23/09/2026
A NEW SEASON BEGINS AT THE ASTRA
AS OUR SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE
After many incredible years, the time has come for Maryanne and me to hand over the keys to The Astra and close this chapter in our lives.
We leave thankful.
The Astra was never just a business to us — it was always about people. Bringing people together, building community, celebrating milestones, creating memories, building friendships and sharing the joy of hospitality.
There have been weddings, birthdays, Christmases, New Years, community events and countless meals, conversations and celebrations. There have been highs, challenges and plenty of unforgettable moments along the way — hospitality is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Among all those memories, Andrew Bevarne and Bayden Quinn will forever hold a very special place in our hearts. Losing them was undoubtedly among the saddest moments of our journey. They were part of our team, our friends and part of The Astra family. We remember them with great love and honour their place in The Astra story.
To our Broken Hill community — thank you. Thank you for supporting us, celebrating with us and allowing us to serve you year after year.
To every member of our team, past and present, and to our suppliers and business partners — thank you for being part of the journey.
To our children and their partners — thank you for allowing us the time and space to pursue our passion and for sharing this journey with us. Hospitality has demanded a lot over the years, including many hours that could otherwise have been spent with family. Your love and support have meant more than you know.
And along the way has come one of our greatest joys — our grandchildren. They continually remind us of what really matters in life: family, love, laughter and time together.
We hand The Astra over excited about its future. Many of the team remain, and the new ownership and management will bring their own energy, ideas and investment into its next season.
The Astra will continue to serve great food and offer wonderful service .
And as for David & Maryanne?
No — we’re not retiring! 😄
Our journey in Broken Hill began in 1982 — and it continues.
We’re simply having our own little sea change and returning to where so much of our hospitality journey began — Café Alfresco.
Our journey there began in 1985, and now, more than 40 years later, we return with a fresh vision, fresh ideas and a renewed passion for creating a welcoming place where families, friends, young people and visitors can meet, eat, laugh and connect. We will introduce that team soon who are passionate vibrant and engaging .
So this isn’t goodbye.
It’s simply the end of one wonderful season and the beginning of another.
We leave The Astra proud of what was created, grateful for the memories and deeply thankful for every person who shared the journey with us.
And we believe this special corner of Broken Hill will continue to flourish — with the BHP, The Astra and Café Alfresco together creating a wonderful hospitality precinct for locals and visitors alike.
The legacy continues.
The passion continues.
And so does our journey.
And now… onto the next adventure.
With much love and gratitude,
David & Maryanne Trinder
