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Caravanning News is registered with the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archive

JULY 2018
 

  BREAKING NEWS

JULY 31:
Holiday park on Nepean Hwy at Dromana in Victoria cordoned off for three hours last night after reports of gunshot. Man, 51, arrested and charged with being prohibited person possessing firearm.

Nova caravanJULY 29:
Back-to-back Manufacturer of the Year champion Nova Caravans is celebrating record sales at SA's Let's Go Caravan and Camping Sale. It chalked up over $1 million worth of business during the four-day event which closed today at the Adelaide Showgrounds. Its local dealer, Adelaide RV, was said to be overjoyed. The news comes just weeks after Melbourne-based Nova was named Caravan & RV Manufacturer of the Year for the second year running at the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria Hall of Fame Business Awards.

JULY 29:
Caravan rolls on Queensland's Bruce Highway about 30km north of Gin Gin. No further details available.

Kimberley Kampers and Bruce LoxtonJULY 27:
NSW-based Kimberley Kampers has gone bust, throwing up to 70 staff staff out of work. Determined efforts to save the cash-strapped company, which went into voluntary administration last December, have failed. No details of the company's financial state have been publicly released. Gates at the Ballina factory have been locked and liquidators appointed. Kimberley Kampers was named Ballina Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year and is the holder of two Telstra Business Awards. Bruce Loxton (pictured inset) ‒ boss since 2003 ‒ last year put his $4.55 million Potts Point penthouse in inner-Sydney on the market. He resigned as company director soon after the company went into administration. Business partner Todd Cannock took control and is understood to have sunk substantial investment funds into the struggling company.

JULY 26:
Electrical fault thought to have caused blaze which destroyed travellers’ motorhome at Coffs Harbour caravan park on NSW’s Pacific Highway adjacent to showgrounds tonight. No one injured but fire service spokesman said the owners had lost everything. "It was their home," he explained.

North Beach Hall of Fame winJULY 26:
BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park at Coffs Harbour was last night inducted into the NSW North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. This follows triple wins in the caravan and holiday parks category. Park Beach has been operating as a holiday park since 1933 and has been run by Coffs Harbour City Council since 2000. Holiday Parks and Reserves manager Jason Bailey said the achievement was a credit to the park's hard working team. "Members go out of their way to make sure people have a happy and memorable stay," he said. Photo: Administration manager Karen Beavis, operations manager Sean Hone and Mr Bailey with the Hall of Fame award.

JULY 26:
BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster Tuncurry scooped Gold in the Regional Tourism Award's caravan and holiday parks category for the NSW North Coast region. Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks took out Silver.

JULY 26:
Fleetwood, which recently offloaded its loss-making Coromal and Windsor caravan building activities to the global Apollo company for $1m, has acquired Melbourne-based caravan plumbing parts supplier Northern RV for $10m.

JULY 25:
South Australia's District Council of Mount Remarkable is seeking expressions of interest for contract park manager(s) and relief manager(s) for Melrose Caravan Park in the Southern Flinders Ranges.

Caliope rest area facilitesJULY 24:
One of the most popular rest areas on Queensland's Bruce Highway has been closed. Gladstone Regional Council today announced that the Calliope River Rest Area (northside) is temporarily out of action due to issues with the amenities. "We understand this camping ground is especially popular at this time of year with interstate visitors, but it's important the facilities are maintained in good working order to provide a comfortable environment for everyone," it said in a statement posted on Facebook. "We are now investigating the problems with the amenities and will do everything we can to return them to optimum working condition." It is understood the south side of the river is available for all RVs, self-contained or not. "We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause travellers and look forward to informing you when the area is reopened," the statement added. Caravanning News was unable to contact anyone at the council for comment.

JULY 23:
Two travellers taken to hospital after campervan rolled on Queensland's Bruce Highway at Ilbilbie this morning. Injuries not believed to be serious.

JULY 23:
Rural Aid gathering an army of grey nomads to help NSW sheep farmer Les Jones and his family who are desperately struggling to save their animals from certain death as the worst drought in 14 years hits their farm at Goolhi in the State's northwest.

