Retreat group plans a monster raffle

Photo: Members pictured at previous get-together

THE Queensland Retreat Caravan Group will stage a seven-day get-together at Kerribee Park, Mareeba, from July 24. Members will travel from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Highlight of the occasion will be a monster raffle, with prizes donated from members and businesses. All proceeds will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Have your say

   Consultants preparing master plans

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.

   Vouchers proving popular

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.    Have your say

'We can give people a place to stay'

Camplify comes to aid of
NSW flood victims

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

'The perfect getaway for families'

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."    Have your say

'Outstanding leader'

Former BIG4 chairman Ron Cregan recognised in Birthday Honours list

Have your say

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.

'Australian Manufacturing week' handout

Government grant takes
Zone RV to 'new levels'

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.

  Timely reminder

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
Daniel Morcombe Foundation

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. Have your say

  Help businesses recover

Take a road trip ... and pocket a million dollars into the bargain

Have your say

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'
toll system to both sides of government

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".

Welcome for guests with disability

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.

   Hands-on learning

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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