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THE seventh annual Melbourne Leisurefest has been dubbed a massive
spring hit with record crowds.
More than 31,000 people flocked to the Sandown Racecourse during the
four-day show where 300-plus exhibitors showcased the latest and greatest
from the worlds of camping, caravanning, four-wheel driving, boating and
fishing.
Crowds were treated to an amazing range of products as well as informative
seminars and demonstrations.
Highlights of the show included the towing track, where Murcotts driving
school ran towing demonstrations and AL-KO showcased its ESC system.
There were fishing seminars at the Yamaha Supertank, the new 4x4 Village
and the 3AW outside broadcast featuring celebrities including Coxy and Rex
Hunt.
The success of the show can be attributed to the tireless work of the
event organisers, the Caravan Industry Association Victoria (CIA VIC) and
the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) as well as the support
of major sponsor, the Dometic Group.
CEO of CIA VIC Rob Lucas was thrilled with the turnout at Sandown.
"Victoria is a spectacular place to travel in and there's no better way to
see it than by caravanning or camping with family and friends," he said.
"It was fantastic to see so many people at Melbourne Leisurefest
experiencing the best our great industries have to offer."
There was an array of prizes given away to lucky Leisurefest visitors,
plus the announcement of the United Haven Charity Caravan raffle winner
... Mr J Simmons from Thetford Australia.
In an incredibly generous move, Mr Simmons said Thetford would sell the
caravan and contribute the proceeds to the nearly $50,000 already raised
for Kids Under Cover, a charity which helps at-risk youngsters.
"At Thetford we love the well-being of our Australian youth as much as we
love leisure," Mr Simmons said.
"We believe that a fund like Kids Under Cover can never get enough support
and that is why we will sell the caravan and donate the raised proceeds to
them."
The Passport Competition returned to Melbourne Leisurefest and was as
popular as ever, with four winners sharing in prizes valued at almost
$5000.
These included an ARB Off Road Pack and an Ultimate Towing Package.