Caravanning News

Caravanning News

Chairman's Update  - Tom Smith

RV Warranty Issues

Over recent times members have approached me about various RV warranty issues as well as concerns with the rated weights applied to their RV and in particular their caravan.  When these issues are raised, the members invariably ask what ACC can do to assist.  Some suggest that ACC simply raise this with our industry contacts.

Raising issues with industry is not quite as simple as calling them up and saying that one of our members has had this issue! As a club representing the interests of our members we can certainly make representation to the industry, However it is not appropriate to simply raise issues or matters on a here say basis. To have any chance of being heard and acted upon by the industry the club must present unbiased facts about the problem. It also needs to clearly document the course of action taken by the member and the response of the dealer concerned.

With the increasing number of issues being raised by members the Club is happy to collectively present these cases to the industry controlling body however to do this we need members with concerns to document in writing:

1.     The issue they have

2.     The course of action the member has taken and with whom.

3.     The response from the dealer or other supplier regarding the outcome.

Once we have member’s responses we will be in a position to place these concerns before the industry. Without members factual input we as a club cannot take this matter forward.

To have any chance of the industry listening to us we need hard factual irrefutable evidence.

You can email your documented issues to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 31st October 2016.  We will give an update at the National Muster.

ACC Facebook Page

Recently a story contributed by a member appeared on the ACC Facebook page noting a constant danger to caravans using a bypass under a low bridge. The result is a caravan less roof air conditioner and other roof mounted equipment. The picture below highlights the damage.

A suggestion from Tom, if possible change the settings on your GPS to truck or caravan this may help avoid problems with low bridges.



FaceBook Stats

As well as a great note for warning members the story set a record for visitation to the ACC Facebook page. The attached report highlights the impact that the story had on visits. An amazing increase and record for the ACC Facebook page.

Online Editor

The Board is seeking to increase awareness of the Club making much more active use of the ACC Facebook page. We have a ready army of reporters in our 4000 members. To assist members prepare material for ACC Facebook page the Board has appointed Margie Smith as Online Editor. This role is to source, style and arrange publishing of stories for both the ACC Facebook page and website.

Margie brings a wealth of editing experience to the role and will be contacting branches in the near future. However if you have anything that you wish to contribute Margie can be contacted thru – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This is an exciting new initiative and the Board encourages members to contact Margie who is available to stylize your story for the ACC Facebook page and website.

Membership Renewal Notices

Membership Renewal Notices, issued from the first of July this year, have an extra item that should be filled in, should you wish to receive your issues of the Nomad in hard (i.e. paper) copy.

The delivery of a printed version of the Nomad is conditional on members paying an additional fee to cover the postage and handling costs involved. Currently this fee amounts to $20 p.a. - so for a one year renewal you need to pay an additional $20 on top of your membership renewal fee.  For three year renewals an additional $60 is required.

Branch Administration

The Board is sending a reminder to all Branches it is necessary to comply with the Branch Operational Procedures (BOP) in the following areas of Branch administration.  A copy of the BOP is held in the documents section on the Club website. For detailed information please refer to section 6 Branch Management [ii] and [iii] and section 9 Club Clothing & Signage [a] [b] and [c] for the following:

Musters and Events - PRIOR Board approval is required for all events held. This is essential as club insurance requires that all events are sanctioned by club management prior to being held.

Event Attendance Sheets - Each person attending the event must complete their details and SIGN the form. This is required for insurance purposes. Following the event a copy of the attendance form is to be forwarded by the Branch Secretary to the ACC Secretary.

Financial Reports - Prepare financial statement for the branch as at 30 June each year. The financial statement is to be signed by two Branch committee members and forwarded to ACC Secretary by 31 July each year.

If your Branch hasn’t forwarded an end of financial year statement to the ACC Secretary please do so as soon as possible.

Club Clothing and Signage - Board approval is required for Branch banners, logos, flags, clothing for special occasions and all promotional material prior to use or sale of items.

2017 Australian Caravan Club Safari

Ron McGrice Safari Coordinator would like members to seriously think about going on the Safari.

Twenty caravans are needed on the first Safari, to travel the complete route, Sydney, Snowy Mountains, Melbourne, along the coast to Mt Gambier, then Adelaide, Wilpena Pound, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Darwin, back to the Three Ways, across to Townsville, down to Brisbane then Sydney via Armidale, 63 days in total.

Membership Support Committee Update - Graham Christie

Our Committee has had a change of name from Branch to Membership Support.  The new name reflects the work the current State Reps do by welcoming new members to the club, working in recruitment as well as helping members who wish to form a new branch or who want general advice on their membership. Kim Gladman from the Sunshine Coast has also joined the committee as the Show Coordinator.

 The club has a new Special Interest Group (SIG) in the English Van Owners.  If you have an English Van or Motorhome go to the SIG section on the Web page and join the group who were formed to share tips and advice on their vans.  Members can contact their State Membership Rep if they would like to form a SIG.

If you want to contact your Membership Rep you can find their contact details in the Committee Contacts under The Club – Contact Us on the Web site.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Advocacy and Policy Team Update – Graeme Tree  

The expanded role of incorporating the Town Support roles into the policy team seems to be working very well particularly through the appointment of Sate Reps who in effect are becoming the face of ACC advocacy within their state. Coordination of these roles at a club wide level provides the necessary support and consistency of our voice.

