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Caravanning News is registered with the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archive |
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Retreat group plans a monster raffle
Fraser Coast's ageing caravan parks set for spruce up
QUEENSLAND'S Fraser Coast Regional Council
plans to spruce up its popular caravan parks. New offices/manager's
residences, wider internal road, and larger sites are among the key
elements of master plans for Pialba and Torquay beachfront parks. Cr Jade
Wellings, pictured, said the council had engaged SGL Consultants to
prepare master plans for parks at Burrum Heads, Scarness, Torquay and
Pialba to ensure they were commercially viable and met current standards
and visitor expectations. "The existing infrastructure in the parks is
ageing and needs replacing and the parks need upgrading to suit modern
'vans, especially RVs," she said.
Spring in the step of NSW families, says Reflections
Reflections Holiday Parks says there is a
spring in the step of NSW families as they gear up for winter school
holidays and enjoy one of the State's best seasons for a caravan and
camping break. Almost 21,000 accommodation vouchers have been used at
its parks to date. Chief executive Nick Baker said bookings throughout the
group's 37 Crown land holiday parks are looking strong for winter with
families using NSW Government Accommodation Vouchers to get out and enjoy
some spectacular locations. Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson
said the Parents NSW and Stay NSW Accommodation Vouchers give NSW families
$300 of credit to use towards holiday accommodation of their choice.
"Crown land holiday parks are in some of the state's most stunning coastal
and inland locations and the $250 in Parents NSW vouchers and $50 Stay NSW
vouchers can be used at any park until October 9 to help make holidays
more affordable," Mr Anderson said.
Camplify comes to aid of
PEER-to-peer caravan and RV hire company
Camplify has come to the aid of Woodburn residents made homeless by NSW
floodwaters. The victims are being offered at-home caravans in a new
program from the NSW Government which provided medium-term housing
solutions. Caravans will be located on residents' private property at no
cost. Camplify chief executive and founder Justin Hales said the
partnership project meant that residents would be able to remain in their
community as the recovery continues. "By repurposing our caravan supply in
this pilot program we can give people a place to stay on their own
properties while they manage the difficult task of repairing and
rebuilding from the floods," he said.
New YouTube video features 'caravan carnage' A DRAMATIC 7-minute video featuring "caravan carnage" including dramatic footage of caravan rollover and other accidents has been posted on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RjG0xdsUCY
Holiday parks chain partner new tourism campaign in NSW
THE Reflections Holiday Parks group has
encouraged holidaymakers to 'Feel More and Live More' after the launch of
a new tourism campaign promoting caravan and camping holidays
throughout NSW. The campaign, launched by Destination NSW in partnership with the Caravan
& Camping Industry Association, is part of the NSW Government’s 'Feel New'
brand, which promotes the natural wonders and cultural offerings of NSW.
Reflections Holiday Parks chief executive Nick Baker,
pictured, said Reflections
partnered with CCIA NSW on the Feel More, Live More campaign which aligned
with the nature-based, outdoor adventures guests experience at Reflections
parks. "Caravan and camping provide the perfect getaway for families to
enjoy quality time together," he said.
Safety notices issued Swift gas cooker alert after two injured
CARAVANNERS
have been warned to stop using Swift 500 series gas cookers after
explosions reportedly injured two travellers. Safety notices have been
issued following incidents involving the appliances which were later found
to be leaking. Resources Safety and Health Queensland said it had
identified a failure point in internal piping at the outlet connection
point of the front left control valve. "The failure point caused gas to
leak within the appliance and the leaking gas tracked to an undetermined
ignition source," it said. In a statement, Swift said it was liaising with
the ACCC, WA DMIRS and Resources Safety and Health Queensland. "We will
provide more information as soon as possible after conferring with the
regulatory bodies," it said. "Consumers must immediately cease using the
products until tests determine the cause and the products are deemed
safe."
Former BIG4 chairman Ron Cregan recognised in Birthday Honours list FORMER caravan park owner and chairman of the BIG4 holiday parks chain Ron Cregan has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Mr Cregan, from Catalina in NSW, received an Order of Australia Medal for his services to the caravan and camping industry. The news came as Mr Cregan, pictured, and wife Gloria toured the Northern Territory and northern WA in their caravan. He is no stranger to prestigious awards, being described as "an outstanding leader" when he was honoured at the NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney seven years ago. He was chairman of BIG4 Holiday Parks from 2014-17, vice-president of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (NSW) from 2009-12 and the former proprietor of Alvannex in Batemans Bay. He and his wife operated the BIG4 caravan park in Nelligen for almost 20 years. He said he was "shocked" when he found out about his OAM. "I suppose I was wondering whether I actually deserve it, but I was also elated that someone's been good enough to nominate me," he told media. See story on Mr Cregan's NSW Tourism award.
