Edward Mann Luscombe, an English immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1874, was the visionary behind the Federal Hotel at the corner of Mitchell and Warraweena Streets.
The Luscombe family managed the Federal Hotel for 35 years, with Edward holding the licence until his death in 1915, after which his wife, Helen, and later their sons, Richard and Walter, took over.
From 1927 onwards, several licensees left their mark on the Federal Hotel, with Peter Nee (1927), Garnet Martin (1934), Dan Ryan (1948), and Leonard Samuel (1954) all playing pivotal roles. In 1929, significant renovations modernised the premises, and the hotel continued to serve as a popular gathering place through the Great Depression and World War II.
The hotel thrived well into the 1970s under publicans like Raymond Monley (1965), Edward Kissner (1968), and Kevin Chuck (1974). However, disaster struck again in 1983, when a fire—this time under the ownership of Robert Egan—destroyed the hotel beyond repair, closing the chapter on the Federal Hotel’s long and storied history.
Throughout its existence, the Federal Hotel was more than just a place to stay or drink; it was a cultural hub that reflected the changing fortunes of Bourke and its people. Its loss in 1983 marked the end of an era for the town.
Thanks to Bruce Gray for providing this information, read Bruce’s colourful story on the Federal Hotel.
The Pubs & Breweries of Bourke
From its earliest days Bourke has always had a reputation as a drinking town and it’s no wonder as it was, in fact, founded by publicans!