, function spaces, gaming lounge, and leisure facilities.