A CENTURY OF THE LOCALS’ LOCAL

A century, extensive renovations and multiple ownership changes later, the Kalamia still stands at its original location on Queen Street. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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It was 1926 when the Kalamia Hotel served its first beer.

The Burdekin looked a little different then. Queen Street was still dirt. The Silver Link was still about 27 years off.

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Yet, the region had its very own new pub at the end of Ayr’s main street.

A century, extensive renovations and multiple ownership changes later, it’s still perched there—a fixture of the region’s history, a monument of its evolution, and a modern-day favourite in its own right.

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Through all the changes, one thing has stuck.

“People come in here and they feel at home,” said Manager Kellie Elton.

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She knows that feeling better than most.

Kellie first came to the Kalamia as a customer before joining its staff, and has now spent a decade behind the scenes of one of Ayr's most recognisable pubs.

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She has watched it change, too.

Once known for its late-night party atmosphere and popularity with backpackers, the Kalamia has gradually become a more family-oriented venue, with its beer garden and function spaces now playing a much bigger role.

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But Kellie doesn't think becoming more modern means losing what made the pub special.

“The traditional front bar is the heart and soul of the pub—without that, it’s not really a pub in my eyes,” she said.

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“We also have staff that are down to earth, can take a joke, and dish a bit of banter. It’s just giving it that small-town country vibe, and not trying to make it something that it’s not.”

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The pub’s role in the community extends beyond its own walls.

Every Saturday, meat-tray raffles raise money that goes straight back into the Burdekin, helping support schools, sporting clubs and community groups.

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Returning the favour.

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“We’re in a position to give back to the community that has supported us for generations—so we do,” Kellie said.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community, so we’re just so very thankful for their support.”

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The pub is now preparing to celebrate its centenary with those very locals.

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And while the milestone offers a chance to look back at a century of history, the Kalamia is already looking ahead, with major renovations set to begin next year.

But while the pub may continue to evolve, it will never stray too far from what it was when that very first beer was poured 100 years ago.

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A place where locals can pull up a stool at the front bar and feel at home.

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The Locals’ Local.

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CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF BREWS, BONDS, AND BLOODY GOOD FEEDS

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Kalamia Hotel is inviting the community to become part of its history this weekend as ‘The Locals’ Local’ celebrates a century in style.

The pub will welcome families, regulars, and everyone in between to its historic Queen Street venue on Saturday 29th August for a full day of free entertainment on the house.

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Kickstarting at 10am, the festivities open with a mega raffle giveaway that would make even Santa jealous. A massive lineup of 21 meat trays, six seafood trays, four $100 Kalamia vouchers, and exclusive merchandise will all be up for grabs.

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The action will move to the beer garden at 2pm for live music, kids' activities, and complimentary tastings.

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Representatives from Diageo, De Bortoli Wines, and Burdekin Rum will be pouring a selection of vodkas, rums, wines, and signature cocktail concoctions, while youngsters are kept busy by face painting, crafts, and colouring stations.

Local up-and-coming bands Makeshift and Tribute will supply the tunes until 6pm, when Joel Blacklock takes the stage for the headline set.

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Nearly a year in the making, Kalamia Hotel Manager Kellie Elton said the event would be a “relaxed family event” with something for everyone.

She said celebrating the historic milestone with locals would make it all the more sweet.

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“100 years for a pub to always be open and running is a major achievement—and it’s still going strong today,” she said.

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“It would mean so much to see the community there—to see that they care about the place as much as we do.

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“Come down, have a few drinks, listen to some live music, and have some prizes on us.”

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Commemorative stubby coolers will be available for $10 on the day, with limited-edition 100-Year shirts available to order.

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KELLIE ELTON

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Venue Manager | 10 years at the Kalamia Hotel

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What other positions have you held at the Kalamia?
I’ve worked as a casual front bar attendant, duty manager and assistant manager.

What work did you do before the Kalamia?
I worked in retail, banking and community services.

How long have you lived in the Burdekin, and did you know the Kalamia before joining?
I’ve lived in the Burdekin my whole life and had visited the Kalamia from time to time.

How did you join the Kalamia team?
I wanted a second job and was offered a position.

What do you love most about working at the Kalamia?
The team spirit, fun environment and seeing people enjoying themselves because of us.

What are you looking forward to most about the centenary?
Seeing the young local talent showcase their skills and seeing people come together.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
I actually enjoy my alone time on my days off.

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LUCAS HUTLEY

Apprentice Chef

What does your role involve?

Prep work and coming up with special ideas.

What work did you do before the Kalamia?

I worked at a Chinese restaurant, The Reject Shop and McDonald’s while I was at school.

How long have you lived in the Burdekin, and what did you know about the Kalamia before joining?

I’ve lived in the Burdekin for 12 years. I’d heard the Kalamia was a good place to work.

How did you join the Kalamia team?

I knew people who worked here.

What do you love most about working at the Kalamia?

Serving good-quality food and learning skills to progress into fine dining.

What are you looking forward to most about the centenary?

I’ll just be doing my thing in the kitchen.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Catching up with mates.

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KEIRAN NOLAN

Head Chef | 15 years at the Kalamia Hotel

What does your role involve, and what other positions have you held at the Kalamia?

Stock ordering, quality control and rostering. I started as a cleaner, then worked as a kitchen hand and apprentice chef before becoming Head Chef.

What work did you do before the Kalamia?

I worked in a butcher shop in Ireland and in my family’s tree-logging business in Ireland.

How long have you lived in the Burdekin, and what did you think of the Kalamia before joining?

I’ve lived here for 15 years. I knew it would be a good place to work.

How did you join the Kalamia team?

I needed a job when I relocated from Ireland.

What do you love most about working at the Kalamia?

The staff morale.

What are you looking forward to most about the centenary?

Hopefully catching up with past and present staff.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I was a Muay Thai fighter in Ireland.

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MEGHAN-ROSE BEST

Duty Manager | 10 months at the Kalamia Hotel

What does your role involve, and what other positions have you held at the Kalamia?

Before becoming a Duty Manager, I was a Food and Beverage Attendant. My current role involves customer service, floor management, compliance and safety, administration and stock, shift supervision and team leadership. I’m also responsible for closing the venue at night and managing money.

What work did you do before the Kalamia?

I’ve worked in childcare and hospitality. Both have taught me responsibility, communication, teamwork and customer service.

How long have you lived in the Burdekin, and what did you think of the Kalamia before joining?

I’ve lived in the Burdekin for almost three years. My first impression of the Kalamia was that it had a great atmosphere when I came in for dinner.

How did you join the Kalamia team?

I handed in my resume, had a chat with the Venue Manager and started my training shifts that weekend. The Kalamia has lovely staff and great service, so I wanted to become part of the team.

What do you love most about working at the Kalamia?

I love the atmosphere, the team and, most importantly, the patrons.

What are you looking forward to most about the centenary?

I’m looking forward to being part of something so amazing. I’m so grateful and proud to be part of the Kalamia.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I love relaxing with a book, doing something crafty or simply watching movies.

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