The Pelizzari family has sold its historic Union Hotel Motel in Barcaldine

After almost seven decades behind the bar in a Queensland outback town, the Pelizzari family has called time as the owners of a renowned country pub.

Federal MP Peter Costello having a beer with Skull at the Union Hotel in Barcaldine, in 2002.

It’s the end of an era with the Pelizzari family selling the historic Union Hotel Motel in Barcaldine after pouring beers in the town for more than 67 years.

The pub has been at 61 Oak St in the central western Queensland town for more than 130 years and was an important venue during the 1891 Shearers strike which gave birth to the Labor Party.

Ben Pelizzari says they called time on the fourth generation pub because they had to make the decision to “go forward or shut the doors”.

“We ticked all the boxes but it's a tough game,” he says.

“Sixty seven years is probably enough for our family. We’re ready to pass it onto the next people that want to put their stamp on it”.

Serge Pelizzari at the Union Hotel in 2019.

The Pelizzari family’s decision to sell the Union Hotel Motel marks the end of an era in Barcaldine when Ben’s grandfather, an Italian immigrant, purchased the Commercial Hotel in 1957 which the family sold in 2021.

He later added the Union Hotel to the family’s holdings in 1961 and over the years it expanded to include a motel, restaurant, pokies and more.

While it’s still a community pub it has increasingly become a have for travellers during the tourist season.

The pub sold by Savills and everyone is keeping mum on the new owner.

But the Pelizzari family isn’t going anywhere.

“I’m born and bred here and I’ve got kids going to school,” Ben says.

“It’s a beautiful little community and I’m looking forward to enjoying that more.”

New addition

The numbers added up for Matthew Lane and he’s joined Grant Thornton as the accounting firm’s new corporate tax partner in its Brisbane office.

Lane has had 20 years experience in corporate tax advisory, having worked at PKF and Deloitte as well as almost a decade at QSuper and has moved into the office at 145 Ann St in the CBD.

New Grant Thornton corporate tax partner Matthew Lane,

He says he’s excited to be joining Grant Thornton’s Brisbane tax team and bring his specialist experience to add value to clients.

“I’m particularly passionate about financial services and the future of fintech so it’s pleasing to be able to apply my experience in a corporate tax setting,” says Lane (illustrated).

“There’s so much potential for change and growth in the Brisbane fintech market and I am eager to have the opportunity to see the industry change and grow.”

Dream gig

Victoria Park was overflowing last Thursday night as the A Million Dreams charity gala, hosted by GRT Lawyers and the Great Dreams Foundation, helped young Australians reach their goals across arts, sport, education, creative pursuits, and personal development

The event raised valuable funds for the charity and brought the total to 40 dreams now being granted through the Great Dreams Scholarship Fund.

Guests included Great Dreams founders Glenn and Eliza Vassallo, Noah Monahan of Mosaic Property Group, Andrew Boyd of Foxleigh, Whairo Capital MD Jarrod Doyle, poet Rupert McCall and former Wallaby and adviser for Wealth Insurance Solutions Elton Flatley.

“We are passionate about empowering the next generation to believe in themselves and providing life-changing opportunities for young people who would otherwise not have the financial means to pursue their goals,” says Eliza Vassallo.

Originally published as The Pelizzari family has sold its historic Union Hotel Motel in Barcaldine