A song was once penned with the lyrics, ‘two of the same – one of a kind’, a line which perfectly describes hospitality royalty Bruce and Vicki Woods, who recently announced they will retire from the industry after more than 30 years...
Both Bruce and Vicki Woods, whose list of individual and joint achievements are enough to inspire even the most community-minded person, have dedicated their lives to supporting their industry, their local community, numerous non-profit organisations, and also found time to together run a successful hotel – the Bushrangers Bar & Brasserie at Largs.
Prior to acquiring the Bushrangers, Bruce was the driving force behind the Lucky Country, as it was known in 1983, and the Commonwealth Hotel, and held the role of Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Newcastle Hunter President for more than 20 years. He also served as AHA NSW and National Secretary and Treasurer.
It was in his role with AHA Newcastle Hunter that he contributed significantly to government lobbying for improved trading conditions for local hotels and formed numerous community fundraising initiatives for non-profit organisations within the Hunter.
“The AHA Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch has always been the largest in the state in terms of membership, and over the years Bruce has been instrumental in defending our industry’s position in Newcastle, as well as being a mentor to many of our members and hoteliers,” AHA Newcastle Hunter President Rolly de With said.
“In terms of community, Bruce was also a powerhouse, and along with Vicki, created a series of AHA community fundraising initiatives including balls and race days that provided funding for Hunter-based charity groups.
“He and Wayne Sampson were also the driving force behind changing our sub-branch meetings from morning to night-time gatherings which saw an exponential rise in attendance, engagement and participation. Those kinds of initiatives came simply from their in-depth understanding of our industry and members.”
“The AHA Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch has always been the largest in the state in terms of membership, and over the years Bruce has been instrumental in defending our industry’s position in Newcastle, as well as being a mentor to many of our members and hoteliers..."
While in the 1980s Vicki spent a couple of years as a Customs Agent, hospitality was in her blood and by 1989 she was the freehold owner of Bushrangers Bar & Brasserie.
Not content to be a successful businesswoman, spokesperson for women’s progress and local hotelier, Vicki used her platform within the hotel industry to find her voice and speak not only for her local community, but for the Hunter hospitality industry as a whole.