Thank you Andrew, and go well
Next Act for Andrew!
The last day of February 2026 marked a significant milestone for Andrew Sharp and the Barraba community. For the last twenty three years, Andrew and the Playhouse Hotel have been a central landmark in Barraba, putting the hotel on the map in Barraba and Barraba itself on the map in the New England.
On Saturday afternoon Andy Wright and Miro Klacko hosted an informal, friendly, (and large!) gathering at Andy’s Guesthouse of locals and some from further afield, and from all walks of life. This was very appropriate for a farewell for Andrew, whose hotel has welcomed travellers and community like family, making everyone feel at home. When the Central Hotel became the Playhouse Hotel it was originally owned and managed by Andrew alongside Haddon Witten, whom Andrew met in England.
As most readers are aware, the Wittens are a large established Barraba family, so Andrew came to Barraba with his friend Haddon to meet and then live with Haddon’s father Johnny (“J.L.”) Witten at Barraba Station. But times and circumstances change, and Haddon returned to Europe, leaving Andrew with the daunting task of running the hotel. However, Andrew’s boundless energy and vibrant personality, overlain with a quirky sense of humour, endeared him and the hotel to the community whether it be with movies, concerts, live shows, family functions or comfortable accommodation for travellers.
Thank you, Andrew, and good luck for your next venture!