The plan is to raise enough money to do some refurbishing and further establish a bar area and dining room at the popular premises.

It was estimated $165,000 was needed to complete the work. 

Brian Whiteley explained that he – and his three daughters and their partners – took over the reins of the business back in 2016.

Mr Whiteley and his wife Anna-Marie together with daughter Emma, and husband Stephen Vieira, Eva and James Van Strijp and Alice and Gerard Erbacher own the business. 

They were keen to see the pub stay open and remain in local hands. 

So far they had been overwhelmed by support from the local community and also travellers and people from further afield.

He said the plans to open up the new area were discussed earlier on but it was vital to find funds to complete the project. 

“We really want to create a family atmosphere,” he said.

And while the crowd funding has already been launched – and some money pledged – he said it wasn’t about seeking a hand out.

“We are planning to give back,” he said.

Mr Whiteley said the crowd funding project allowed people to become involved in the business and interest wasn’t isolated to those from the local area.

He said any money pledged would earn some type of credit from the business.

That might mean that someone who donates could earn a free meal.

“We don’t want charity,” he said. 

The spirit of keeping country pubs in rural and regional areas in southern NSW operational has gained momentum in recent times.

In addition to the Kings Own earning a new lease on life after the family showed their support last year the nearby Henty pub was also saved from possible demise last year too. 

The historic Doodle Cooma Arms – which opened in 1889 – was threatened by closure but experienced a reprieve in late last year when new owners took over. 

Josh and Tanya Corrigan took over the reins in mid-December. The Henty-based couple came to the hotel’s rescue at the 11th hour to take over from former owner, Paddy Hodgkin. 

Mr Corrigan’s parents Pat and Jenny owned and later leased the pub in the 1990s.

“We are local people and have always been big supporters of the community,” he said.

“Anything voluntary for the community we are always trying to help out. “We were living in hope someone would come along and purchase it.”