The revival of the historic Coolamon Hotel in regional NSW has been recognised with the President’s Prize at the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, celebrating its transformation from Covid-19 closure to award-winning restoration.
GPG Architecture principal Gioia Gianniotis accepted the top honour alongside hotel owners Craig Patterson and Megan Taylor at an awards ceremony held at Sydney’s Doltone House.
The redevelopment of the 1880s Riverina landmark, about 40km north of Wagga Wagga, was completed last year after a five-year restoration that followed the pub’s closure during the pandemic in 2020.
The project is considered the largest private development in the history of Coolamon, a township of just under 5,000 residents.
National Trust (NSW) President Bruce Pettman praised the project’s blend of heritage care and community renewal.
“The rebirth of the Coolamon Hotel stands as a testament to the rich history of Australian country pubs and their impact on people, local economies, and cultural heritage,” he said.
Gioia Gianniotis described the redevelopment as “far more than a renovation – it was a labour of love”.
“The new owners, deeply connected to Coolamon, took on the challenge to honour what the hotel means to the town,” she said.
“Our role was to translate that emotional investment into a place that celebrates history, embraces modern standards and welcomes new stories to unfold.”
Owners Patterson and Taylor purchased the venue after its pandemic closure and undertook a detailed restoration, supported by family member and hospitality operator Ryan Bartholomew. Patterson said the pub held deep personal significance, recalling childhood memories and family ties to the venue.
The National Trust (NSW) said this year’s awards highlighted strong regional conservation efforts, spanning projects across the state and reinforcing heritage preservation standards.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
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