Mr Robertson said his family had settled into a life in Horsham and was ready to start a new adventure.

“We’ve been back for three or four years now, so I really just picked up where I left,” he said. 

Having managed hotels throughout Melbourne and northern New South Wales, Mr Robertson said he had big plans for the Exchange Hotel. He said opening a new beer garden and outside TAB was his first priority. 

“The space will be incredible with lush surrounds, great heating and cooling and the pallet furniture looks amazing,” he said. 

“We are putting on Foxtel with a huge outdoor screen and will have some chilled Sunday sessions planned with live music and even a little caravan that is our DJ booth.” 

Being a family man himself, Mr Robertson said he wanted the new area to have a family focus. 

“We are building a roofed area with full barbecue facilities where our guests can cook their own barbecue or have us do it for them – kind of like your own backyard barbie without the cleaning up,” he said, 

Mr Robertson also has plans to install a basketball court key.

Former owner Nick Murray said the support and friendship he received during the past 18 months was overwhelming. 

“It’s not stretching things to say the hotel had endured some turbulent times prior to us taking back over,” he said. 

“The pub is a large employer and we have invested heavily in both our people, the venue and the business to make it what it is today.”

While Mr Murray intends to move to Melbourne where he owns and operates hospitality businesses, he said he would return periodically to assist where he could. 

However, he said he had full confidence in Mr Robertson vision.

“I wouldn’t have given him the opportunity if I didn’t think he was capable. He has had experience running hotels and I think he will be great.

”He’s absolutely on the money. What he has planned out the back with the beer garden is going to be very family friendly and the town has been screaming out for a space like that.

“With the chilled out Sunday sessions (planned), he’s going to be supporting local talent. I know he’s been in touch with Horsham’s music teachers at the schools to encourage kids to come down and get some experience in front of a live audience.”

The Exchange Hotel is due to change hands this month. 

“I urge the community to show their support for a young couple employing people and having a real go in town,” he said.