50 GOLDEN YEARS OF DOLTONE HOUSE · 2019-10-24 · 50 GOLDEN YEARS OF DOLTONE HOUSE Doltone House started as the realisation of a dream of the Stubbs family in 1969. In 1995, the

5 0 G O L D E N Y E A R S O F D O L T O N E H O U S E

Doltone House started as the realisation of a dream of the Stubbs family in 1969. In 1995, the Signorelli

family were given the opportunity and honour to continue the Doltone House success story. They took

Doltone House from a singular venue in the Sutherland Shire, to making its mark as one of Sydney’s

most iconic hospitality brands. Doltone House Catering + Venue Collection now comprises six inspiring

venues and over 30 event spaces.

The Signorelli family has humble beginnings as Italian migrants. However, what sets them apart is

their proven motivation, drive and vision to grow and expand their operations. They are now a leader

in the hospitality and events industry. Today, Doltone House is a brand synonymous with quality and

the highest-level service and the number one choice for milestone family occasions, weddings,

christenings, birthdays and other social gatherings, to significant domestic and international business

events such as product launches, national conferences, gala fundraisers and the like.

This successful journey has involved a dedicated and loyal team. Former and current employees will

always be a significant part of the Doltone House journey. The Signorelli family are extremely grateful

for the calibre of team that bring Doltone House alive every day. They are talented, proud, committed

and loyal to the brand. Every team member is an extension of the Doltone House family.

The 50th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect, recollect and recount the memories. It is a time

to cherish and be grateful. The following pages reveal the incredible evolution of the Doltone House

brand. It is with full hearts we celebrate the significant milestones over the last 50 years.

Doltone House is a brand synonymous with family values and a strong work ethic, having big dreams

and exceptional standards of food and service.

50 YEARS OF… WELCOMING

50 YEARS OF… RAISING GLASSES

50 YEARS OF… CONNECTING THE DOTS

50 YEARS OF… FAMILY & PASSION

50 YEARS OF… BUBBLES & CHEERS

1969 Early 90’s1980s1970s

Dolly and Tony Stubbs along with their children, Barry, Karen and Rhonda laid the foundations of their wedding venue ‘dream’. They incorporated their names Dolly and Tony, to become ‘Doltone House’ situated in Sylvania Waters amongst the Gwawley Bay river.

Rhonda and Jeff Wilson preserved the successful business with their children, Adam and Belinda, a third generation beginning their working careers at Doltone House.

Doltone House became a successful business almost immediately. With the family creating and maintaining a high reputation in providing quality food, service and attention to detail.

In 1977 Dolly and Tony Stubbs decided to lease the Doltone House business due to Tony’s health. The successful reputation of the business was maintained.

In 1984 Tony Stubbs passed away.

Dolly and Tony’s two daughters, Rhonda and Karen and their spouses Jeff and Garry, reacquired the business to continue servicing the wedding industry. Dolly remained in the business for twelve months as a mentor.

In 1987 Karen and Garry Williams sold their share to Rhonda and Jeff Wilson.

DOLLY TONY

DOLTONE HOUSECELEBRATING 50 GOLDEN YEARS

1995 200019991997

In December, the Signorelli family purchased Doltone House Sylvania Waters. They continued to uphold the values of the business working together to maintain its exceptional reputation. A monumental year in the timeline for what was to follow.

Going For Gold! Doltone House wins a major contract in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games period. They became the exclusive caterer for the Sydney Olympic Media Centre and the Florida World Pavilion that exceeded 3,000m2.

The Signorelli family invested in a major renovation of Sylvania Waters, increasing the size of the spaces to accommodate up to 800 guests.

Doltone House quickly became the pioneers of the wedding industry and transformed ’banquet’ catering to a level that was of a-la carte standard, raising the bar for the industry. To this day, everyone looks forward to a Doltone address on an invitation.

Under new ownership for just two years, Doltone House won important industry awards.

