Christian O’Connell on a quest to save historic Queensland pub

ARN’s The Christian O’Connell Show is ramping up its Save Our Pub initiative, mobilising listeners, local businesses and tradies to help transform The Criterion Hotel in Helidon, Queensland.

Launched last month across the GOLD Network in partnership with XXXX, Save Our Pub is audience-led, designed to celebrate the role local pubs play in Australian communities while supporting venues facing significant challenges.

The first phase of the campaign generated hundreds of nominations from listeners across the country, with five pubs each receiving a $5,000 boost.

Now, the campaign is shifting from storytelling to action, with The Criterion Hotel becoming the focus of a large-scale community restoration effort that will unfold across broadcast, digital, social and on-the-ground activations.

Owned and operated by Gary and Tracey (main photo with Christian and Rio from The Christian O’Connell Show), The Criterion Hotel is one of the last remaining pubs in the region.

Since taking over the historic venue two years ago, Gary and Tracey have been working to restore the pub while navigating significant personal and financial challenges.

O’Connell said “This is exactly what Save Our Pub is all about – getting behind places that really matter to the people around them. Gary and Tracey have poured everything into this place. It’s not just a business, it’s their home, their story, and a big part of this community. Now it’s our turn to show up for them.”

The next phase of the campaign will see listeners, local tradespeople and community members contribute time, skills and resources to help revitalise the venue, with the project culminating in a live broadcast from The Criterion Hotel later this month.

The Christian O’Connell Show airs weekdays from 6-10am on GOLD101.7 Sydney, and 6-9am on GOLD104.3 Melbourne, GOLD DAB+ in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and via the free iHeart app.