Missing KelpieJULY 21:
Caravanners and other travellers, particularly in caravan parks and camping grounds, have been urged to keep an eye out for a missing dog in Western Australia. Meg, a black and tan Kelpie, disappeared from the Meeragoolia Homestead a few days ago and it is thought she may have befriended a grey nomad. The owner's mother, Courtney Robinson, told Caravanning News the retired and microchipped working dog was well loved and was last seen on Tuesday heading towards Gascoyne Junction Road 4km east of the Meeragoolia turnoff. "She had a distinct right paw which looks quite flat, an injury she received during a run-in with a cow," she said. It is thought she may have been picked up by a traveller roughly halfway between Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction. "If you know of someone that suddenly has a nice, calm older Kelpie please check if it's Meg. Her flat foot will easily help identify her," Courtney said. Anyone with information is urged to phone 0899485002 or 0899425949. Caravan parks and camping grounds.

JULY 21:
Melbourne-based Caravan Parks of Australia is advertising for a caravan support officer for its Carrum Downs Holiday Park ... and advises: "This job is not for the faint-hearted."

JULY 19:
Girl, aged 3, taken by ambulance to Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital with lacerations and abrasions to leg and forehead after accident involving slow moving car at Sussex Inlet caravan park in NSW.

JULY 19:
Caravan rolls on Hume Freeway near Barnawartha in Victoria. Emergency services on scene.

JULY 19:
Man who died after his sedan collided head on with 4WD towing caravan on Mitchell Hwy south of Wellington in NSW thought to have suffered heart attack. Caravanners treated for minor injuries.

Overturned caravan on New England HwyJULY 19:
A caravanner fled the scene of an accident in which another caravanner's rig rolled, it has been revealed. Police are now looking for the driver whose caravan is believed to have the word 'Winnebago'” written on it. They have also appealed for witnesses of Tuesday's crash, which happened as the caravan was overtaking another on Queensland's New England Highway. The callous driver of the overtaking rig failed to stop, despite the other caravan and tow vehicle flipping onto their sides at St Aubyn, just south of Cooyar. The driver escaped serious injuries. Both rigs had been heading south along the highway, towards Crows Nest. Anyone with information or saw the incident should contact Cooyar Police on (07) 4612-5055.

JULY 19:
Site of the former Crossroads Caravan Park on the corner of Deakin Avenue and Fifteenth Street at Mildura in Victoria is to get a new lease of life ... as home to an Aldi supermarket.

JULY 19:
Three people have been charged after a stolen caravan was recovered from a large rural property at Calavos, Bundaberg. Queensland Police told Caravanning News today that two men, aged 28 and 38, and a 23-year-old woman would appear in court at a later date. The 17ft 2016 Jayco Starcraft Outback twin-axle pop-top caravan disappeared from outside a house in La Frantz Drive, Tinana.

JULY 19:
Two people treated in hospital for burns after gas exploded in a caravan at Silverwood Drive in Cooroibah, Noosa, Queensland, last night.

JULY 18:
Emergency services attended scene of caravan accident on Newell Highway at Eumungerie in NSW today. No further details available.

Stolen caravanJULY 18:
Thieves made off with a Jayco caravan from a home in Maryborough, Queensland. The crooks were captured on CCTV as they towed the 2016 Starcraft Outback twin-axle caravan away in the early hours from the house in La Frantz Drive Tinana. Its registration number is 603UCY.

JULY 18:
Gladstone Show Society told to close its overnight RV facilities at Gladstone Showgrounds in Queensland or abandon the $25-a-night charge after complaints it was operating as a commercial caravan park.

JULY 17:
Shares in Apollo Tourism & Leisure, which now has a broad range of RV businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the US, soared 4.73 percent yesterday.

JULY 17:
Winnebago motorhome crashes into tree after careering off Victoria's Great Alpine Road near Europin, killing the 60-year-old lone female driver. Police have ruled out speed as the cause of the accident.

Salt Creek RoadhouseJULY 16:
Owner Adam Stewart has closed his Salt Creek Roadhouse on the Princes Highway in South Australia in protest against alleged government mismanagement of his region, the Coorong. But he has made sure grey nomads will not be too seriously affected ... the caravan park adjacent to his roadhouse will remain open for camping throughout the closure,. "I have chosen to do this to make a statement to the powers that be that Salt Creek is an important little area and that council, highways and the National Parks Department can't go on mismanaging the region," he says on his Facebook page. "Salt Creek is a very important half-way break, tourist destination, camping, fishing and 4x4 area with a strong indigenous culture that generates tens of millions of dollars into this state's economy." His roadhouse will reopen on September 1.

JULY 16:
Locals in South Australian outback towns are up in arms about thoughtless grey nomads using valuable town water supplies ... to wash their rigs.

