Published on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 7:05:21 PM
The Shire of Murray has been recognised at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government (NALG), winning the category of Regional Growth for its redevelopment of the Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra.
The NALG Awards are the peak awards for the local government sector and showcase inspirational projects being delivered in communities across Australia. They highlight the diversity of successful projects at the grassroots level and the positive impact local governments have on bringing communities together.
Winning this category recognises the Shire as a leader of projects that improve the liveability, strengthen investment, create jobs and foster the development of vibrant, connected, self-reliant communities and regions with strong economic futures. The Shire beat 23 other projects that entered this category from across the country.
Shire President, Douglas McLarty, said it is wonderful for the Shire to receive such recognition.
“At the Shire of Murry, we think big. We have bold ideas and our people deliver exceptional outcomes because of it. The Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra is just one example and it’s a delight to have this recognised on the national stage,” said President McLarty.
The highly anticipated Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra redevelopment was a decade-long project, with the venue welcoming its first customers in September 2024. The building is one of Peel’s oldest, established about 150 years ago.
Today, the stunning venue combines the best of modern architecture with Pinjarra’s local heritage. It is widely accepted as one of WA’s finest heritage buildings and is known as a regionally iconic hospitality venue boasting a rich history and superb customer experiences.
The Exchange Hotel operates seven-days a week, offering dinning, entertainment and event spaces.
“Since reopening, the Hotel has operated at full capacity, become one of Pinjarra CBD’s largest employers and provided increasingly diverse job opportunities,” added Mr McLarty.
“In its first month, the Hotel served 15,000 pints of beer, 13,600 meals, employed 69 staff (40FTE equivalent), and welcomed 20,000 visitors. Local businesses benefit from this surge in activity, with the hotel contributing directly and indirectly to economic growth.”
The Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra project was co-funded by the Shire of Murray, the Hotel’s operators and the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
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