Australian CamperTrailers
national meet at Nyngan 2009

Riverside Caravan Park full of camper trailers
 photo by Dave Cook from Jack Carter's helicopter

introduction

    The Australian CamperTrailers Group's 5th national meet could not have been held at a better location along the grassy banks of the Bogan River in the Riverside Caravan Park Nyngan, during the week from Monday 5th to Friday 9th of October 2009. Nyngan lies at the junction of the Mitchell and Barrier Highways, near the geographical centre of New South Wales, 166 kilometres west of Dubbo on the NSW Central Plains.

    Around 90 camper trailers, caravans & tents & 226 people enjoyed the spring sunshine despite reports of snow further south with strong winds & rain on the NSW coast. This is the biggest CamperTrailers national meet to date & the largest gathering of camper trailers ever assembled in Australia. Members travelled from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania to enjoy the week of activities.

    Riverside Caravan Park owners Jack & Dione Carter have done a remarkable job renovating the park since acquiring it some 18 months ago. There was plenty of activity in preparation for our arrival. Extra power outlets were installed as well as a new amenities block on the river flat. These & the main amenities were kept spotless thanks to the efforts of Stan Bradwell. Thanks also goes to manager Anita & staff for their friendly service. I'm sure the idyllic riverside setting will attract travellers for more than just an overnight stopover in the future.

sunday opening

    Sunday evening saw the start of the week with the grand opening. Group co-owner Kevin Phillips welcomed members to another & the 5th national meet & went on to tell of the groups beginnings in September 2001 & how the group has grown to 4800 members with the present day popularity of camper trailers. The Australian CamperTrailers Group is the largest of its type on the net.

    The Bogan Shire Mayor Ray Donald then welcomed everyone to Nyngan & gave a brief overview of the towns history & attractions. He wished all assembled a pleasant stay in the region.

    Riverside Caravan Park owner Dione Carter also welcomed members to the caravan park & hoped we all had a great week in the region. Rob Sanderson, also the groups co-owner presented a certificate of appreciation to Jack & Dione on behalf of members attending the meet.

    Rob went on to outline the itinerary for the week with workshops held by members on a variety of subjects relating to camper trailers & camping in general. Being an internet based group there are subjects where the information cannot be easily exchanged through typing & this is where face to face workshops come into their own. He got a little lost towards the end hearing his own voice coming back at him through the PA. 

    The group's third co-owner Ron Dickson gave an overview of housekeeping duties for the week & a little insight into how the groups co-owners had been viewing suitable venues for future national gathers, however this is become more difficult as the group grows. The first national meet attracted 32 camper trailers.

    A range of lucky door prizes were drawn from the hat. These prizes were donated by Ian Porteous from Dreamtime Campers, Doug & Jenny Peisley and Rob & Carol Sanderson.

    Joy & Dave Wilkinson hosted a 'Getting to Know You' session at the end of the opening. While Joy looked after the adults session Dave took the kids to the communal hut for their own session breaking the ice & introducing themselves to others. It was great to see the kids hanging around together over the week.

    Everyone was given a sheet of paper with a list of questions. Some of the questions included finding someone who travelled further to Nyngan than you & someone who has more kids than you etc

 opening ceremony photos from Jason Cox & Sue Christie-Cox

 

 

Kevin & Dale being interviewed by Prime News	Nyngan Observer website
	2.7mb MP3 sound file
Video from Jamie Hazelden	Interview with ABC Radio

itinerary

 introduction
attendees
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
photos
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photos3
photos4