The grant is thanks to the Regional Tourism Investment Fund which aims to support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects that will increase visitation, drive private investment, and deliver more jobs.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes made the announcement last week and said the grant will boost visitation to the popular tourist town.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Rutherglen. It will not only attract more visitors to the town but encourage them to see all the great sights, activities and hospitality that the region has to offer,” she said.
Established in 1868 as a pub and stay house, Victoria Hotel is the the oldest continuing pub in the town.
Works will include renovating the ground floor of the hotel interior and balcony with the building facade to be restored, ensuring the hotel is well positioned to continue welcoming the thousands of tourists that visit the town every year.
A new outdoor area, that includes a beer garden, dining pavilion and private dining area, will have the capacity for 195 patrons. The project will transform the iconic heritage landmark into a must-see destination for local and visiting foodies.
Victoria Hotel Managing Directors Matthew and Kate Halpin purchased the pub in 2021 and were thrilled with the news.
“We’re proud to be the proprietors of such a significant and historic pub in Rutherglen and this project will enable and encourage more tourists to come here,” Mr Haplin said.
“We would like to thank the Victorian Government for their support.”
With Rutherglen already a popular tourist destination, and accommodation in the area in high demand, the upgrades to the hotel mean visitors will be able to stay longer, providing significant flow-on benefits for surrounding local businesses.
The redevelopment will also generate up to 19 jobs during construction, with works expected to be finished in 2023.
The High Country, which Rutherlgen is classified under, continues to be a major drawcard for visitors. In the year ending December 2019, the region attracted 5.3 million holidaymakers, who stayed a total of 6.8 million nights and contributed $1.4 billion to the local economy.
“Backing projects like this one to upgrade the iconic Victoria Hotel in Rutherglen means more visitors and more reasons for people to come back again. That’s great for local jobs and the local economy,” Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing said.
