General News
16 December, 2025
Doors open at Maroona Hotel
THE much anticipated reopening of the Maroona Hotel took place on Sunday, with around 100 people attending on the opening day. Maroona Pub is a great example of what can happen when communities work together. Faced with the loss of their beloved pub forever, the Maroona and district community pitched together and bought it.
There were fears that without a community buyout, the hotel would go the same way as other country pubs like Willaura, Wickliffe and Buangor, and close forever.
A consortium of 88 locals now own the pub which has been leased to Jodie Sutherland and Mick McKerron who operate the highly regarded catering business Jody and Co.
People visiting the hotel for the first time since it was sold will notice a lot of cosmetic changes.
The establishment has been freshened up with new floor coverings and lighting, a new bar and refrigeration, upgraded kitchen, refreshed dining room and a new outdoor beer garden and entertainment area.
Jodie and Mick held a ‘shareholders night’ recently ahead of Sunday’s opening to give people a run through the hotel and what will be on offer.
Board member Peter Wigg said a lot of people helped make the Maroona Community Hotel a reality.
He singled out praise for former publican Margaret Wilson.
“She was just extremely patient waiting for us getting out documentation and ducks in a row and we really appreciate her doing that for us,” he said.
Mr Wigg said the response from the local community was nothing short of spectacular.
“We were overwhelmed with the response and what you’ve all done to put your hand up and say yes, we need the pub to stay open.
“The beneficiaries are yourselves, families, the wider community and you should be extremely proud of your contribution. This is your pub,” he said.
Mick McKerron joked about the process of taking over as the new licencees after an impromptu conversation with friends.
“It has been a long process, some heartache, temper tantrums, but we’re here. Welcome to your hotel,” he said.
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