Members 'strong' in wanting to help

National caravan club to support
drought and bushfire communities

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THE 4600-member Australian Caravan Club will be directly supporting drought and bushfire-affected communities during the next few months.

More than 120 RVs and 200 members will descend on Charters Towers in north Queensland for a week-long rally beginning May 14.

"I had envisaged about 70 RVs attending but I am really overwhelmed with the response from members to visit the region," ACC chairman Craig Humphrey (pictured) said.

"As a group of senior RV travellers covering the four corners of this great country, our members have seen the devastation caused by drought and other severe weather events.

"They have been very strong in wanting to provide more support in drought-affected areas.

"Research indicates that when our members stay in rural areas they spend up to $100 a day which supports local business."

Members will visit several local attractions, enjoy catered meals and support a local charity organisation.

To further assist regional Queensland, the ACC will partner Suncoast Caravan Service to support the Grass Roots Tour 2020 in March.

The tour will comprise a group of up to 50 'vans heading to Stanthorpe initially and ending in Miles.

There will be sponsored happy-hour events along the way to support nominated community groups in each town.

There will be talks from local business people, some of our corporate sponsors and local dignitaries.

"We will also be asking everyone to drop their receipts into a collection box every night so we can share how much of an impact caravanning tourism has on local communities," Suncoast marketing manager Letitia Twist explained.

Another initiative being considered by the Australian Caravan Club involves arranging a collective event for all members of RV clubs in Australia.

These include National Association of Caravan Clubs, Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia Limited and the Australian RV & Touring Club.

Having members from all organisations will have a significant impact on the regions where the events are held.

Mr Humphrey said the idea was in the early planning stages.

"The ACC is strongly supportive of such an historic gathering at a time where the collective might of the RV clubs of Australia can be used to assist the drought and bushfire affected areas," he said.

"These are examples of RV travellers being able to directly support affected regions and I commend both the organisers and members for such a positive reaction to date."