The Comiskey Group took home seven major awards at the 2026 Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Awards for Excellence, including the coveted Best Hotel Group Operator title.
The win marks the second time the family-owned business has been named Queensland’s Best Hotel Group Operator, recognising excellence and innovation across its portfolio of hotels, accommodation, entertainment and retail operations.
Adding to the night’s success, Comiskey Group Directors Rob and David Comiskey were jointly awarded Hotelier of the Year, one of the most prestigious honours in Queensland hospitality.
The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, operational excellence and contribution to both the hospitality industry and the communities they serve.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition,” said Rob Comiskey.
“There are so many outstanding publicans in our industry, many of whom I also consider good friends. To be named Hotelier of the Year, among such a strong field, is a real honour for my brother and me. When we first started in hospitality, we could never have imagined we’d be here today.
While our names are on this award, it simply wouldn’t have been possible without our families and the incredible teams across our businesses. Every award we took home on the night belongs just as much to the people across our venues who show up every day committed to creating exceptional experiences for our guests.”
David Comiskey said the recognition was a significant moment for his family as well as the business.
“It was a special moment having my three sons, now old enough to attend the award ceremony, there to see me collect the Hotelier of the Year award alongside their uncle Rob. My boys make me proud every day, and I hope we made them proud last night too.
I would also like to thank our mum and dad, Paul and Erica Comiskey, who are as much a part of this company as Rob and I. Our dad’s guidance growing up has played a fundamental role in shaping the people we are and the values we carry through the business today, and we are fortunate that his passion for the industry means he continues to contribute as a director well into his 80s. He genuinely loves what he does, and that commitment has become part of the foundation of who we are and how we operate.
It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it, and being able to do it as a family is the most special part” David explained.
Another historic moment for the Comiskey Group came with Eatons Hill’s Bottlemart Superstore being inducted into the QHA Hall of Fame for Best Retail Liquor Outlet. The induction follows three consecutive wins in the category, cementing the bottleshops reputation as Queensland’s leading liquor retail operation.
Eatons Hill Hotel was once again recognised as one of the state’s premier entertainment destinations, taking home the award for Best Entertainment Venue. The venue continues to attract some of Australia’s biggest touring artists and events, drawing hundreds of thousands of patrons annually.
Dakabin Hotel also celebrated a breakthrough achievement, winning Best Bistro Metropolitan in its first-ever entry into the Awards for Excellence. Since opening, the venue’s unique dual-menu concept has set it apart, combining the best of Eastern and Western flavours to deliver a distinctive dining experience that has quickly earned a loyal following.
The Comiskey Group’s accommodation offering was also recognised, with Imperial Hotel Boutique Accommodation awarded Best Hotel / Pub-Style Accommodation. The award highlights the property’s commitment to delivering premium boutique accommodation experiences in the heart of Eumundi.
2026 QHA Awards for Excellence – Comiskey Group Winners
• Best Hotel Group Operator – Comiskey Group
• Hotelier of the Year – Rob & David Comiskey
• Hall of Fame – Best Retail Liquor Outlet – Bottlemart Superstore Eatons Hill
• Best Entertainment Venue – Eatons Hill Hotel
• Best Bistro Metropolitan – Dakabin Hotel
• Best Hotel / Pub-Style Accommodation – Imperial Hotel Boutique Accommodation
The seven-award result continues a period of significant growth for the Comiskey Group, which has expanded to become one of Queensland’s largest independent hospitality businesses while maintaining its commitment to community, innovation and industry-leading guest experiences.
With new developments underway and continued investment across its portfolio, the group remains focused on shaping the future of hospitality in Queensland.
