Shire of Upper Gascoyne farewells two families who brought outback pub to life as tenders open for lease

Two families with strong ties to an outback town in the Gascoyne will say farewell later this year, after servicing their community at the local pub for years. Current lessees of the Gascoyne Junction Pub & Tourist Park, Ken and Diane Kempton, transformed the space into a cultural hub since taking over the lease in 2021. But the couple are stepping away from the business, with plans to continue contributing to the community in other areas. Mrs Kempton said the local watering hole became a place for locals in the remote location, 176km east of Carnarvon in the Upper Gascoyne, to share stories and socialise. “Ken and I felt that there had been a disconnect over the past few years so when the opportunity came along to take on the lease in 2021 we threw our hats into the ring,” she said. “Everyday we have new faces come through the door, along with regular visitors like contractors and government agency workers that visit town, and of course locals — our pastoralists and town folk all come together to catch up and unwind here.” Mr Kempton said it was a rewarding journey watching the pub come to life, and being able to incorporate the rich history of the area in the space. “As locals, Diane and I have been able to share the history of the area that we have grown up in. We have created display cases filled with local gems and rocks, and historical artefacts from stations,” he said. Opening in 2014, after the original pub was demolished after the 2010 flood, the tourism hub is also home to the local supermarket, petrol station, takeaway store, caravan park, cafe and restaurant. It holds most events in the shire, including Anzac Day, sporting events and is a focal point during the Junction races and Kennedy Range Campdraft. Olashinde Omotosho, better known by locals as Omo, has been the head chef at the outback pub for seven years, after his family moved to the Gascoyne Junction from Nigeria. He has served up a storm at the Royal Flying Doctor Service ball, Gascoyne Food Festival events and the National Tidy Towns Awards. The Omotosho family will also farewell the Upper Gascoyne in December this year. Renowned for his delicious menu, shire CEO John McCleary said Mr Omotosho was a drawcard for tourism in the region and he would be missed by the whole community. “Omo is icing on the cake of the pub experience,” he said. “Not only has chef Omo been an important member of the community so has the entire family.” Mr Omotosho, who plans to open his own business in Perth in 2026, said he would cherish the memories made in the outback town. “Gascoyne Junction is the place that my wife and I have achieved the most in our lives. There is a lot on offer here, do not think there is nothing, be patient as there is so much to gain,” he said. “My family will miss the Junction and all the lovely people who live here. From the first day we arrived we have felt at home, everyone welcomes everybody. It will always be a good memory.” The families, who have catered for weddings, funerals and milestone events and awards nights, hope their successors will carry on the service for the community. The shire seeks tenders for lessees to take over the Gascoyne Junction Pub & Tourist Park. Shire president Jim Caunt said the Gascoyne Junction was an oasis in the outback and offered a perfect lifestyle. “Ken and Diane have met and exceeded every expectation that the shire has ever had when we first sat down with the community in 2010 in what was required and needed from a new pub,” he said. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 31. For more information visit the shire website.

Shire of Upper Gascoyne farewells two families who brought outback pub to life as tenders open for lease

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