Men in Business.
As part of the June edition of Focus Magazine, which celebrated Men in Business, we took part in an interview discussing our business and some of what’s in store for us next. Read the full interview below.
General Manager Shane Curry, Managing Director Alistair Flower and Chief Financial Officer Darren Ninness at Settlers Inn Hotel.
How does your business provide the ideal solution?
In uncertain times, which we are experiencing now, our pubs provide the perfect place for connection, enjoyment, and relaxation. Patrons can be assured of a friendly, welcoming experience that helps them unwind and switch off from daily stresses. Cost-of-living pressures and busy schedules mean that when people do choose to go out, they need to know their time and money are well spent.
We solve this by focusing heavily on value, consistency, and atmosphere. Whether it’s a quick weekday family dinner, a milestone celebration, or catching the footy with friends, we ensure our venues deliver top-notch hospitality. We take the stress out of planning social time by being the reliable, welcoming third place between work and home.
If you had to highlight one flagship product or service that defines your brand right now, what would it be and why?
At Flower Hotels, we pride ourselves on welcoming service and genuine local hospitality. Right now, our defining strength is how we seamlessly blend a quality, family-friendly food and beverage environment with an unmatched commitment to our local community.
Our belief is a great pub is the glue that holds a town together, and we bring that to life by throwing our full support behind the local Port Macquarie Hastings region we serve. We are incredibly proud to sponsor a vast network of local sporting teams, charity groups, and community clubs. For us, hospitality goes far beyond what we serve at the table or bar; it’s about providing a vibrant, safe, and inclusive hub where families can share a great meal, and local clubs always have a place to gather, celebrate, and feel right at home.
When a potential client is deciding where to take their business, why should they ultimately choose you and your team?
Simple! We have amazing staff and our venues are the heart of the community. We focus on dynamic promotions and events that provide genuine fun, but what truly sets us apart is our large staff team’s grassroots connection to the regions we operate in. They play in the local footy teams, go to the local uni etc. We don't just run businesses in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Lake Cathie; we live here, sponsor the local sports teams, and actively support community initiatives. That’s our purpose.
As we move into the second half of 2026, are there any exciting new developments, products, or expansions on the horizon for your business?
The next six months are incredibly exciting for the group. We are about to lodge a major Development Application (DA) to completely transform the outdoor space and playground at the Settlers Inn, creating a stateof-the-art family precinct.
Additionally, we are gearing up to officially relaunch our boutique accommodation offering at the Hastings Hotel. These projects represent our ongoing commitment to investing heavily back into regional New South Wales, ensuring our venues remain world-class destinations for locals and visitors alike well into the future.
“Right now, our defining strength is how we seamlessly blend quality family friendly food and beverage environments with an unmatched commitment to ourlocal community.”