November 2011

Action-packed muster at Bingara

History-making move opens doors to all RVs

AAA members at one of their muster sessions

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IN a history-making move, the Australian Caravan Club has opened its ranks to all RVers.

At its fifth annual general meeting of the club at Bingara in NSW, a resolution was carried allowing anyone owning a recreational vehicle ... whether it be a camper-trailer, caravan, fifth-wheeler, campervan or motorhome - to join.

And in another sweeping change, full voting rights were given to both members of a couple – effectively doubling the number of members to around 2500.

Two other new initiatives saw the formation of a group called ACC Lone Trekkers for solo travellers and a Technical Advisory Group to investigate all aspects of RV safety.

With branches in every mainland state and more in the pipeline, the ACC brands itself as a truly national body with a role of not only promoting social activities for members but of lobbying to protect the rights of all RVers.

This includes approaching councils and other bodies when attacks are made on free or budget camping.

About 250 club members gathered for an action-packed muster at Bingara last month.

Speakers gave tips on security while on the road, fishing, computers, legal issues and sharing the road with trucks.

Social activities included a Boules Competition and tours to a farm and Copeton Dam.

There were also line dancing sessions, craft groups, a hamburger night, trivia and charades.

A Blue Ribbon afternoon tea raised more than $600 for the Cancer Council and a speaker from the local hospital outlined different cancer risks.

The Inverell Male Voice Choir gave a recital of old favourites before a session called Conversations with the Board.

The Saturday evening dinner and country music from a band led by ACC member Vince Pagett was a great success.

There was a communal breakfast and raffle draw on the final day.

Next year’s National Muster will be at Mallacoota in Victoria.

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Caravans at the ACC muster: soon to be joined by recreational vehicles of all classes after history-making decision

New team takes over the
reins of nationwide club

THERE'S a new team leading the Australian Caravan Club.

After five years in the chair, well-known magazine columnist and caravanning identity Lionel Mussell has handed over the chairmanship to NSW grazier Tom Smith.

But he will still play an active role in the club as its official publicity officer.

New Directors Debbie Cohen from Sydney and Brian Ward from Queensland join Mr Smith while Craig Humphries has taken over the role of secretary.

Former secretary Alan Lazarus, while not a director, will still be kept busy as assistant secretary.

"With new team and constitutional changes, I feel the Australian Caravan Club is poised to become one of the leading players in the RV scene," Mr Smith said.

He praised Mr Mussell and Mr Lazarus for their work in building up the club.

"The efforts of these two people have given us a great foundation to build on, and I thank them for it," Mr Smith added.