Doltone House wins a significant government tender, acquiring the large marquee function space at the Darling Island Centre located in Pyrmont. Previously this space was the temporary Sydney Casino; it could cater up to 1,000 guests and exceeded 2,000m2. This venture opened the doors and the initial opportunities of securing relationships into the domestic and international business events market.

1997 - Annual Bridal Industry Award Wedding Reception / Function Centre of NSW



2000 - Annual Bridal Industry Award Wedding Coordinator


2001 2005 2006 20072004

On 12th August, the Signorelli family purchased the 3,000m2 heritage-listed site, Jones Bay Wharf Pyrmont overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. This building is of exceptional cultural significance. It is a remarkable port structure, in size, modular design and a landmark for Pyrmont and Sydney Harbour.

The Signorelli family, successful tenderer for the five year catering and development rights to the St George Sailing Club, situated on the Georges River. This became Doltone House Sans Souci.

A major transformation of Jones Bay Wharf took place, converting the historic finger wharf into an iconic and unique event space for the events industry. Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf opened its doors in February for its first event. On 28 February, Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf was officially opened in the presence of the Hon Bob Carr, former Premier of NSW.

Doltone House Loft in Pyrmont was introduced to the wedding and corporate market. It is a sleek multifunctional space split over three levels, ideal for unique events.

Doltone Limousines, a luxury fleet of vintage Rolls Royce’s and Chryslers were acquired and offered as an extension to wedding services.


2001 - Annual Bridal Industry Award Wedding Coordinator

2007 - Meetings and Events Industry Awards Meeting Venue 150-500 delegates

2007 - City of Sydney Business Awards Entertainment Venue

2007 - Deloitte NSW Family Business Growth Award

2007 - Italian Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence


2007 2009 20092008

In October 2007, Biaggio Signorelli was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer.

Six months later, on 30 May 2008, Biaggio passed away surrounded by family. Over 4,000 people attended his funeral at St. Mary’s Cathedral Sydney, an honourable tribute for a true gentleman and family man.

In January, Doltone House becomes the successful tenderer to purchase Deepwater Motor Boat Club located in Milperra. A 40 acre waterfront site with proposed plans and vision to feature a 1,500 seat events and exhibition centre, restaurant including a dedicated market kitchen garden and a 100 room hotel accommodation, scheduled to open in 2025.

Shortly after his passing, the family were determined to fulfil their father’s dying wish to help save others. They established the Biaggio Signorelli Asbestos Cancer Foundation to raise funds to create awareness, early detection, treatment and ultimately a cure for mesothelioma.

Doltone House returns to the former Temporary Sydney Casino location, now a fully developed precinct.

The commencement of Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf proudly housed in NSW’s first 6-star green star venue. This venue is located across the road from The Star, walking distance from the International Convention Centre Sydney, Darling Harbour and various five-star accommodations. Doltone House commits to lead the way by providing sustainability in the events industry. The building was officially opened in the presence of the Hon Kristina Keneally, former Premier of NSW.

2008 - Meetings & Events Industry NSW Awards Corporate Social Responsibility

2008 - Meetings and Events Industry Awards Meeting Venue 150-500 delegates

2009 - Australian Event Awards Best Venue

2009 - NSW Family Business Australia Awards 2nd Generation

2009 - Meetings and Events Industry Awards Meeting Venue

2009 - Readers Choice Award – mice.netBest Unique Venue


2010 2010 20102010

Doltone House secures a major partnership with Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs becoming sleeve sponsor of the NRL team for three consecutive years. A family business partnering with a family club.

‘Life From A Suitcase’ life-size bronze family sculpture located in front of the Darling Island venue, created by Terrance Plowright was gifted to the people of NSW from the Signorelli family as a celebration of immigration in Australia. This was Sydney’s reserve passenger terminal until 1994, where many immigrants in the 1950s and 1960s first stood on Australian soil including the late Biaggio Signorelli.

