A Lifetime of Hospitality, Family & Community
Mudgee hospitality stalwarts Des and Carol Kennedy have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the hotel industry, with the couple inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2026 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW Awards for Excellence.
Held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Tuesday 27 October, the prestigious awards celebrated excellence across the NSW hospitality industry, with Des and Carol joining an impressive list of Hall of Fame inductees.
For Des, whose career in hospitality began more than five decades ago, the recognition came as a wonderful surprise.
“You don’t go about your job thinking about getting accolades, but it is nice to be mentioned,” Des said.
“There have been some amazing inductees, but I think we’re only the second people from regional areas!”
Holding a liquor licence since January 1974, Des has owned nine establishments throughout his career, including Mudgee’s Lawson Park Hotel, which the couple have since sold.
Des and Carol have been the driving force behind The Oriental Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Ori’, for decades, building a reputation for genuine country hospitality and a strong connection to their community.
But for the Kennedys, Mudgee has always been about much more than business.
Having raised their five children in the region, the couple are now proud grandparents to 18 grandchildren, with number 19 on the way.
Their love for the region remains as strong as ever.
“You have to support the region and they will support you,” Des said, reflecting on the importance of community connections.
He also acknowledged Carol’s enormous contribution to their success, thanking her for everything she has done alongside him throughout their years in business.
Des believes the Mudgee region continues to go from strength to strength, describing it as a beautiful part of the world that is really coming into its own.
The Hall of Fame recognition comes at a particularly special time, with The Oriental Hotel celebrating its 150th anniversary this November.
Established in 1876, the iconic Lewis Street hotel will mark the milestone with a community open day on Sunday 15 November, featuring a free gourmet barbecue, children’s activities, an ice cream truck, prizes and raffles.
It’s a fitting celebration for a hotel that has been part of Mudgee’s story for generations, and for a couple whose dedication to hospitality, family and community has helped shape its more recent history.
Congratulations, Des and Carol, on a thoroughly deserved honour!
