A LEADING figure and tireless worker for Western Australia's
caravanning industry has been elected head of her local chamber of
commerce and industry.
And Donna Cocking believes her new role as president of the Peel Chamber
of Commerce and Industry will "mesh quite beautifully" with her presidency
of the Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia (CIAWA).
She and husband Reg have owned the four-star, 113-site Mandurah Caravan
and Tourist Park for 14 years and are actively involved in their local
community.
Donna told Caravanning News: "We are very passionate about the Peel
region, one of the fastest growing areas in Australia. We have everything
here but snow!"
The 47-year-old mother of two has an impressive history in caravanning
circles.
She has chaired the CIAWA Parks Committee, represented the association on
government advisory committees and was the WA representative on the
national AAA Tourism Review Committee and National Review of Caravan
Industry Training Qualifications. She is also WA State director for the Top
Tourist chain of caravan parks.
Donna said she and Reg had built up their popular tourist park while
working in partnership with businesses and the local business community.
"I see my new role as a way to give something back because we have
benefited from business in this beautiful region, and it's very exciting
to represent the Peel chamber," she said.
The couple came from a farming district but decided to try something
different. "We had never owned our own business so it was a big sea change
for us when we bought the caravan park. But we have never regretted the
move ... it's fantastic and a great lifestyle here," she said.
Donna explained that she had seen big changes in caravanning over the
years.
"It does a cycle ... and at the moment it's heavily into a real sense of
social culture whereby families are into camping, fishing ... all those
things that traditionally we did when we were kids.
"I think families now need that opportunity to break away from their
cubicles and beige walls of work. That's why the Peel region is so
significant ... it provides the complete getaway that people don't get
time for nowadays. The caravan park allows you to get away and relax and
be with family and friends, enjoying the outdoor Australian lifestyle that
we all yearn for."
On the subject of ever increasing caravan park fees, Donna believed
holidaymakers were provided with a wide choice, with each park marketing
to a dedicated sector.
"The industry caters for the more basic style of camping right through to
the five-star resort," she explained. "So we have the most unique industry
in terms of the offering and choice.
"I think that prices are also conditional on where the caravan park is
situated and its taxes and overheads.
"Operating a small business today is significantly different, with more
regulations and compliance ... let alone overheads, electric and water
charges etc. I think the consumer has a huge range of choices and prices
are indicative of what is offered."
Donna said she was pleased that traders and others in her area appeared to
be cooperating more.
"Just recently all the businesses in the Peel region, which is quite an
expansive area, coordinated and took our products to the caravanning and
camping show. It was the first time they had joined as a group
representing the entire Peel region and it was very encouraging."
