Meet Justin Hemmes, the billionaire Sydney âplayboyâ coming for Victoriaâs pubs
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Many men may consider themselves the King of Sydney, but few warrant the title as much as Justin Hemmes.
His Merivale hospitality empire has romped through the NSW capital like nothing before, opening pub after pub, restaurant after restaurant - and in some cases entire precincts. If youâve danced at the Ivy, eaten at Mr Wong or partied at Coogee Pavilion, youâve been to a Hemmes venue.
Justin Hemmes at Bar Topa in the Ivy complex.
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The Monday Q&A: Carla McKinnon on a tough 2020, NZ s hidden gems and bucket list locations
14 Mar, 2021 04:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Carla McKinnon, owner-operator of House of Travel Wanganui, said 2020 was the hardest year yet for the industry. Photo / Bevan Conley
Carla McKinnon, owner-operator of House of Travel Wanganui, said 2020 was the hardest year yet for the industry. Photo / Bevan Conley
Talk to us about your upbringing and how you first got involved in the travel industry.
I was born and raised in Whanganui and soon after leaving school moved to Portland, Oregon, which fuelled my interest in travel. I d always seen myself working in the travel industry – so when I returned from overseas and the opportunity of working as a travel agent for House of Travel arose I jumped at the chance. Crazy to think that was 17 years ago.