Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast

In the wake of the Australia Day bar bans, a Surfers Paradise hospitality leader is staking their own ground after a big player ordered 200 venues nationally to ditch any themed festivities.

A Surfers Paradise hospitality giant is pressing ahead with a Australia Day themed party in the wake of a major corporate ordering its 200 venues across the nation to ditch the festivities.

Australian Venue Co - which recently bought out a majority of Hallmark Hospitality’s portfolio including Surfers Paradise venues The Cavill Hotel, Finn McCool’s, Sandbar and Retros - sparked heated debate when revealing it had banned Australia Day themed events at its venues nationally this year.

But Surfers Paradise-based Artesian Hospitality managing partner Matt Keegan said as one of Australia’s largest hospitality groups, ignoring or cancelling the day deepens racial and political divisions.

Cali Beach owner Matt Keegan to go with a story on what Queensland venues are pushing for now there has been a new nightlife commissioner appointed. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“It’s always important to recognise and reflect on the different perspectives within our society,” Mr Keegan said.

“However, we believe that ignoring or cancelling the day does not foster unity but risks deepening divisions. Instead we aim to provide a place where all Australians can come together to celebrate what unites us – the privilege of living in this great country.”

Hong Kong-owned company and the nation’s second-largest pubs group Australian Venue Co announced a week ago it would ban Australia Day celebrations at all its venues – including The Local and Lulu in Surfers Paradise plus seven other venues across the Gold Coast.

A statement issued by the hospitality giant on Sunday said: “Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team.”

The ban was met with national outrage with community threats to boycott Australian Venue Co. The group backflipped on Monday issuing an apology, but did not clarity whether venues would be allowed to celebrate the day.

Mr Keegan whose hospitality portfolio includes Cali Beach Club in central Surfers Paradise, riverfront venue Surfers Pavilion, along with Orchid Avenue party strip nightclubs Bedroom and Havana said the group recognised the complexities surrounding the day.

Carrie White at the Cali Beach Club. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“While many view January 26 as a day of national pride, others see it as a reminder of historical injustices,” he said.

“Our aim is to create an inclusive environment that respects and values all viewpoints.”

Mr Keegan said to celebrate the national day rooftop venue Cali Beach would host a big Australia Day party with a performance from Australia’s own Stafford Brothers, a sausage sizzle, and best dressed green and gold or Australia Day apparel.

Other planned entertainment at the sprawling rooftop venue included fun games and a live screening of the Australian Open tennis final.

Originally published as Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast