How the Feddy is changing the face of Alstonville
The transformation of the Federal Hotel is reshaping both the look and feel of Alstonville, as millions are poured into modernising one of the plateau’s most recognisable landmarks.
The upgrade is not just about bricks and mortar. It reflects a shift in what locals expect from their pubs, with a stronger focus on family-friendly spaces, comfort and community connection.
On the plateau, that change is being driven by the Federal Hotel — better known as “the Feddy”.
Jenny Kliendienst and Sue Cameron
Historic hotel enters new era
The hotel is undergoing a major transformation led by owners Sue Cameron and Jenny Kliendienst.
Built in 1901, the pub is Ballina Shire’s only two-storey timber hotel and remains a defining feature of the village streetscape.
The couple purchased the hotel in November 2021 and began stabilisation works, including installing a new roof.
“It was a beautiful building and a beautiful town and we could just see so much potential here,” Cameron said.
“It’s not too far away from anything and it just had so much charm about it.”
The owners said the venue needed to evolve to meet modern expectations.
“I could see that the hotel needed a space that was weather resistant, upgraded toilet facilities and a place where kids can play,” Cameron said.
Stage one of the redevelopment includes a $5 million investment at the rear of the property, featuring a boutique-style bottle shop while preserving the hotel’s National Trust-listed façade.
Importantly, the doors will stay open during construction.
“We are actually keeping the hotel open because otherwise it hurts so many people in the town,” Cameron said.
“There’s nowhere for people to really get together.”
Architect’s impressions of the new bottle shop
She said the pub remained a key meeting place, including for visitors stopping in after the village museum.
New residents changing the town
Kliendienst said Alstonville was attracting new residents seeking a lifestyle shift.
“Now there’s lots of new people coming in,” she said.
“It’s a real pleasure to see that there’s people moving here because they want the lifestyle.”
“And it’s still affordable in comparison.”
The new Federal Hotel loyalty card features an image of the heritage building
Both owners previously operated hotels in Sydney and say local loyalty has been a defining difference.
They have introduced a loyalty card offering discounted prices for locals, along with a kids-eat-free promotion on Sundays.
“I must admit I was a bit shocked at the prices when I came up here,” Cameron said.
“But it’s about the competition and the cost of serving.”
She said Northern Rivers customers showed strong loyalty compared with city venues.
“You’re not fighting for your customers because your customers are loyal. So they should be rewarded.”
Hotel licensee Vincent Chee said feedback from patrons was shaping the venue’s future.
“I am constantly seeking feedback from patrons, both positive and negative and I openly communicate that to the owners to ensure we cater the hotel’s offerings to the people it serves”.
A wider shift across the region
The changes at the Feddy are part of a broader transformation across Northern Rivers pubs.
The Feddy Team: Kelly Field and Vincent Chee have taken out multiple business awards for their outstanding service
High-profile operators and investors are paying record prices for venues they believe have untapped potential.
Groups such as Laundy Hotels and publicans including Justin Hemmes have helped drive the trend.
Closer to home, the Shaws Bay Hotel has attracted record visitors over summer after completing its major redevelopment in 2025.
Other venues are also evolving. The Wollongbar Tavern has been extensively renovated, while the Henry Rous Hotel recently changed hands with updates expected.
Together, the changes point to a new era for the region’s pubs — one where favourite watering holes are being reimagined to serve a growing and changing community.
The first stage of the Federal Hotel redevelopment is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
