Community & Business
27 April, 2026
Eumungerie’s Drovers Dog Tavern Hotel Changes Hands After 23 Years
A defining chapter in the history of Eumungerie closed last Friday (April 17, 2026) as long-time publicans Dennis and Tracey Haraki handed over the keys to the iconic Drovers Dog pub.
After 23 years at the helm, the Haraki’s officially welcomed new owners Peter and Maz Saunders during a community handover on Friday, April 17. The event drew a crowd of well-wishers, including Dubbo Regional Council’s mayor Josh Black and Clr Phil Toynton, who joined the community to mark the significant transition.
The Drovers Dog is more than just a pub; it has served as the social heartbeat and communication hub for the Eumungerie community. Under the Harakis’ stewardship, the hotel famously maintained its role as a safety net for the village. To this day, a UHF radio remains active behind the bar, which is a reminder of a time when the pub was the primary point of contact during local emergencies.
For Tracey Haraki, the departure is bittersweet. Having lived and breathed the business 24/7 for over two decades, she describes the pub as being deeply ingrained in her life. "I brought up a family there," Tracey shared. "You become part of a big family in a small community like this. It does become part of you.” The couple were known for more than just pouring beers; they stepped up when the village was in need. Whether it was hosting auctions and raffles when the local school burnt down, or holding weddings and wakes for patrons, the Drovers Dog is the village’s reliable anchor.
Tracey acknowledges that while she is ready for a change of pace, her focus remains on the deep connection she built with the town. She admitted that walking away from the people is the hardest part. "That’s probably what I’m going to miss the most, the people," she said. The sale of the hotel saw a sudden surge of interest starting in October of last year. Despite the "crazy" number of inquiries, Tracey remained steadfast about who would take over the reins.
"A lot of people said to me, 'Trace, just sell it, don’t worry about who’s taking it over,'" she recalled. "But I do care. This is the heart and soul of that village. You don't want to pass it on to someone who is just going to run it into the ground or anyone that's not going to care about the people".
The incoming owners, Peter and Maz Saunders and their family, take over the Drovers Dog following their successful revamping of the Carinda Hotel, which they purchased in March 2023. Peter noted that the decision to buy was driven by his wife’s instant connection to the location and its similarity to their existing small community establishment. “It wasn’t a hard decision in the end. When Maz said she really liked this one, we made an offer and got the ball rolling,” said Peter.
The transition will be a true family affair, with multiple family members already working in the now two-pub business. The Saunders family will run back and forth between Eumungerie and Carinda. Peter highlighted the logistical benefits of the new location. “We have suppliers in Dubbo, we can get things delivered here and pick them up and take them back to Carinda, because nobody delivers anything to Carinda,” he explained.
The "Maz factor" is already proving to be a drawcard for the tavern. With over 100,000 social media followers via MazLifestyle, the pub attracted three groups of followers on just in the first days. Unlike the remote Carinda, Peter noted that Eumungerie is perfectly positioned for travellers. “It’s not far off the beaten track, so we expect to see a few of those ladies along the way.”
As for the Haraki’s, they won't be heading too far, though they are trading Eumungerie for a new chapter on the other side of Dubbo. "We've got a little place we're renting at Geurie," Tracey said. The community, alongside local leaders, gathered last Friday to witness the official handover, celebrating the Harakis' incredible 23-year legacy and offering a warm Eumungerie welcome to the Saunders family.