Geurie caravan blazeJULY 15:
Grey nomad couple in their eighties are mourning the death of their beloved pet dog which died in a fierce NSW caravan blaze. The travellers managed to scramble clear of the inferno on a rest area alongside the Mitchell Highway at Geurie, but their eight-year-old Pekingese could not be saved. They had stopped after towing their caravan from Orange, about 120km away. Police said they were in the caravan when a fire ignited from what they believe was a leaking gas cylinder inside. Passers-by helped the couple to safety shortly before the caravan burned to the chassis. They escaped serious injuries but were taken to Wellington Hospital for observation. "Quick action from the RFS prevented significant damage occurring to the car towing the caravan," a police spokesperson said.

JULY 14:
Melboourne-based Jayco Caravans is advertising for new factory workers and enticing them with a range of benefits ... including an onsite health club with personal trainers and a salt room. The company, which has snared almost 50 percent of Australia's RV sales, has been building recreational vehicles for over 43 years.

JULY 14:
Hobart's Lord Mayor Ron Christie is anxious to turn the city into an RV-friendly destination, by providing grey nomads with overnight camping facilities at the historic 9ha Macquarie Point adjoining Hobart docks and waterfront.

Seal Rocks caravan park firepitJULY 13:
Following the completion of a $6 million revamp in February this year, the team at Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks is celebrating the announcement that the park is a finalist at the upcoming 2018 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. The popular holiday park is part of the Reflections Holiday Parks group and has been recognised in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category. The awards are a celebration of the outstanding achievements of tourism operators throughout the region, with the winners to be announced on July 25. Photo: Seal Rocks park managers Eddy and Justine Syme say their new firepit is a winner with guests.

Hair-raising event for cancer charityJULY 13:
Nick Skipper is a cut above the rest ... and he is about to prove it. The Perth Central Caravan Park's assistant manager, who has been growing his hair for two years, is donating it to the Children's Cancer Foundation. Nick has already taken part in fundraising events such as Run for a Reason and Daffodil Day after seeing many loved ones lose their battle to the horrible disease. He hopes his hair-raising effort will raise at least $500 before August. The Foundation funds clinical research, clinical care and provide family support to ensure the highest standards of diagnosis, treatment and support for both child and family. If anyone wants to help, contact the caravan park on 1300 060 or (08) 9277 1704.

Kirra Beach dog photo competitionJULY 12:
Kirra Beach Tourist Park on the Gold Coast will soon boast a new self-service dog wash facility. And to celebrate, Gold Coast Holiday Parks has launched a Face of the Dogwash photo competition. "We all like to freshen up after a day out exploring and soaking up the great outdoors, including our four-legged companions," it said. "We're calling on dog-loving owners to enter their cutest canine, proudest pup or most magnificent mutt in our photo competition." The event is open to all dog owners available to stay at the park and take part in its photo shoot before the end of this year. First prize is valued at $2000 and includes accommodation, photo print and complimentary dog wash package. There will also be consolation prizes worth $100 each.

Caravan loses tyreJULY 12:
Caravan lost tyre on busy southbound lanes of Queensland's Bruce Highway south of Rockhampton today. The rig partially blocked the highway near the CQ University entrance from around 8am, causing a build-up of traffic. Large trucks were only just squeezing past the disabled New Age caravan. No one was injured.

JULY 12:
Shares in Ingenia Communities Group, which operates a nationwide chain of lifestyle and holiday parks, opened at a 12-month high of $3.20 today.

Carmila Beach campsiteJULY 12:
Grey nomads have reportedly launched a loud campaign to protest about the $10-a-night overnight camping fee at Carmila Beach in north Queensland. "Retired John" wrote on the web-based Caravaners Forum: "Apparently RVs of all sorts have adapted the attitude of tooting the horn as they drive right on by so the people are aware of just how many people are now bypassing the tiny town. I thought it was a great idea and could be adapted to other places that are not RV friendly." But fellow members have slammed the idea and have called for the noisy protesters to be fined. "I am horrified at the suggestion of tooting the horn just to annoy people," wrote one. "The caravanning-motorhoming public get a bad enough from the actions of a few inconsiderate people, but to suggest something like this will see that bad reputation enhanced." It was suggested travellers should contact local businesses and urge them to raise the issue with the local council.

JULY 10:
Victorian grey nomad seriously injured in a caravan accident five days ago on a remote Queensland highway died in hospital today. The 71-year-old woman was at the wheel when her vehicle towing the caravan rolled on the Kennedy Developmental Road near Minnamoolka. She and her 72-year-old husband, who received minor injuries, were taken to the Townsville Hospital. Police said Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit into the cause of the accident are continuing.

