NEWS

ACOF Back On

The Australian Camp Oven Festival (ACOF) is back on – from 1-3 October – with online ticket sales opening on 1 July. What started as a little friendly competition around the campfire has evolved to become one of Queensland’s flagship tourism events. Located in Millmerran, 82km from Toowoomba, the ACOF was the brainchild of outback icons Gary Fogarty and Ned Winter.

Following modest beginnings in 1999 the festival is now widely known as Australia’s most iconic camp oven festival.

“Our quirky program celebrates authentic Aussie traditions including camp oven cooking, damper throwing, billy boiling, bush poetry, country music and bush heritage displays. Come October 2020, the coals will be stoked, caravans unhitched and the damper rising as we welcome people from all walks of life to our quiet, rural town. So dust off the camping gear, prep the camp oven and start planning your trip as we celebrate the Australian Camp Oven Festival”.

To find out more about this iconic festival and to buy tickets from 1 July, visit https://acof.com.au.

Fuel Quality Upgrade Welcomed

Volkswagen Group Australia has greeted the Federal Government's resolve to bring forward the introduction of better quality fuel across Australia. As part of the Morrison Government budget package for the two remaining oil refineries, upgrades will enable them to produce petrol to match the current world's best practice of 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur.

The change had been scheduled for 2027 to coincide with the belated introduction of Euro 6 regulations – which would have been some 13 years behind Europe. Instead, local refineries will be ready to deliver 10ppm unleaded to bowsers in 2024.

Volkswagen Group Australia's managing director Michael Bartsch said that today's announcement was a "major development in aligning Australia with first world fuel standards. Volkswagen was the first and remains the foremost voice to call for the cleaning up of Australia's highly sulfurous petrol," Mr Bartsch said.

Scams Still Costing

The Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed that Aussies, including wouldbe RVers, were swindled out of a record $851 million last year. The ACCC's latest report on scam activities said there had been a whopping 322 percent increase in reported losses related to buying vehicles including cars, caravans and campervans, with reported losses of $1,035,401.

Scammers targeted both people buying and selling vehicles and used legitimate websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Car Sales and Autotrader to make contact with potential victims. The average loss was $6637. To address these scams, the ACCC said it had developed relationships with reputable private sector platforms used by the fraudsters.

"This can involve sharing reports where consent is provided so the platform is aware that scams are taking place on their platform and can take steps to disrupt them, for example, by removing or blocking scammers," the ACCC report said.

Suncamper Appoints Victorian Dealer

Suncamper has appointed a dealer in Victoria: AlburyWodonga RV World. Situated close to the Hume Freeway at the border of NSW and Victoria, just three hours north of Melbourne, the new dealership is well positioned to service exisiting owners as well as those in the market for a new motorhome.

“We are thrilled ti be working with a dealership that carries the same values as Suncamper,” Founder Keith Harrison said. “Aside from being motorhome specialists, they are a well-established family-owned Australian business and have a great team.

NORTHCOACHNORTHCOACH

STARFIN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

STARFIN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Quality Quality ISO 9001 ISO: QMS42870

ISO 9001

ISO: QMS42870

Fire to Fork

From the pindan red beaches of the Kimberley’s west coast to the karri forests of southern Western Australia, Harry Fisher has cemented his reputation with a pair of tongs around the campfire. Combining his passion for the Aussie bush and great food, he has made it his mission to prove that camp cooking doesn’t have to be dull cooking.

Harry’s campfire cooking and distinct approach to recipe creation are encapsulated by his personal brand – Fire to Fork. His meals are simple enough for any enthusiastic bush cook to prepare, but his focus on fewer but higher quality ingredients, plus techniques he’s learned from his chef mother, sets him apart in the camp cooking world. Fire to Fork has amassed millions of views on YouTube and tens of thousands of followers across the globe. As a result, Harry is the most popular authority on bush cooking, not just in Australia, but everywhere good food and campfires are combined.

His first cookbook, Fire To Fork – Adventure Cooking combines everything he knows about cooking over an open flame, with over 60 of his favourite bush recipes, desserts and cocktails. If you like campfires, camping and great food, this book will transform how and what you eat when travelling.

Watch Harry’s campfire cooking videos or connect with Harry on Instagram.

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice!

Arthurs Seat Eagle on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria has added three new affordable picnic experiences to its offering, incorporating a return scenic gondola flight and bespoke picnic hamper. General Manager Elle Hilton said the Mornington Peninsula still offered bright skies moving into the cooler months and that the response to the original ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’ picnic packages had continued to grow.

“We’ve seen a shift in our visitors’ preferences and habits over the past six months, and we’ve observed that they are increasingly looking for outdoor experiences,” Ms Hilton said.

