The Big Cheese with Peppers Guest House general manager Brian Rooney

The Big Cheese with Peppers Guest House general manager Brian Rooney

The great thing about my job is… Meeting different people who all share a similar passion – wine.
The challenge for industry is… Encouraging domestic travellers to remain within Australia and the increasing Australian dollar. So far we’ve managed to achieve this by offering unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
My greatest achievement is… My recent appointment as general manager at Peppers Guest House, where it all began for Peppers. It’s wonderful to see that the affection people have for the retreat is still alive and well after all these years.
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be… Combating the tough market conditions and challenges in this market segment. I believe regional conferencing is a viable option as it offers unique experiences at a competitive price.
I try to relax by… Enjoying a glass of Hunter Semillon and a round of golf.
I don’t understand why… More people do not move to the country and enjoy the quiet life.
Currently the album playing on my iPod is… Foster the People, Torches.
My favourite venue is… This is a tough question – it’s like picking your favourite child! Of the many magnificent wineries in the Hunter Valley wine country, Margan winery is particularly special to me as it was the first winery that I visited in the Hunter Valley five years ago and the venue where my wife and I got married.
I am scared to death of… Heights. I have never have been a fan of anything above ground level.
I can’t live without… My family. I’m blessed with an adorable seven month old baby boy and very understanding wife who supports my every decision.
Blackberry or iPhone… iPhone. Blackberry is a thing of the past.
I really wish I had… Permission to tell you the big news that’s happening at our restaurant. Watch this space…
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be… My immediate family from Ireland. Unfortunately I don’t get to see them that often, but when I do its fantastic.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News

ETM scores gold at the NTIAs
Event Travel Management has struck gold. We're unsure if the company collectively shouted eureka after winning, however.

Routes Asia to jet into Perth in 2025
Routes Asia is heading to Perth! It doesn't matter Perth isn't in Asia, the WA Capital is the place to be!

MEA announces new board of directors and office bearers
MEA's new board looks quite exciting! No worries about this board leaving you bored.

The Sebel launches new premium offering in the heart of Sydney’s CBD
Don't let this subtle entrance fool you, the Sebel has just changed the game in Martin Place.

Australia, New Zealand named amongst study into World’s “friendliest hotels”
Are the Aussie and Kiwi hotels friendlier than Faulty Towers? We surely hope so!

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus stars at AAA’s Women In Airports Forum
The forum was a standout on our 2023 calendar and we can't wait for 2024's edition which promises to be event bigger!

Hilton Adelaide welcomes new general manager
"Hello Hilton," the new GM yelled as they walked in the door! Well, maybe... We're not sure if they said that.

Gen Z’s most trusted and favourite airlines revealed at StudentUniverse annual awards
Which airline would have Gen Z's swiping right?

Business Events Perth honours the best and brightest at 2023 Aspire Awards
Despite considering ourselves the best and brightest, The Nibbler did not get a mention. We'll get 'em next year.

AHA (WA) welcomes WA Government’s short-term accommodation reform
Looks like a warm welcome has not been extended to Airbnb. Not like you get much of a warm welcome anyway.

Dreamtime’s 2024 location and new name revealed!
Any clue on what it could be called? We guessed 'Awaketime' but unfortunately that was not it.

Rodeo Drive lighting celebration kickstarts festive season attractions in Beverly Hills
The event is free of charge, unlike anything else on the street, which you'd probably need a bank loan for.

Australian Business Events Association welcomes two directors to its board
The association goes by ABEA, which is incredibly similar to ABBA, spurring the team to hum 'Dancing Queen'.

Woman suing Ritz-Carlton claiming employee ejaculated in her water bottle
The woman says she drank the water before realising it had been “defiled by a criminal deviant.”

Nature’s gifts and small-city charm meet in Perth, Western Australia
There's no better place to come and say g'day than in the WA. Hooray!

Pan Pacific Perth to unveil a $50m transformation
With an investment like this it'll only be the fluffiest towels and nicest pillow mints for Pan Pacific Perth goers.

ATEC announces keynote address by Matildas star Elise Kellond-Knight
Relive the thrill, excitement and national unity that was the Matilda's stellar run at ATEC's upcoming event.

FCM: Business sector driving growth in Aus/Asia aviation market
Zoom meetings are so 2020, in 2023, the rage is a business trip to Asia. We certainly wouldn't be complaining.

Why does the government want to keep airfares high?: Flight Centre boss
Skroo's come in with the million (or multi-billion) dollar question that perplexes us all.

Exhibitor applications open for MEETINGS 2024
Get them in quick! Stands at MEETINGS 2024 are going like hot cakes next to a stoner convention.

Adelaide Convention Centre becomes first convention centre to EarthCheck’s Master status
Unlike Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars films, the Adelaide Convention Centre has become a master.

Bonza means business with new group bookings arm
Bonza bolsters its business and events offerings with a move that's broken barriers for the airline.

FCTG Independent launches first ever global conference with inaugural destination
FCTG’s Independent Division is launching their first ever global conference, bringing together independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors from across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa. Santiago, Chile, has been revealed as the destination for the first conference, which will take place from 1 – 4 May next year. The FCTG […]

The sunny spot to spice up your next conference
Where could this sunny spot be? If your guess was the Sunshine State then you're off to a good start.

International visitors top priority for delegates at Australian Tourism Export Council Meeting Place event
If this story doesn't get you in the mood for the weekend, we're not sure what will. Maybe a glass of bubbles?

Five star luxury in Western Sydney: Pullman Sydney Penrith review
What's the difference between a good 5 star hotel and a great one? You'll have to read this to find out!

W Sydney officially opens its doors
We're not sure what was more anticipated, the opening of W Sydney or Avatar 2!

Delegates keen to return for Cannes in Cairns
Crikey! Cannes in Cairns is ready to kick off like a croc in a sock!

Darwin Showcase 2023 flaunts the NT
There's no better way to lure people to the NT than a showcase. Go see for yourself how it's 'different in every sense'.

Geelong’s getting sustainable with major tourism overhaul
These massive changes are guaranteed to have you flabbergasted! Or just slightly excited. It's one or the other really.

Qantas chairman Richard Goyder to go after repeated calls for his resignation
The industry said "he's Goyder go" and he listened. Well, we're unsure if they made the pun but the sentiment was there.

The senate inquiry’s verdict is in! Here’s how to fix Australian aviation
Spoiler for the story but, unfortunately, wider seats and no screaming babies don't make the list.

Visitor stats up: Tourism Australia asked the world to Come and Say G’day, and they said okay!
We know where the bloody hell they are now. They're here.

Perth bumps Melbourne as fastest growing city for international business travellers
Move over Melbourne! Your coffee and graffiti laden alleyways can only get you so far with global business travellers.

Pullman Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre play host to triple NRL premiers end of year awards
As you would imagine, the awards night for the triple premiers was a blast, and we were there to be part of the fun!

New partnership established to support Indigenous Australians across Queensland’s tourism + hospitality industries
This is one of the best partnerships since garlic and butter! Ooft, some garlic bread sounds good about now!