About Us

In the beginning...

In the 1920s the town of Theodore was developed primarily as an irrigation project. During the development of the town a Boarding House was set up for the construction workers building roads, canals and housing. It was later used to cater for the many people who came to inspect their future irrigation farms. This building was known as the 'Accommodation House' run by Mrs Fairfield. it had no liquor licence and sly grog mysteriously appeared from nearby Banana pub. Local residents at the time remember when Theodore was known as the "Dry Area". 

The Founding Members...

The Irrigation Commission owned the Accommodation House and eventually obtained a liquor licence. In the year 1949 John Lang, the Lands Commissioner and Fred Hagg, Irrigation Commissioner suggested that a public meeting would be held to consider establishing a Corporate Community Hotel based on a simmilar establishment operating in South Australia. At the meeting, seven men were elected to investigate such a venture. These men were the pioneers of Theodore at the time Allan (W.G.A.) Holmes, Chris Letchford, Dick Freeman, Hammish Gunn, Ray Hart, Gerald Connolly and Fred Leader.

With the advice of the local member, Mr Tom Foley, a Co-Operative Association was formed to coincide with the State Licensing Laws. So the Hotel Theodore Co-operative Association was formed with Mr Allan (W.G.A) Holmes, as chairman and the other six directors as the first shareholders. Each shareholder contributed 2 shillings and 6 pence for one share but didn't receive any dididents. So the Hotel had its beginnings with the Accommodation House and capital of one pound. To enable the Association to function as a co-operative, a special Act of Parliament was passed known as the "Theodore Co-Operative Hotel Association Enabling Act".

Local residents were then offered the opportunity of buying a single share giving them a right to vote at the Annual General Meeting in appointing new directors. Directors' Meeting are held monthly. The Board of Directors is responsible for employing Hotel Managers and the Secretary to the Board. In the year 2000 a new change came about with the appointment of the first female chairperson of Directors, Mrs Penny Anderson.

Directors have the difficult job of finding the right people to run the Hotel making it a profitable business and their decisions are answerable to other shareholders. Any profits from the Hotel go back into the Hotel itself and any community projects that are needing financial support with the descretion of the Directors.

Mrs Peg Walsh, became the first manager appointed by the Board of Directors. Mr Allan (W.G.A.) Holmes held the position as Chairman of Directors with a loyal passion for 25 years.

Olga Tweed was the first cook and her husband Ted was barman.

The Hotel started with only eight rooms, which included a bar, kitchen, dining and rooms for guests. It prospered quickly, and eventually the property was purchased from the irrigation commission for ten thousand pounds. Extensions and improvments have been made over the years, which included its unusual architectural design, a large convention room, new sportman's bar and modern motel and cabin accommodation.

Helping the Community...

Over the years the Hotel Theodore has donated large amount of money to different bodies operating in the Theodore district such as the school, hospital, HACC Centre, Show Society, Theodore sport & Recreational and local clubs and persons wanting to improve their standing in sport, agricultural and education.

A proud and well earned moment when in October 2000 the Hotel Theodore was presented with a special award. At the Qld Hotel Association Awards For Excellence the Hotel Theodore was presented with a plaque as the 2000 Winner for 'Most Outstanding Comminity Service & Achievement'  in a field dominated by big-city based clubs and casinos. In 2001 the Hotel was runner up. An incredible achievement from such a small town.

Happy Memories...

Many people past and present have numerous tales to tell of their visit to the local pub, their first beer, their first love, their first fight, their stag party, their wedding, their anniversaries, their birthday party, their going-away party ... some experiencing all eight. People have been born, buried and remembered in celebration at the Hotel Theodore.