Facelift for iconic city watering hole The Victory

Brisbane’s 168-year-old Victory Hotel is about to undergo a multimillion dollar facelift as she reopens under new management. t

Brisbane’s 168-year-old watering hole The Victory Hotel is about to undergo a facelift as she reopens under new management this month.

The Brisbane central business district landmark is now being managed by the Athena Group, which has signed a long-term lease on the site with future plans for major redevelopment which maximises the lands full potential.

Athena Group founder Michael Dixon says the group is committed to creating a landmark

development that will serve as a cornerstone of Brisbane’s revitalisation.

A popular destination for more than a century, the pub is owned by property investment and development company Precision Group. Precision Group leasing executive Rory O’Brien says the Victory has always played an important role in Brisbane’s history. “Our focus is on creating a world-class destination while preserving the heritage of the site,” says O’Brien.

Your diarist understand that to details about the facelift have yet been finalised. A development application is expected to be lodged in early 2024 after completion of planning and design work in collaboration with Brisbane City Council.

=The Victory

It is believed the exiting pub was difficult to run viably due to a number of factors such as the layout and age of facilities. The well-known watering hole made a name for itself in the inner-city hotel market as a venue for live music and as a start-up spot for DJs.

Focus on clubland

The state’s top community clubs, including two run by rugby league legend John Ribot, were in the spotlight this week.

Broncos Leagues Club was again among the winners at the Keno & Clubs Queensland 2023 Awards for Excellence at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, claiming the best medium-sized dining venue for the second consecutive year.

The Broncos also was recognised last year, winning best dining and earning club chef Brooke Baillie a third-place finish for club chef of the year. Geebung RSL was winner of the best small gaming venue while Aspley Hornets was winner of best medium sized gaming venue.

Carina Leagues Club’s Tayla Neilen was awarded young manager of the year while The Hive Café was named best cafe.

John Ribot

Clubs Queensland chief executive Craig Harley says the region’s clubs continue to work closely with their communities as they bounce back from the pandemic.

Over at Ipswich, Brothers Leagues Club won the highly sought after support for sport award in recognition of its junior sports star awards.

Brothers vice chairman and life member Brian Skippington says the awards strengthened community sports in the region, particularly among young athletes.

“It’s always been our objective to promote, foster and encourage sport, particularly rugby league, but any sport,” Skippington says.

Norths Leagues & Services picked up a best dining venue award while The Lion Richlands won best football club.

Both Norths Leagues and The Lion are managed by Queensland Clubs Management, the company led by former State of Origin winger and inaugural Broncos CEO John Ribot. Ribot it seems is still kicking goals a long time after leaving footy.

Waves Sports Club Bundaberg won best large club of the year, Southport Yacht Club won in the best non-gaming category, Club Pine Rivers won best bowls club while Gympie RSL won best licensed RSL club.

Hard sell

We hear Elevate’s corporate communication director Josh Stengert is in line for a big gong having been short-listed in B&T’s 30 Under 30 in the public relations category.

The winners will be announced next Wednesday night in Sydney.

The awards are regarded as Australia’s leading showcase for the best and brightest young talent in advertising and public relations.