Chatting to Stacey about all things Fleurieu and all things Strathalbyn, it is no wonder that she was a finalist at this year’s SA Woman Awards for the Regional SA Woman Award. 

The Regional SA Award: ‘For a regional woman who has created a thriving business/career and is an advocate for her community.’

Very deserving – congratulations Stacey!

The owner of the Commercial Hotel Strathalbyn, and a champion for her town, today we welcome Stacey Phelan to our Sunday profile hot seat.

You could say the pub life is in her blood. When Stacey was 16, she would head to Port Broughton when ever the opportunity arose to work at her uncle’s pub. He managed pubs in several regional areas, and that’s where she would head to help him out. She’s been pulling beers ever since.

She has had a varied career, ranging from hairdressing to working in banks, but always in hospitality as a side hustle. Since her 20’s hospitality has been part of her working life, with her hand on her heart she tells me that there is not a day that she doesn’t want to come to work. Through good days and bad, she loves it. Between Glenelg and even the Northern Territory Stacey has worked in pubs, soaking up as much knowledge as possible in the industry, pulling beers, cooking, working in bottle shops, always learning the trade. Six years ago, she decided it was time to do it for herself, and here we were chatting under the veranda of her beloved, historic Commercial Hotel in Strathalbyn.

Stacey grew up in the Southern Suburbs, but this is where she always wanted to be. She had a dream of owning a pub, but it couldn’t be just any pub. It had to have the right town, the right community. The town needed to be small enough to have that country community where everyone knows each other and looks out for each other, but it needed to be large enough that you have everything you need in the region. Luckily for this community, Strathalbyn was that place. She tells me that Strathalbyn has everything. The Fleurieu is the place where we have the beach, the river, the city, we have everything within easy reach, and all these things made the Fleurieu the right choice for Stacey to set up home for the long term.

“I’m here for life now, I will be one of those old people telling you I’ve lived here forever, I love it”

When asking Stacey what it is she loves about the place she works and lives, she explains that the solid, tight knit community makes her proud. “Everyone has got each other’s back”, she tells me. It has always been the way, and then when COVID hit, the community spirit hit another new level. She feels that ‘what ever goes around, comes around’, everyone helps out. If someone is in the pub and needs a hand with something, soon they will have a whole support crew with their hands up to help them the next day, even people they don’t know. 

“Everyone gives a stuff, it’s such a great community”.

For leisure, although I am sure this is a luxury not often seen, Stacey likes to head out for some quality family time. This past year in particular more of an effort has been made to soak up this time and have a little more time away from the pub. 

“The pub will always be my baby, but my family life is the most important thing to me”

Stacey got married this year and has taken the extra steps to make sure on weekends they get up and go for a bike ride as a family, head to a local café for a coffee, trying to soak up the simple things in life.

Finally, I mentioned the SA Woman Awards. Stacey lights up and tells me how exciting it was to have been nominated, and ultimately a finalist. The spotlight has always been on her pub and her team, this one was extra special because it was recognising Stacey for what she does in both her business and her community. 

“I’m super proud and feel as though I won anyway!”

Stacey’s top tops for the Fleurieu. Best place to…

Grab a quick bite or a serious feed?

The Commercial Hotel, Strathalbyn of course!

Grab a cup of coffee?

Strathalbyn, we are spoilt for choice, don’t make me choose!

Taste some wine?

I love spending an afternoon at Kimbolton wines in Langhorne Creek, I love feeling as though I’m relaxing in the middle of nowhere. Lake Breeze, Bremerton their atmospheres are beautiful. The history at Bleasdale is wonderful. I want them all, I can’t choose….we are so spoilt for choice here.

Best place for a dip?

I’m a river girl. Our family spends a bit of time at Wellington. A quick drive after a long day at the pub, I love to run up and jump off the jetty at Wellington. That’s my tune out place. The river all the way!

Explore Nature?

We love the beach, anywhere along the coastline. There’s lots to explore around Langhorne Creek, and Strathalbyn is the most picturesque town. 

When I’m on the Fleurieu or Kangaroo Island…..

I feel…..like I don’t have to be anywhere else

I always make sure I visit….another small independent pub

I stock up on….wine

Best or weirdest memory?

Welcoming a horse into the pub! I hadn’t been here very long, a local bloke on his horse said his horse likes going in for a beer. I said come on in, not thinking that he would. Next thing I knew, I had a horse trotting through to the bar.

Best advice for anyone visiting the region?

Firstly, download the Fleurieu App (yes, thanks Stacey – good tip!)

Secondly, don’t have too much of a plan, just wing it! Drive around, stop at all the little places. Oh, and don’t eat before you come, we have lots of fabulous food and drink in this region. Each time you come, visit something else, we have so much to offer, it’s almost over whelming. Try something new every time. Just support local.