Who’s Who in 2022, Business: Melinda Tait

An experienced hotel manager who helped transform her tavern from an idea into a thriving business was recognised for her efforts at the 2022 Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence Awards.

Melinda Tait from the Murrumba Downs Tavern was named the best in the state after being crowned Queensland’s Hotelier of the Year for 2022.

This made Melinda the fourth female in the award’s history to win the category.

Speaking to Moreton Daily after her big win, Melinda said she was shocked but also humbled by the win.

“This is an award category that you don’t enter, you have to be selected by a panel,” Mel said.

“No one knows they have been selected, so it’s always a big surprise.

“It’s a very special award and never in a million years did I think I would be considered for something like this.

“Winning the Hotelier of the Year Award is like the Gold Logie of the hotel industry.

“I am very humbled to receive this award because I love the hospitality industry so much and have a very big passion for it.”

The Hotelier of the Year award recognises a single Queensland hotelier who, by virtue of his or her service to the liquor industry, community or industry leadership, or overall business acumen, has been an outstanding example to QHA members and the liquor industry, in the year in question.

Melinda has worked in the hospitality industry her entire life, having been employed by the Amarandos Pippos Group for more than two decades.

When the group first started thinking of opening a new hotel in Murrumba Downs, Mel was keen to oversee the design.

“it’s not very often you get to be part of the initial design and then the turning of the sod, the build and then opening, so that was a very big deal,” Melinda said.

“It gave me a real sense of accomplishment because there are so many different layers which go into the entire planning stage – it’s phenomenal.”

The Murrumba Downs Tavern opened in 2010 and has been a popular watering hole for locals ever since.

Melinda said what she loved about her job was how supportive the community was.

During COVID-19, Melinda said people were still keen to visit the tavern to ensure local jobs were kept safe and the tavern would remain open.

“We have always been a big part of the community, and a space where family and friends can get together to enjoy a good meal and a drink,” Melinda said at the time.

“We were supported by people in the community who felt safe when they came to visit us, and ensured we were able to keep our doors open and people in jobs.

“We also have a local philosophy, in the same sense that we buy local and employee locals, so that community spirit is never ending.”

About Melinda Tait

Melinda Tait is the General Manager of the Murrumba Downs Tavern.

She has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years and saw the Murrumba Downs Tavern come to fruition in 2010.

Melinda loves working in the hospitality industry, as she finds it very rewarding, and would encourage others to consider a career in this fast-paced industry.