JULY 10:
Victoria's Loddon Shire Council is looking for a "suitably experienced" caravan park caretaker to operate the Wedderburn Pioneer Caravan Park. Situated on Crown land and the former botanical gardens in Hospital Street, the park is reported to have a solid visitor base. It offers 60 powered sites and many unpowered and spacious camping ones.

dog levyJULY 10
Pet-loving grey nomads and other travellers with dogs are angry over news that Sunshine Coast Regional Council-owned caravan parks will slap a $5 daily levy on their canines. Caravanneer Frank Harding told Caravanning News it another blow for the travellers' pocket. "With ever-increasing site fees, some park owners are out to grab every dollar they can," he complained. "Fuel costs are out of control and now we have to dig even deeper into our pockets to meet these unreasonable charges for our pets. It's not as though they going to use any of the parks' facilities. Shame on the council." The council says it will pour the proceeds into providing facilities for the pooches.

JULY 10:
BIG4 Capricorn Palms Holiday Park on Queensland’s iconic Capricorn Coast is now operating under the NRMA banner. NRMA Parks and Resorts has bought the park and renamed it the NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park. The purchase brings the number of NRMA branded parks and resorts to 23, with further expansion expected in coming months. Chief executive Paul Davies said holiday parks were "the cornerstone of the quintessential Australian driving holiday". "NRMA's expansion in the industry is a tangible way for us to safeguard this wonderful tradition for future generations," he added.

JULY 9:
Tropicana caravan park at Sarina in Queensland on the market for $1.6 million.

JULY 9:
Man and female partner who took a 14,000km road trip in stolen Ford Ranger and caravan thought to have been stolen in Victoria have appeared in Kununurra Magistrate’s Court in WA. They journeyed through WA, South Australia, Victoria, NSW, South Australia again and up to the Northern Territory before being apprehended. The 43-year-old man was jailed for a year for taking the car and fined $700 for stealing fuel. His partner was fined $2000.

JULY 8:
Residents of WA's tiny town of Walpole ‒ population around 500 ‒ up in arms after learning that two historic wooden guesthouses built by settlers almost 100 years ago will be demolished to make way for multi-million dollar redevelopment at Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park.

JULY 7:
Caravan reportedly jackknifes and becomes unhitched from tow vehicle on Queensland's Cunningham Highway near Ripley exit. No further details available.

JULY 7:
Manager of NSW's Brigadoon Caravan Park at North Haven offers $500 reward for information leading to conviction after thieves stole fishing rods, surf board and iPod dock from his on-site home.

Nova Caravans with Manufacturer of the Year awardJULY 7:
Nova Caravans retained the Caravan & RV Manufacturer of the Year title for the second year running at last night's Caravan Industry Association of Victoria Hall of Fame Business Awards. After receiving the Excellence in Caravan & RV Manufacturing gong, it paid tribute to its dealership network, customers, suppliers, advertising agencies and staff, saying: "Without your hard work and dedication this wouldn't be possible." The Excellence in Dealer/Retail Award went to Ian Grant’s Caravans while Harding Swift Caravan Services received the Excellence in Service & Repairer Award.

JULY 6:
Emergency services at scene of car and caravan accident on Carnarvon Hwy north of Moree in NSW. No further details available.

Fleetwood Corp logoJULY 6:
Fleetwood, who recently announced it had offloaded its loss-making Coromal and Windsor caravan manufacturing operations for $1 million, has lost its company secretary. Yanya O'Hara has resigned, leaving the Perth-based company looking for a replacement. Chief financial officer Andrew Wackett has been appointed interim company secretary. Ms O'Hara joined Fleetwood as assistant company secretary in 2011 and was appointed company secretary three years later. She was previously a corporate attorney in New York and a barrister and solicitor in Perth. Fleetwood managing director Brad Denison said Ms O'Hara had made an "immense contribution" to the company over the past seven years and the board wished her well in her next venture. Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to switch the building of Coromal and Windsor caravans to a factory 4000km away. The two brands were recently sold to Apollo Tourism and Leisure following falling sales and heavy pressure from shareholders to offload its caravan business in the face of high production costs and savage discounting by other RV manufacturers in Victoria.

JULY 6:
Two Victorian grey nomads in their 70s in hospital after car towing caravan rolled on Queensland's Kennedy Developmental Road near Minnamoolka yesterday afternoon. Female driver in critical condition while husband treated for minor injuries.

JULY 5:
Three people taken to hospital after head-on collision involving car and a ute towing caravan on Princes Highway at Lake Conjola Entrance Road intersection in NSW.

