In April this year, Kieran Bowdler marked an incredible milestone—nine years with the Comiskey Group. From starting as a Glassy Attendant at Sandstone Point Hotel to now second-in-command as the venue’s Operations Manager, Kieran’s career is a story of steady growth, genuine passion, and deep connection.
“I was fresh out of high school, I had just started uni and working casually at a café,” Kieran recalls. “Sandstone Point Hotel was just around the corner from home and I knew I needed a shake-up. I actually walked in one night for dinner with a mate, resume in hand, and landed an on-the-spot interview. Ten minutes later, I had the job. The rest is history.”
That spontaneous moment would become the beginning of a remarkable journey. What drew Kieran in was more than convenience—it was the energy of the place.
“Being less than a year old, Sandstone was a massive conversation point with locals. The buzz around it made me want to be a part of something special.”
From humble beginnings bussing glasses, Kieran worked his way through the ranks. “I kicked things off as Glassy Attendant!”
A key turning point came in 2021 when he was offered the Assistant Operations Manager role. “That promotion was incredibly gratifying. It re-motivated me in a whole new way. It gave purpose to the years of work I’d put in and pushed me to continue striving for more.”
Looking back over nearly a decade, Kieran reflects on how his time at Sandstone Point Hotel has shaped his life in and outside of work.
“Sandstone Point Hotel gave me so many core skills from a young age that have followed me over the years—time management, emotional awareness, conflict resolution. I’ve learned how to be an effective leader, and how much your management style impacts your team.”
Personally, the experience has been just as transformative. “Three years in, I met my now wife, Amy, through work. We’ve since had two beautiful kids and made lifelong friends. I’ve laughed, cried, travelled the world with people I met at Sandstone Point Hotel. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Over the years, Sandstone Point Hotel has become a household name—not just for locals, but across Australia.
“Our growth in the live music space has been incredible,” Kieran says. “From small sunset sessions to hosting acts like Live + Incubus and Tyler Childers, bringing in 9,000+ patrons in a day—it’s wild to look back and see what we’ve built.”
Kieran’s also proud of the behind-the-scenes evolution: team culture, leadership pathways, and the Comiskey Group’s strong commitment to staff development.
Now leading a large and diverse team, Kieran approaches major event weekends with a philosophy of unity.
“We’re all moving parts in one big puzzle. Success comes from collaboration, support, and leading from the front. There’s no job I’d ask of someone that I wouldn’t do myself.”
And of course, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. “That knock-off schoey at the finish line—Eumundi Ginger Beer, of course—keeps me going.”
Why Comiskey Group?
Having been with the business since its early years, Kieran is quick to explain what makes the Comiskey Group unique.
“At the end of the day, I’m working for a family business. Even though we’ve grown so much, the core values haven’t changed. The Directors are still hands-on—that’s pretty rare. You can tell how much they care about their venues, their team and their reputation.”
Advice for Junior Hospitality Workers
After mentoring many up-and-comers in the business, Kieran has clear advice for anyone starting out in hospitality.
“Slow down and perfect your craft. We see so many people try to learn everything at once and burn out. Learn one area at a time, do it well. Even if hospitality isn’t your forever gig, it’ll teach you valuable skills that apply across life.”
And the laughs? “There are plenty—some too interesting for the website! But honestly, any time we get together as a team—concert knock-offs, staff parties, QHA nights—they’re the best memories.”
From eager teen to respected leader, Kieran’s nine-year story with the Comiskey Group is one of hard work, passion and people. His journey is a shining example of what’s possible when a workplace is more than just a job—it’s a community, a career path, and sometimes even the place you meet your future family.
Here’s to the next chapter. Congratulations on 9 years at the Comiskey Group, Kieran!