“Our new Posh, Chocoholics and Family Fun picnic packages cater for all our different types of visitors and provide greater incentive for them to make a day of it and explore the beauty of Arthurs Seat State Park, including the adjacent Seawinds Gardens. Plus, we think they provide great value.”

Posh Picnic for Two: Visit the Eagle in style and enjoy a glass of T’Gallant Prosecco on arrival, a locally sourced gourmet platter, a selection of sweet and delicate amuse-bouche, two bottles of water, a chocolate bar from Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and a plush ‘Arthur the Teddy’ to take home. Cost is $140 for two people.

Chocoholics Picnic for Two: Warm up with the winter indulgence of the Chocoholics Picnic. A glass of T’gallant Moscato awaits guests on arrival and the picnic also includes a locally supplied chocolate and cheese platter, a selection of sweet and chocolatey amuse-bouche, Mock Orchards Red Hill freeze-dried strawberries, a chocolate bar and the famous ‘Polka Dots’ from Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie. Cost is $150 for two people.

Family Fun Picnic for Four: Arthurs Seat Eagle makes for a fantastic day with the family and the attraction’s aerial gondolas accommodate prams for those with tiny ones. Bring the kids and grab the Family Fun Picnic for a seasonal selection of food to fill those hungry bellies, including sandwiches, wraps, hot food, colourful treats, cupcakes, juices and coffee/tea. Cost is $150 for a family of four (two adults and two children). hot pastries, snacks, and sweet treats such as scones and vanilla slice. Cost is $100 for two people.

Each package includes a return Eagle gondola flight that can be enjoyed before, after or in the middle of the picnic. The picnic hampers are collected from the cafe area at the Summit Station and include a basket, food, beverages and blanket. Alcohol must be consumed on the premises, and the outdoor deck is an ideal location for this.

Picnic baskets have limited daily availability and online bookings are essential – no later than 2 pm the day before visiting. As part of Arthurs Seat Eagle’s mandate to be accessible to all – from the aerial gondolas to its food offering – picnic baskets can be tailored to special dietary requests.

Taking approximately 15 minutes each way, the aerial gondola flight carries passengers high over Arthurs Seat

State Park providing incredible views of the Mornington

Peninsula, across Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne city skyline, and spectacular wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, and of course, the local wedge-tailed eagles. The 34 Swiss-made gondolas are comfortable, safe and spacious, wheelchair and pram friendly, catering to the disabled, elderly, toddlers and prams. Each can accommodate up to eight people.

Arthurs Seat Eagle is located on the Mornington

Peninsula, Victoria, just a little over one hour’s drive south from Melbourne and is currently open seven days per week from 10am to 5pm. For more bookings or details, visit aseagle.com.au/picnics.

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Aladdin’s Cave Suburban HWS Warning Reminder

Police have allegedly uncovered an Aladdin's cave of stolen property at a caravan park on the Gold Coast. Coast to Coast RV has repeated a warning that some RVs could still be fitted with potentially lethal gas water It happened after officers from Mudgeeraba identified heaters, sold between April 4, 2018 and September 25, a vehicle of interest that was thought to have been 2019 involved in recent property offences in Robina and Broadbeach. That led to a search warrant being "As inspection rates have started to slow we would executed at the Mudgeeraba caravan park, where like to once again remind all consumers who own a numerous tools and construction site equipment were Suburban water heater to check to see if their serial found. Police also allegedly located two syringes and a number is affected," the company said. "If affected, plastic water pipe. it's imperative you register your water heater and vehicle via our online form to obtain a work order for A 45-year-old man and 23-year-old woman, both inspection." from Mudgeeraba, were charged with two counts of entering with intent, one count of stealing, one count "We would like to remind all consumers with an of possessing tainted property, one count of receiving affected Suburban water heater that you cannot tainted property, one count of wilful damage and three operate the unit on gas until a passed inspection counts of drug possession. has been completed. Some water heaters might leak carbon monoxide into the RV's interior, which could lead to serious injury or death." Affected model numbers are SW6PA, SW6DEA, SW6DA, SW4DEA, SW4DA, SW4DECA and SW6DECA. Serial numbers range between 181315552 to 193002648; 183114087D to 191302511D and 8183311827 to 8190201139. For more information,

click here.

STOP PRESS!

Just as we were going to press, the following update was received regarding the legal battle as outlined in Sorry State in our Letters section:

“Good morning to all our friends and supporters. Your donations are being well spent.

“Excellent news: Following further hearings, provisional orders have been handed down until such time as a full hearing is held, which could be some time, due to the current circumstances.

“The Orders: Everybody gets their land and buildings back and all are to be given quiet enjoyment of their sites, no more threats or bullying or blocking friends from visiting. To keep good faith, we will be paying appropriate fees, which will be determined by an independent expert. I will keep you posted when we get details.

Bye for now, Rich”.

