Last drinks end of an era for publican
IT IS the end of an era for a storeyed North Queensland hotel and a new chapter in the colourful life of an iconic publican.
Keith Hogg, 78, confirmed on Tuesday that he had sold the Station Hotel in Ingham, three years after the death of beloved, lifelong partner Dulcie Harvey.
At the time of her death at the age of 84 in June, 2018, Ms Harvey was Queensland’s longest-serving publican and an inductee in the Queensland Hotel Association’s Hall of Fame.
Mr Hogg, who suffered a stroke six years ago, became emotional when asked how he had coped with running a business after the death of his soulmate.
“It’s been tough, very hard,” he said.
Normally engaging, outgoing, talkative and quick with a quip, Mr Hogg gave a simple response when asked why he had decided to sell-up.
“I’m getting towards 80 and I just feel that it’s time to retire,” he said.
Mr Hogg said Hinchinbrook hotelier Gavin Bacchiella, who owns two Cellarbrations stores in Ing
ham as well as the Trebonne Hotel, approached him with an offer.
“I put a lot of thought into it and I thought it was time; I guess people forget how old you are getting,” he said.
Mr Hogg was born in Perth and arrived in Ingham with brother John as a 21year-old more than five decades ago with prospects of working in the sugarcane industry.
That did not eventuate, and instead the pair found themselves working in a quarry, ending their backbreaking days with a cold beer or two in the Station Hotel, where he
met Dulcie and her legendary publican parents.
“The rest is history,” he laughed, the twinkle returning to his eyes.
Mr Hogg said after the official handover of the hotel on October 1 and a transition period, he planned to return to Perth for the first time in 55 years to reunite with John and spread the ashes of eldest brother Bruce, 83, who died two weeks ago. He said both brothers had three children and three grandchildren and he was looking forward to a reunion. “I haven’t had a Christmas with my family in 55 years,” he said.
Mr Hogg said he had enjoyed every moment in the hospitality industry.
He particularly loved the interaction with his wonderful staff, visitors to the Hinchinbrook as well as his regular customers.
“It’s more of a family-run business … all the customers become family,” he said.
The 97-year-old Station Hotel is holding an unofficial End of an Era party spanning three weeks, with the Gottani Sisters booked for this Friday.
Mr Hogg said he planned on returning to Ingham after his WA excursion, to enjoy his retirement.