Manilla: set to welcome caravan rally

Caravanners 'a valued group' for tourism

NSW State rally set
 to celebrate nomads

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NEXT year's NSW Association of Caravan Clubs State Rally will celebrate the growing popularity of caravanning and the nomadic lifestyle.

The 29-member Tamworth and District Caravan and Leisure Club will host the annual gathering at Manilla on March 20-22 when more than 100 caravans are expected to converge on the local showground.

Committee members Ian Butler, Pam Wilson, Brian and Helen Hayward, Frank Wilson and Gavin Waters are planning a range of activities and entertainment for the weekend.

Secretary Pam Wilson told Caravanning News that members felt honoured when asked to arrange the event.

"We were a little apprehensive at first because we are a small club and thought how can we host a rally," she said.

"But after discussing the matter at a meeting it was decided 'we can do it' and we are well on the way with organising the event.

"After some members attended this year's state rally at Bathurst, we felt good that people from other clubs came to us and offered their help."

The theme for the rally is Nomads.

Association secretary John Spencer said Manilla was seen as a good location with all the facilities needed for people attending the rally.

"The association has a policy of rotating the annual around the state to raise awareness of caravanning as a lifestyle and to benefit rural communities," he said.

"After going to Bathurst this year we were looking for somewhere north and the Tamworth club agreed to be the host."

He hoped the rally would be as successful as this year's at Bathurst, which attracted 120 caravans. About $60,000 was poured into the local community.

Tamworth Mayor Col Murray said Manilla could expect positive economic benefits from hosting the 2015 rally.

"I'm so glad we were able to accommodate the event there. This is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase a beautiful part of the Tamworth region to hundreds of visitors," he said.

"Caravan owners are a valued group in the tourism industry economy. Studies have shown that caravan and recreational vehicle travellers typically spend more than $100 a day in a community on site fees, fuel, groceries, dining out, tours and admission fees, vehicle maintenance and incidentals.

"Tamworth Regional Council is working as part of Namoi Councils to develop 'grey nomad friendly' strategies to increase visitation."

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