Government
grant takes Sunshine
Coast
caravan builder Zone
RV has received a Queensland Government 'Made in Queensland' grant of more
than $1.4 million. Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing
Glenn Butcher announced the handout at the company's Sunshine Coast
facility during Australian Manufacturing Week. "This funding will help
Zone RV invest in an advanced composite division
and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which is going to support
90 new jobs and take this fantastic business to new levels," he said.
"Through Made in Queensland, the Queensland Government is supporting
manufacturers to invest in new technologies and create more jobs. This is
a win for local businesses and local communities and it’s something this
government is incredibly proud of." Zone RV
founder David Biggar said the company was born from the need for improved
technology, design and operating efficiencies in the caravan industry.
"This grant is helping us realise this vision," he said.
Police issue tow-talk to shivering southerners heading north
POLICE have released a raft of advice as
shivering caravanners abandon the southern states and head north for
Queensland's winter warmth. "With this increase of visitors to the
area, it is a timely reminder to consider the implications of towing
caravans and trailers," they said. Sergeant John Ridgway from the Mareeba
Highway Patrol pointed out that towing was very different from everyday
driving, requiring additional driving skills and safety precautions.
"Cornering and the braking performance of vehicles are affected when
towing," he said.
Sunseeker caravan auction aids
SUNSEEKER
auctioned off a replica TIAV caravan with all proceeds above the
reserve price going to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. The auction
took place on June 11 at Queensland’s biggest caravan show – the
Let's Go Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow at Brisbane Showgrounds.
Sunseeker was able to donate $50,000 to help support the foundation. The
winning bidder will receive the caravan for $190k. The Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s key role is educating all children about
their personal safety. The 23ft three- bunk family caravan provides a
generous living area and comes with a large kitchen with loads of bench
space and a massive club lounge perfect for family meals, work or
schooling whilst on the road.
Take a road trip ... and pocket a million dollars into the bargain ONE lucky camper will pocket a million dollars by simply enjoying a road trip and supporting Australian tourism. Caravan Industry Association of Australia has launched a new campaign in which caravanners and travellers will help regional businesses recover from the COVID slump. "The aim is to encourage all Australians and the 840,000 registered RVs in Australia to take a winter trip," association marketing general manager Keelan Howard explained. The entry system is determined based on a zoning system collaborating with over 1405 caravan parks across the nation. The further away participants camp from their state's capital city, the more points they will accrue. The campaign ends on October 31, 2022. "Taking one extra camping trip this winter is not only good for your wellness and happiness, but it also supports regional tourism and puts the money directly into the hands of small business," Mr Howard said. "It's great for supporting regional Australia." To help spread the message, use hashtag #RoadToAMillion and tag at @letsgocaravanandcamping on Instagram and Facebook. 'Fee structure a debacle'
Clubs join ranks to take
Sydney's 'unfair' CARAVAN and
motorhome owners are continuing their battle with the
road toll system in Sydney.
Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia chief executive Richard
Barwick and Australian Caravan Club chairman Ken Newton recently joined
forces and, under the umbrella of RV Clubs of Australia, met with both
sides of Government to discuss key issues.
Changes to vehicle classifications brought height into the equation, which
meant caravans were tolled at the same rate on two motorways as a B-double
truck and trailer. CMCA chief executive described the
fee structure as a "debacle".
Upgrading underway at Lorne Foreshore caravan park
UPGRADING the
family-friendly Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park’s Queens Park site on
Victoria's Great Ocean Road is underway.
Work will include a new enclosed kitchen and undercover BBQ area,
improvements to the existing toilet and amenities and new water tanks.
The kitchen and BBQ area will include new seating and features such
as ramps to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act,
welcoming more caravan park guests with a disability to enjoy
the enhanced experience.
Sandgroper caravanners prepare for medical emergencies MEMBERS of
the WA-based Sandgroper Caravanners group have prepared themselves for
dealing with possible medical emergencies during their rallies. Formed
in late 1999, the club caters mostly for retired or near to retirement
people who own either a pop top or a full size caravan. They recently
refreshed essential first aid skills through the Royal Life Saving WA’s
newly-launched Heart Beat 45+ First Aid refresher course. Delivered by
trainer Cathie Calleja, it covered CPR and first aid components including
cardiac arrest, sunstroke, choking, hypothermia, shock, bleeding, and
bites and stings.
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