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ABC News
ABC News
National

Grazier-turned-publican saves much-loved historic pub off the beaten track — without resorting to pokies

Jennifer Nichols ABC Rural
A crowd gathered for the opening of the Theebine Hotel's new front deck in November 2022. (Supplied: Theebine hotel)

When Jackson MacDonald bought a neglected pub off the beaten track and began extensive renovations on the historic timber building, he was told he wouldn't succeed without poker machines.  

He didn't listen, and despite a staggering $60,000 annual insurance bill, the rookie publican is proud to have turned the character-filled Theebine hotel into a drive destination.

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