Australian Venue Co. has invested further in regional Victoria by acquiring Birallee Tavern, a popular pub in West Wodonga.

The pub has a bar, beer garden, indoor dining area, function room, bottle shop and gaming room. Paul Waterson, Australian Venue Co CEO, said the new Wodonga venue is a welcome addition to the group’s growing regional Victoria portfolio.

“Birallee Tavern is a great pub and it is popular with the local community,” he noted. “Australian Venue Co has been investing significantly in the Victorian market and that includes regional venue acquisitions such as the Criterion Hotel in Yarrawonga.

“We are always proud to take on great local venues and Bira, as it is fondly known, is one of them.”

Australian Venue Co said it is looking forward to working with the local teams and to being a part of the next chapter of the venue.

AVC has a portfolio of more than 170 unique and individual venues across Australia. The group’s approach is to encourage local leadership and to tailor venues to local community tastes, supported by the group’s centralised support office, including HR, finance and marketing.

The company recently launched a campaign called “The Summer of Fun” to recruit hundreds of workers as the country reopens following lockdowns and restrictions.

AVC has vacancies at its venues for positions including bartenders, chefs and managers. 

Waterson told news.com.au: “It’s been incredibly difficult for many Australians to get home, so we’re excited to support a pathway home for Aussies abroad who have hospitality experience.”

He is convinced pent-up consumer demand means his venues will be run off their feet post-lockdown.

“Australians – particularly those in Sydney and Melbourne – are absolutely overdue a good time,” he said.

“No matter where you are in Australia, your hospitality career doesn’t have to be on hold right now. You can make your next career move today and start now with AVC. Whether you have 10-plus years of experience or no experience at all, we have a job for you.”

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