Project History

Every newsletter article, community update, raffle announcement and future media coverage relating to the Penshurst Hotel Community Project.

← Return to homepage

Community Project Updates

1 July 2026

Edition 6

Latest fundraising progress and community update.

Read newsletter
22 April 2026

Edition 5

Community project update.

Read newsletter
8 April 2026

Edition 4

Community project update.

Read newsletter
25 February 2026

Edition 3

Community project update.

Read newsletter
14 January 2026

Edition 2

Community project update.

Read newsletter
10 December 2025

Edition 1

Community project update.

Read newsletter
17 September 2025

Initial Announcement

Introduction of the Community Collective proposal.

Read newsletter

Penshurst Pub Raffle

11 February 2026

Winners Announced

Publication announcing the raffle winners.

Read article
26 November 2025

Reminder Advertisement

Community reminder promoting the raffle.

Read article
12 November 2025

Raffle Launch

Launch announcement for the Penshurst Pub Raffle.

Read article

Heritage

The Penshurst Hotel is recognised as an important local heritage place. The Southern Grampians Shire heritage assessment documents the history, architecture and significance of the hotel and its prominent position at the centre of Penshurst.

Southern Grampians Shire · Heritage Place 122

Penshurst Hotel Heritage Data Sheet

The official heritage assessment records the history and physical character of the Penshurst Hotel at 92 Bell Street. It identifies the hotel as a rare surviving two-storey bluestone hotel believed to date from the 1850s, and as the only surviving hotel from the six or seven that once operated in Penshurst.

View heritage data sheet
Local Heritage Significance

A rare bluestone hotel

The assessment recognises the Penshurst Hotel for both its historical and architectural significance. Its location at the town's central crossroads, opposite important civic buildings, reflects the prominent role the hotel has played in Penshurst since the nineteenth century.

Read statement of significance

Media & Press

The Penshurst Hotel Community Project has attracted strong interest from regional and national media. Below is a collection of news articles, broadcasts and social media coverage documenting the community's efforts to secure the hotel for future generations.

ABC News • 28 June 2025

Victorian community rallies to buy town's last remaining pub

ABC South West Victoria's feature story covering the community campaign, fundraising efforts and the importance of preserving the Penshurst Hotel as a community asset.

Read ABC article
ABC Melbourne Facebook

ABC Melbourne Social Media

ABC Melbourne shared the story with a wider audience, helping raise awareness of the community's campaign to purchase and restore the Penshurst Hotel.

View Facebook post
Time Gents

Hospitality Industry Coverage

Time Gents featured the Penshurst Hotel Community Project, highlighting the growing interest in community-owned pubs across regional Australia.

View article
ABC News Topic

Penshurst News

Browse all ABC News stories relating to Penshurst, including coverage of the community ownership project and other local news.

Browse ABC coverage