Meet Sue and Douglas Barrie

by Victoria Velton

For nearly four decades, Sue and Douglas Barrie have been the heart and soul of the Seymour Hotel, dedicating themselves to preserving its rich heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.

Sue and Douglas’s journey to owning the Seymour Hotel began with family. Originally from Victoria, the couple eventually settled in Townsville. Sue explains, "We came to Townsville because that's where the kids were, and we looked at what we would do in Townsville. My son and husband found this place, which was in not good shape, and fell in love with it. This is where we've been for 38 years."

The hotel itself has a rich history. Built in 1903 and rebuilt in 1928 after two devastating fires, the current two-storey concrete structure has survived countless floods. One notable feature is the mural of a smiling crocodile on the side of the building, proudly marked with historic flood heights, including the 2025 flood.

Sue and Douglas take pride in the hotel’s role as a gathering place, whether it’s hosting weddings, 21st birthdays, wakes, or simply welcoming familiar faces back through the doors. Douglas shares, "Many others come back to find not their childhood, but their youth... they walk in the door and say, 'Oh, I drank here 30 years ago and my father drank here 60 years ago,' and that happens regularly."

Even during tough times, the community rallies around the hotel. Douglas recalls the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We were closed for 17 weeks, but we still had the locals who would come buy a six-pack rather than a carton, just to keep us here." Their dedication to maintaining a welcoming space has built a loyal customer base, including regular visitors who return every six or nine months. "We know about their lives, their families, their work... We take an interest in their fishing and how it is."  Sue explains that, "A lot of tourists come in here, specifically to do the fishing tours... After a day of fishing, they would come in, have a drink, play some pool,"

One of the Barries’ most significant contributions to the community is their work in restoring the old cemetery. Many of the graves had fallen into disrepair, and Sue and Douglas took it upon themselves to restore the site. "We've spent six, seven years out there standing up the headstones and organising them to be visible," says Sue. This tireless dedication earned them an Australia Day award, recognising their commitment to preserving local heritage.

For Sue and Douglas, the Seymour Hotel is their way of life. It’s a place where history is cherished, traditions are kept alive, and community spirit flourishes. Sue reflects, "This pub has a very special place in the community. It's a community centre still, but not as much as it used to be." The dedication of Sue and Douglas Barrie is clear as they say to value the Shire, shop local, and to appreciate the nature and the heritage this land is still very much connected to.