For nearly three decades, the Grand Hotel Childers has been more than just a pub — it has been a family home, a community meeting place and a living piece of the town’s history.
The hotel was originally purchased in 1996 by the current owner’s parents, and from that point on it became part of everyday life. Growing up in and around the pub meant learning the rhythms of hospitality early — the characters, the celebrations, the hard work and the strong sense of community that defines a great country hotel.
In March 2024, that connection came full circle when the family returned to the business as General Manager, and later made the decision, alongside wife Dani to purchase the hotel outright. With Pam retiring in early 2024 and following the passing of Dennis in 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, the time felt right to continue the legacy.
In October 2025, the Grand Hotel was proudly purchased as a freehold going concern, keeping the pub firmly in family hands. Since returning, the focus has been on continuous improvement while respecting the building’s rich past. Renovations have already transformed the venue, including a new outdoor beer garden and dining area, complete with big-screen TVs and an outdoor bar.
The launch of the bold and popular Mongrel Menu food challenge has added some fun, while major live entertainment — including The Radiators selling out during the 2025 Childers Festival — has firmly placed the pub back on the live music map.
Looking ahead, there’s a strong vision to restore the hotel’s original historic charm, including wrought iron lacework and veranda trim, honouring its place as the oldest building in town. Plans are also underway to introduce an enclosed kids’ play area, making the venue even more welcoming for families.
At its heart, the Grand Hotel is about people. It’s a place to catch up over a meal, bring the dog to the beer garden, watch the game, enjoy live music, or simply reconnect with friends and family. That sense of belonging is what continues to draw patrons not only from Childers, but from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough, with the beer garden booked out most weekends.
The entertainment calendar for 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet, with a clear commitment to supporting local artists alongside national acts. Highlights include Cosmic Psychos on 8 January with Hervey Bay’s Sagnar, The Radiators on 25 January with Bundaberg’s Bad Attitude Band, Ben Lee on 5 March with Maryborough’s Emma Newman, Steady Eddy in late May, and Pseudo Echo during the July Festival Weekend. More acts are still to be announced, with tickets available through the hotel’s website.
Community support remains a cornerstone of the Grand Hotel’s values. The pub proudly sponsors local clubs including the Isis District Cricket Club, Childers Rifle & Pistol Club, and Childers Historical Society.
Friday raffles help stock an on-site food pantry available to the community 24/7, and the hotel regularly provides accommodation and meals for fundraising groups travelling the east coast. There’s also plenty happening for patrons, including the current giveaway of a Stacer Territory 3.89m tinny with 20hp Mercury and trailer, with every $70 spent in the bottleshop earning an entry. The winner will be drawn in the final weekend of summer, February 2026. Adding to its local appeal, the Grand Hotel is the only early opener in the area, welcoming patrons from 9am daily at both the bar and bottleshop.
Rooted in family, history and community, the Grand Hotel Childers continues to evolve — not by forgetting where it came from, but by building thoughtfully on the legacy that has made it a cornerstone of the town for generations.
Grand Hotel
110 Churchill Street, Childers
Monday – Sunday 9AM – 11.45PM
grandhotelchilders.com.au
Chitchat Newspaper. January 2026.