The Victoria Bathurst has started to see the benefits of a diverse entertainment schedule in creating a multi-purpose venue.
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Since relaunching in January, the venue has hosted more than 20 centrepiece events, ranging from live music to themed activities and pop-up markets.
The Victoria's general manager Heath Smith said the strong focus on entertainment has allowed the venue to expand its appeal to a diverse range of crowds.
"We find the provision of an inclusive roster of events allows the community to forge a meaningful connection with the venue," Mr Smith said.
"Our live music events have brought an additional 3300 people through the door, and we've had zero incidents of anti-social behaviour."
A major change since the relaunch of The Victoria is the absence of poker machines, with the venue's gaming entitlements sold in August last year.
Mr Smith said the absence of gaming has allowed the venue to concentrate their efforts on promoting alternate forms of entertainment.
"Music, food and drinks play an important role in bringing people together, whereas gambling has been known to tear families apart," he said.
"We're not against venues offering gaming entertainment, however it's satisfying to not rely upon it."
Our live music events have brought an additional 3300 people through the door, and we've had zero incidents of anti-social behaviour.
- Heath Smith
According to statistics from the Proudly Pokies Free campaign's website, Australia is home to 20 per cent of the world's poker machines despite representing only 0.3 per cent of the global population.
Furthermore, the most recent Australian Gambling Statistics report found Australians collectively spend around $12 billion on poker machines a year.
The Australian Gambling Statistics reports are compiled annually by the Queensland government Statistician's Office.
Mr Smith said the idea of the new direction is to hark back to the venue's roots.
"Traditionally, the pub has served as a key meeting place for any given community, and we strive to provide an environment where anyone is welcome," he said.
"We also incorporate a range of local artisans to assist us in staging events."
To view the venue's events roster, visit thevictoriabathurst.com.au.