The concept and creation of Signorelli Gastronomia (Eat, Drink, Shop, Cook) was launched. Featuring an innovative and interactive salumeria, gourmet food store, dedicated wine and cheese room, pizzeria, antipasto bar, cooking school and Italian restaurant rolled into one became a popular hotspot for locals and clientele.

Signorelli Gastronomia fitout wins the New York Retail Design Institute Awards.

Venue synergies and a strong working relationship between the Doltone House Group and Atlantic Group Melbourne saw the commencement of an interstate venue alliance. This unique partnership delivers a range of benefits to clients that enable them to seamlessly create, produce and manage amazing events in both Sydney and Melbourne.

2010 - Australian Business Events ExpoBest Large Stand

2010 - Readers Choice Award – mice.netBest Unique Venue

2010 - Australian Business Awards Environmental Sustainability

2010 - Italian Chamber of CommerceExcellence Award for Hospitality

2010 - International Store Design Awards Specialty Food Store (Retail Design Institute New York)

2011 - Australian Business Events Expo Best Large Stand

2011 - Readers Choice Award – mice.net Best Unique Venue

2011 - Vocational Education and Training (VET) Excellent AwardHost Employer

2011 - Restaurant & Catering AwardsExcellence in Function/Convention Centre Catering


2012 2013 20142012 2012

The ‘NSW Parliament Premiers Awards’, which recognised services to the community, was awarded to Doltone House and the Biaggio Signorelli Asbestos Cancer Foundation.

Doltone House Hyde Park, located on Elizabeth Street in the heart of the prestigious Sydney CBD, is added to the venue collection. Overlooking Sydney’s iconic Hyde Park and the surrounding designer fashion district. Designed by acclaimed architect Koichi Takada, it features a grand ballroom with spectacular floor-to-ceiling arched windows and a sleek and stylish fitout.

Doltone House was the inaugural NSW inductee into the ‘Family Business Australia Hall of Fame’, which celebrated the outstanding contribution that family businesses make to NSW’s economy, community and culture.

Recognising the need to service the C-Suite sector, Doltone House purchased two boardroom suites on Jones Bay Wharf - Suite 43 and Suite 55.

Both harbour front boardrooms feature an outdoor entertaining area and state-of-the-art technology. They were designed by award winning interior designer Greg Natale.

Following three consecutive national wins in the same category, Doltone House was inducted into the ‘Meeting and Events Australia Hall of Fame’, which celebrates successful entrants for excellence in their field.

2012 - Family Business Australia NSW Hall of Fame

2012 - Restaurant & Catering Awards Excellence in Wedding Catering in a Function Centre

2012 - Readers Choice Award – mice.net Best Unique Venue

2012 - Meetings and Events Industry National Awards Specialty Meeting Venue


2013 - Meetings and Events Industry NSW Awards Specialty Meeting Venue

2014 - Meetings and Events Industry Hall of Fame Specialty Meeting Venue


2014 - Meetings and Events Industry National Awards Cause Related Event of The Year

2014 - Meetings and Events Industry NSW Awards Cause Related Event of The Year

2012 - NSW Parliament Premiers Awards Biaggio Signorelli Foundation

2012 - NSW Parliament Premiers Awards Doltone House


2014 2017 20182016

To meet ever-changing client needs Doltone House launches House of Doltone. A bespoke styling and theming service exclusively available to Doltone House clients. Covering floral design, centrepieces, lighting, props, furniture and all the finer details to theme an event.

SoHo a new event space at the historic Jones Bay Wharf location opens. Designed by award winning interior designer, Greg Natale. Ideal for C-level meetings, and dining with an exceptional elevated view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Doltone House Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh is added to the venue collection. Located within minutes of the Sydney CBD. 7,000m2 of industrial and open plan space for the exhibition and events industry for up to 4,600 guests.

