Narrandera’s two iconic hotels, the Murrumbidgee and Charles Sturt, have changed hands in one of the largest business transactions seen in East Street for decades.

Brothers Shawn and Ryan Maas, of Regional Hotels, Dubbo, have secured both pubs for an undisclosed sum, retaining the existing managers and staff.

Shawn, a plumber, and Ryan, a builder, are brothers of former NRL and multimillionaire Wes Maas, and are growing their own hotel empire.

The purchase of the two Narrandera hotels brought the Maas brothers’ investment portfolio to six hotels in Dubbo (The Garden Hotel), Toowoomba, Albury (Kinross Woolshed) and West Wyalong.

Former publican of the “Bidgee”, Garry Tuckett, was non-plussed about leaving, saying he was looking forward to building up his Angus herd, playing golf and throwing a line in the pub’s watery namesake.

School mates Garry and fellow Charles Sturt publican Kevin Absolom started out as business partners in 1990 in a Narrandera service station.

They bought the Bidgee in partnership in 1999 but it was split in 2002 with Absolom buying the Charles Sturt.

“We are both getting out to the same buyers and same money,” Mr Tuckett said.

He conceded he had always wanted to own a pub and the Bidgee is a Narrandera icon.

“My wife wouldn’t let me go to the pub so I bought one – I’m a country boy at heart,” he said.

“I had no major vision when I bought it but to do well in business. We had some hard years like any business.

“Being in the country we were lucky with COVID as we were only shut for three months but when we came out of it, it’s been unbelievable, scary good.

“The town has done well too, (retail businesses) had the best Christmas for a long time with people shopping in town a bit more.”

Under Tuckett’s watch, the gaming room, bar, toilets, kitchen and beer garden were renovated.

“To make money, you’ve got to have good food and get people in. We serve a (traditional) pub meal which a lot of people do prefer.

“We rely a lot on tradies coming to town and staying upstairs.”

Tuckett has been big on community support, sponsoring over the years the Eagles and Lizards, netball, basketball, bowls and golf.

He plans to devote his time to running Angus cattle, playing golf, fishing and riding motorbikes.

“It’s good to see both pubs change hands, it brings new blood to town – there is room here for change as I haven’t done any entertainment for years so they could do a bit of that.

“Staff wise it is not going to change at all, our existing manager will stay on.”

With around 20 staff, the Bidgee is one of the biggest employers in the retail precinct.

Tuckett agreed it was sad to see country hotels being stripped of their pokies and closed down.

“The pokies are worth so much money, the average machine in Sydney nets $580 a day, and in the country it might be $200 a day,” he said.

Kevin and Mel Absolom have instigated many changes over the years at the Charles Sturt, colloquially known as “Dunc’s”, which boasts 12 poker machines.

The refurbishments included a new beer garden, restaurant, TAB, kitchen and restaurant.

Absolom said patronage was mostly locals and 30 per cent travelling public.

“Our meal trade is not the backbone but it is a huge part of our business,” he said.

“We employ about 30 staff. The new owners have pledged there will be no changes so it won’t mean too much to the townspeople.”

Absolom said the twin pub deal was “value for money” and shored up the future for Narrandera.

He described the forced COVID closure as “heartbreaking” not only for the pubs but the entire town however trade had bounced back.

Now Kevin has pulled his last beer, he will be helping wife Melanie with their yoga studio and new B&B, due to open in June/July, playing golf and motorbike riding.

He paid tribute to the support from family, friends, customers and the community over the years.

The pub has supported the rodeo, junior and senior Eagles and Lizards, Carpheads, tennis, basketball and the Narrandera Hospital Auxiliary.

“The social club has donated over $100,000 to the hospital auxiliary while Mel and I have supported 16 town balls – it is a good legacy to leave behind,” Absolom said.

Among the lighter moments of his publican’s career, Absolom recalled the younger crowd packing down rugby scrums in the main bar.

He also mentioned the celebrations around the premierships – 2012 Eagles premiership wins and the Narrandera Carpheads.

“It was fantastic times but I won’t miss Mad Mondays.

“Some of our staff have been with us for up to 13 years so a big thank you to all staff, especially those long serving ones.

“We also wish Garry and Llewellyn Tuckett the very best.”