Cr Wendy Boglary with Lesley McEwan at the Wellington Point Reserve

Redland Short-Stay RV Opportunity

"While the sites may generally provide base infrastructure it is not required that they include all the services of a caravan park such as toilets, showers, camp kitchen, laundry or kiosk facilities.

"The recommendation is that it be a permanent allyear-round facility, and that council outsource the operation and management to a not-for-profit or community organisation, preferably one with 'branding to ensure confidence in terms of the standard of visitor experience.

The ENA estimated there was demand for a facility accommodating between 20 and 25 RVs and caravans. "The assessment showed that even a small facility could attract an extra 4100 visitors to our region each year, spending an extra $130,000 with our local businesses and tourism operators," explained the Mayor.

Redland City Council in South East Queensland will call for expressions of interest from community and not-for-profit organisations to provide a short-stay facility for RVs.

"It's important to note that such a facility is not expected to unduly impact on current caravan parks and council will continue to support and work with existing commercial campground and caravan park operators," Mayor Karen Williams said. She said the move followed finalisation of an Economic Needs Assessment (ENA) which found there was a definite need for, and clear economic benefits from, a shortstay facility for RVs. The ENA identified a preferred operational model and 20 potential sites on private and public land.

"The RV traveller market has been identified as one of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the last 15 years and we need to ensure our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast caters for the needs of this market," the Mayor said. "These low-cost basic camping grounds are planned for short stays of three to five days for self-contained RVs. "These flow-on benefits could increase if the facility was managed by a well-known branded not-for-profit or community organisation on a site close to shops, dining and entertainment with good access to the bay, and a curated experience to tourist attractions on North

Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and the mainland." The council has developed a fact sheet to assist notfor-profit and community organisations interested in providing suitable short-term stay options.

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JABIRU AWD Off the Beaten Track

Camplify Goes Public

Peer-to-peer caravan and RV hire company Camplify today recently listed on the Australian stock market. Shares touching $1.45 on opening day dropped back as trading continued. Camplify says its growth is reflected in its financial performance, with revenue soaring nearly 80 percent during the last financial year. The company, which also operates in New Zealand, Britain and Spain, forecasts it will grow by 132 percent during the current financial year.

Camplify founder and chief executive Justin Hales welcomed new shareholders to its register, saying: "We will continue to focus on growing our business and to deliver on our purpose of helping connect RV owners with hirers looking to head on an RV adventure." Camplify also revealed that trading was expected to "perform ahead of expectation".

"The board and management team are committed to executing on the growth plan including continued Australian and international expansion, investing in the platform and the launch of new products to complement the company's core business," independent chairman Trent Bagnall wrote in the company's prospectus. RVs or retail outlets, but acts as "an intermediary" to link owners and hirers. It attributes some of its success to the COVID epidemic by helping to satisfy the sudden huge demand for the RV lifestyle.

"Sentiment towards undertaking a caravan or camping trip has improved in Australia post COVID-19, with 62 percent of holidaymakers more likely to take a caravan or camping trip," the prospectus said. "By comparison, city breaks, cruising and international holidays have all seen a reduction in sentiment”.

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Temporary Jindabyne Van Park

NSW's Snowy Monaro Regional Council has approved a four-month trial of a 75-site temporary van park/ campground at the Jindabyne Equestrian Resort in the Snowy Monaro. The chronic shortage of seasonal worker accommodation has been an ongoing and growing problem for many years and has worsened due to the pandemic.

Councillors believe the trial will allow businesses, workers, residents and the council to assess whether caravan parks such as the one approved are a suitable solution to the winter accommodation shortages. The trial will end on October 4, 2021.

Meanwhile, the council has passed a motion to reendorse the enforcement campaign against illegal camping in and around Jindabyne during the winter. Illegal campers in the alpine region have been accused of anti-social behaviour, littering, illegal dumping and having negative effects on public amenity as their numbers increase.

Booming Broome

Broome is at the top of Western Australia's holiday "bucket list", according to a new RAC survey of caravanners and campers. More than 900 people who had either camped or stayed in an RV in the state during the last 12 months took part in the study.

They rated Broome as their number one travel destination in WA, followed by Esperance, Kununurra, Exmouth and the wider Kimberley region. RAC group executive (tourism) Tony Pickworth said people were lucky to live "In such a beautiful part of Australia", which offered diverse and unique holiday experiences.

"The caravan and camping options are endless in WA with so many incredible holiday spots to choose from, so we wanted to find out the destinations at the top of everyone's bucket lists," he explained. "Broome was overwhelmingly the top choice for RVers and campers, and it really is like nowhere else in the world. Broome's tropical climate makes it the perfect place for a winter getaway, but it also offers an array of activities from scenic flights, camel rides on the beach and rich historical and cultural experiences."