The ‘Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Awards’ presents Paul Signorelli the ‘Hall of Fame’, which is awarded to those who have contributed to the Italian-Australian community.

2017 - Sutherland Shire Local Business AwardsOutstanding Specialised Business

2017 - Southern Sydney Business Education NetworkVET Excellence Award

2018 - Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business Excellence AwardsHall of Fame

2018 - Restaurant & Catering Awards Wedding Caterer

2014- Weddings and Events of Australia Award for Wedding Venue of the Year

2014 - Inspire Ex Award Spice News Award Best Large Stand

2014 - Restaurant & Catering National AwardWedding Caterer

2015 - Restaurant & Catering NSW Award Wedding Caterer

2016 - Restaurant & Catering SydneyFunction / Convention Centre Caterer

2016 - Spice Hot 100 Best Venue for a Product Launch

2016 - Spice Hot 100 Best Venue for a Gala Dinner

2016 - AIME Stand Awards Best Stand under 36sqm


2018 2019 20192018

Doltone House welcomes Anambah House to the venue collection, a regional offering for a growing Sydney demand. Located in the Hunter Valley countryside, the space offers a quiet retreat with stunning old-world charm and an enclosed garden, vineyard and a unique heritage setting.

The Biaggio Signorelli Asbestos Cancer Foundation marked its 10-year anniversary. A tribute gala fundraising dinner was held at the Australian Technology Park, with over 2,500 guests in attendance.

Doltone House launches Catering by Doltone, an offsite catering service that comes to your home, office or venue. This was a proactive approach in offering catering to other premises, venues and unique locations across greater Sydney. It was time to stamp an already available offering in the marketplace.

A long awaited premium offering in Sydney’s west marked the announcement of a new partnership between Doltone House and Club Marconi. Set to bring an elevated hospitality experience to the Sydney West region from 2020, Doltone House will take over all events at Club Marconi, offering a premium service for business events and conferences, weddings and social events to members and guests.

2019 - Restaurant & Catering Awards Wedding Caterer

2018 - NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Adult VolunteerOverall Regional Winner

2018 - Spice Hot 100 Best Venue for a Gala Dinner

2018 - Spice Hot 100 Best mid-sized Venue


2019 2020 and beyond.

Dolly Stubbs is in good health at 90 years ‘young’ but misses her wonderful hospitality life that she shared with husband Tony side-by-side for 34 years. She celebrated her 90th birthday at Sylvania Waters earlier this year.

The Stubbs family are very proud that all the premises are operated under the name of Doltone House, representing where the dream began. From one hard working family to another, the Stubbs wish the Signorelli family a happy 50th Anniversary and continued success in the future.

The extraordinary journey continues. The Signorelli family has a vision of growth and continued expansion plans, ones that will ensure they go from strength-to-strength in the events industry. The drive, motivation, passion and sheer hard work, has enabled them to become key industry players, having built one of the strongest iconic hospitality brands in Australia. Through a fast-expanding footprint, and the ability to give many flexible options to a growing clientele, there will be a continued focus in connecting people through experiencing amazing events and ensuring the family’s values of passion, commitment, integrity, trust, courage, and respect are reflected in the brand and their team.





50 YEARS OF… BREAKING TRENDS

50 YEARS OF… HEART PUMPING MOMENTS

50 YEARS OF… BURST OF FLAVOURS

50 YEARS OF… MINGLING IDEAS

A S P A R T O F T H E 5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y C E L E B R A T I O N S ,

W E I N V I T E Y O U T O S H A R E Y O U R M E M O R I E S O F E V E N T S

A T D O L T O N E H O U S E T H R O U G H O U T T H E D E C A D E S

D O L T O N E H O U S E . C O M . A U

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50 GOLDEN YEARS OF DOLTONE HOUSE · 2019-10-24 · 50 GOLDEN YEARS OF DOLTONE HOUSE Doltone House started as the realisation of a dream of the Stubbs family in 1969. In 1995, the