The Dock turns 10!

Plus the highs and lows

Today the Dock turns 10, and it all started in mid-2014 when I got a text from a mate called Shooter asking to catch up.

He and his sister Jane owned the Lighthouse in Belconnen, where I drank so much as a uni student that I became friends with them. Jane had an idea for a “sports pub for women” at the new Kingston Foreshore and thought of asking a sportsperson to get involved.

And six months later, we opened!

The build, opening night, and team!

I’d originally said “no” to getting involved, and introduced them to my Brumbies teammate Scott Fardy instead.

But jeez I’m glad I changed my mind as it’s been an amazing learning experience and a great stepping stone post sport.

Plus there’s a ton of great memories including:

• The rise of Running for Resilience

• The rise of our Anzac Dawn service after Shooter blew up during Covid

• The evolution of our kitchen, which is at its best and most consistent ever

• Having the whole pub dressed up as Fards during the World Cup final

• Helping Travis Fimmel (aka Ragnar Lothbrok) and Dylan Alcott launch their beer

• Hosting the Richie Benaud Army

• The Raiders’ grand final in 2019

• Dock Dog Day

• The Matilda’s run and more

Oh the memories!

We’ve also had our fair share of lows.

From the lockdowns, to the Brittany Higgins-Bruce Lehrmann case, and the passing of Paulie (one the community’s favorites) to cancer.

Paulie made the trip to Japan to watch my last professional game, and knowing he could watch sport at The Dock and find peace during his battle with cancer means a lot and what I’m proudest of most.

RIP Paulie - Gone but not forgotten

I feel bloody lucky to be apart of the Dock’s community, and proud of how it’s evolved into a “healthy pub” where people leave feeling better than when they arrived. We resisted putting in a tab despite numerous requests in the early days, expanded our salads and mocktails lists, and try host as many community events as we can.

But none of this would have been possible without the staff who’ve made the Dock what it is today.

Special thanks to Jackson aka ‘Google’ (Knows everything), who has been with us almost since day one. And to Pone for taking the kitchen to new heights in quality and consistency. “Annndddrrreeeewww!!!”.

And who could forget big Artie and BG, Canberra’s sexiest doormen.

The crew!

Also to Shooter and Jane for asking me to get involved. What a ride! And it’s great the pub is in as good a shape as ever.

And finally to our patrons. Thank you for your support over the years. 

Whether you’ve popped in for a quick drink, stayed for a meal, or made the Dock a regular part of your life, we hope you’ve enjoyed the last 10 years as much as we have.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

Cheers!