JULY 5:
Fair Work Commission orders Two Shores Holiday Village at The Entrance in NSW to pay former 62-year-old casual handyman Anthony Morley nearly $19,000 for unfair dismissal.

JULY 5:
Two caravanners were taken to hospital after a smash on Queensland's Bunya Highway today. The accident at Pirrinuan, on the Western Downs about 20km north of Dalby, involved a truck and Izuzu ute towing the Jurgens caravan. One report said a man had to be freed from the Izuzu. A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson told Caravanning News two males were taken to Dalby hospital, one suffering a knee injury and the other with back pains.

Michael McIvorJULY 5:
Caravan Industry Association of Australia Future Leaders Committee chairman Michael McIvor (pictured) has praised younger members of the industry. But he has urged them to occasionally "step outside their comfort zones" and take risks so they can "grow along with our fantastic industry".

JULY 5:
The first sod has been turned in a 50-acre development which will see Bulahdelah in NSW boast a new caravan park with 169 caravan and camping sites. The
River Myall Holiday Resort is expected to open within a year.

Hervey Bay caravan crooksJULY 4:
Opportunistic thieves have been busy robbing grey nomads and other travellers at Hervey Bay in Queensland. Maryborough Police said the crooks have raided caravans, tents and motorhomes and campers along Charlton Esplanade in the last couple of weeks. "As a result, police are asking holidaymakers to remain vigilant and ensure they lock up prior to retiring for the night," Senior Constable Melanie Ryan said. Thieves were targeting money, alcohol, cigarettes, food, passports, mobile phones, iPods, laptops, cameras, GPSs and fishing gear. "Reduce the risks of becoming a victim. Lock and secure your property before you leave (this includes caravan annexes and tents) and don’t leave items on display," Sen Const Ryan added.

JULY 4:
Residents at Kin Kora Caravan and Residential Home Park in Gladstone lose battle to block plans for adjoining car wash facility.

JULY 3:
Caravams were involved in two accidents within two hours this afternoon. The first completely blocked the New England Hwy between Crows Nest and Hampton, Qld. The second involved a rollover on NSW's Castlereagh Hwy at Walgett. Emergency services attended both crashes but no further information is available at this time.

Tour de France shirts from Let's Go MotorhomesJULY 3:
Australia's caravan and camping industry is now officially linked to the Tour de France. RV rental company Let's Go Motorhomes is sponsoring the Mitchelton Scott team and will take the Australian caravan and camping lifestyle to the international stage. General manager Tom Newsom said the company was keen to raise the awareness that the same style of holidays can be undertaken in Australia, exploring the fabulous Australian coast and outback. "The Tour de France is one of the most watched spectator sporting events in the world and increasingly people are choosing to holiday based on their personal hobbies, be it food, wine, golf or cycling," he said. Channel 7's Sunrise weather team will broadcast from NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park tomorrow morning for a special Tour de France event.

JULY 3:
Gas drama unfolding at Queensland caravan park. Guests and staff are reportedly being evacuated from Lake Awoonga Caravan Park near Gladstone. Fire crews at scene after a large gas bottle began leaking.
UPDATE: Gladstone Area Water Board said the recreational area, including caravan park, has been re-opened. "Thank you to emergency services who were in attendance and helped resolve the issue as quickly as possible, allowing visitors to get back to enjoying this beautiful holiday weather," it said.

CIAA videoJULY 3:
A caravan is built in Australia at the rate of one every five minutes, says Caravan Industry Association of Australia chairman Grant Wilckens. He makes the point in the first of a new series of monthly videos on YouTube giving an updated overview of the caravan and camping industry. Each will focus on topics relevant at the time including news, reports, activities and events. The first edition, posted a few days ago, has already attracted nearly 100 viewers. To view, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MgGsuq81Cc

JULY 2:
Wire safety barrier has prevented an out-of-control car and caravan from veering into oncoming traffic on Calder Highway near Harcourt in Victoria. The caravanners escaped unhurt but it took several hours to disentangle the tow vehicle from the wires.

Caravan jackknifes on Kuranda RangeJULY 1:
Kennedy Highway on Kuranda Range in north Queensland blocked after 4WD and twin-axle New Age caravan jackknife. No other vehicle thought to be involved. Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said no one injured in the accident.
 

JULY 1:
Queensland firefighters rushed to reported caravan fire at Oasis Caravan Park on the New England Highway at Warwick last night. Damage confined to battery, which owner had already removed before they arrived.

JULY 1:
District Council of Loxton in SA is offering two-year contract for caravan park managers to run 146-site Loxton Riverfront Holiday Park on banks of Murray River.

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