By Michael Burt
One Greek migrant family’s long-standing commitment to the Dorrigo community has inspired a NSW State Heritage Register listing for the town’s landmark Heritage Hotel.
The listing celebrates 101 years of stewardship from the Feros family, with the hotel standing as a rare and enduring example of continuous family ownership in regional NSW.
Built in 1925 by Greek migrant Michael Feros, the Federation-style hotel is still owned by Michael Feros’ son, Peter Feros, and his wife Lois.
Peter Feros said the listing acknowledges the “entrepreneurial” contribution of migrant families to the social, cultural and economic development of regional towns across the state.
“My mother and father put in 40 years of hard work into the hotel and being involved in the local community,” said a proud Mr Feros.
“The Heritage listing is not for the building as such, it’s for the people in that building and what they did.”
“My father and his generation that come over from Greece believed in assimilating with the local community and the Australian culture and that’s how they operated. The listing is a testament to that.”
Over the past century, the hotel has hosted wedding receptions, dances, fundraising events and community gatherings. It also welcomed the Greek Consul General to Australia in 1929 and hosted a ball in 1941 to raise funds for the Greek War Fund during World War II.
Mr Feros said the Tooths Brewery played a key role in the development of the Heritage Hotel.
“My father owned the block of land, which Tooths Brewery wanted to buy to build a hotel to serve Tooths beer because the only other Hotel in Dorrigo sold Toohey’s beer.”
Michael Feros refused to sell the land but offered to build a hotel if Tooths Brewery would guarantee a bank loan of 1900 pounds.
“They agreed and it was built in 1925 by Hughes Brothers Builders. My father had to sign up to selling Tooths beers for the next forty years.”
“Dorrigo had a population of over 7000 in that time, so the hotel was busy, and the loan was paid back. Now, the population on the Plateau is only about 2400.”
Dorrigo’s sole hotel now relies heavily on the tourist trade and has won numerous dining awards in recent years under the guidance of publican Griffin Mears.
The State Heritage Register listing covers the main hotel building and rear motel, with site-specific exemptions in place to support its continued use as a hotel, motel, bar and bistro, ensuring the property remains both protected and practical for modern use.
Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to recognise, protect, preserve and promote the places, people and events which have contributed to the state’s rich heritage.
“For more than a century, the Feros family has opened their doors to Dorrigo, helping shape the heart of this town and its people,” Minister Sharpe said.
“The Heritage Hotel’s story reflects the spirit of resilience and belonging that defines regional NSW. It’s much more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living story of migration, hard work and community.
“By listing the Heritage Hotel on the State Heritage Register, we’re honouring that legacy and ensuring the stories told within these walls will never be forgotten.”