The National Muster at Shepparton will also provide us with the opportunity to meet face to face as a group (all team members apart from one will be attending) enabling us as team to review and reconsider what has been achieved and work through what works and what doesn’t as well as how we can improve what we are doing to better meet the needs of ACC membership.

Queensland

Our Queensland State Rep Ray Cornall is developing and expanding the club’s advocacy profile in that state by maintaining ongoing contact with the Fraser Coast Council meeting with the Mayor and assisting council with its deliberations regarding RV parking and provision of overnight camp stops.

He has also made contact with Gympie Regional council and has commenced dialogue with the possible objective of gaining an RV camp stop at the Gympie showgrounds.

Ray’s profile has developed to such an extent that he was contacted by a lady in Kuranda seeking to re-establish the Chamber of Commerce with the objective of increasing RV tourism through Kuranda. It has subsequently transpired that the lady thought she was talking to the CMCA however seizing the opportunity Ray was able to provide her details of the ACC Town Support programme.

Western Australia

Eric Cumming our State Rep continues to monitor developments within the state and in particular the WA governments re rite of camping legislation and regulations, however as with all matters political they take time for anything to eventuate.

South Australia

Darrell Phillips our state rep delivered an ACC submission to the District Council of Grant

(Mount Gambier) It is pleasing to report that the council has now developed a “free Camping Policy” and is planning opening of a number of camps in the council area.

Publicity Update – Lionel Mussell

With the National Muster fast approaching I’ll be sending invitations to the RV media inviting them to cover the event. I have already given my editor at Caravan World an invitation to send someone and she has noted it in her diary. I’ll also send information to the Shepparton news media.

The next edition of Caravan World (November - out in October) will have two ACC stories - one general one by freelance writer, Claudia Bouma helped by me, Rob Tudor, Tom Smith and Alan Lazarus, and one personal one about my involvement with our club since day one at Golden Beach.

Meet Your Club Official

Each edition we will introduce the Membership to Club Officials who undertake work on behalf of the club.

In the spotlight this edition are Allan & Heather Hermann.

How and why did you come to join the ACC? 

We owned a Motorhome and we were asked to join the club by a friend.

What do you do within the ACC?

We are the Club Shop Coordinators.

Where do you live and why?

We live on the Sunshine Coast – it is the best spot to live

What is your favourite holiday destination in Australia?

Western Australia

Do you have a special camp spot?

Yes, Kenilworth in Qld

What is your rig?

Our vehicle is a Jeep and we tow a Coromal Caravan.

What tips do you have for those new to caravanning?

The best tip we can give is to get out and enjoy yourself.

What is next on your bucket list to do?

We want to travel around Australia again.

What is the most incredible view you have ever seen?

The Horizontal Falls in Western Australia.

If you could close your eyes and be anywhere on earth when they opened, where would it be?

We would be in Canada.

 

Notes from the Board will be produced every 8 weeks.

Any queries to Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

 

 

 

All over Australia there are obstacles waiting to wreck our travelling.  It is up to every one of us to stay alert and protect ourselves.

Here is some information sent in to us by a very concerned member (this is one of many bridges in Australia).

Nearly every week a caravanner loses their airconditioner by trying to go under the low level railway bridge on Garroorigang St which is between Goulburn and Braidwood NSW.

Here is a picture of the sign on the southern side of the  entrance to the bride but the bridge entrance is around the corner (see 2nd photo) so you don’t see how low it is until you turn the corner at the bridge. I assume many people who keep going past the 2.7 m sign are hoping they will fit under the bridge rather than face trying to back up around an uphill bend.

This low level bride is on the route the GPS will take you if you are leaving the Hume Highway at Goulburn to go towards the coast or vice-versa.

Here is also a picture taken 2 weeks ago of a brand new van that did not make it and the evidence on the ground from yesterday that yet another van did not make it!

My partner, David House is a member of your club.  He helped the owners of the caravan by storing and tarping their van until it could be patched up for safe return to their home in Sydney. 

It was their first trip in it!  They have told us it will take 6 months to be repaired.  The roof was caved in so we expect the damage will exceed $25k so they are fortunate the van was insured.

Editors note:

I have found it useful to measure the height of my caravan (including air con) and put a small label on the top driver side of the windscreen as a reminder. When approaching a low bridge, check label against sign.

Remember, when going under a bridge the caravan is not level and will be higher then it is when on a flat surface,

If it is close, get your passenger (if you have one) to stand outside whilst you drive SLOWLY under the bridge.

If you are on your own, you may want to jump out for a quick check as you are about to enter the bridge.

ACC Stand at the Queensland Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo

Toowoomba Showgrounds

(5-7 August 2016)

 

Well, what a great event, a great team of volunteers, and a great result.

 

When visiting the capital of the Darling Downs in August you can expect cool winds, and we certainly had those at the beginning, but we also enjoyed some sunny days. Those who camped at the Showgrounds really enjoyed the atmosphere of a major event in the largest inland city in Queensland, plus the country smells and friendliness.

 

This event was well attended, up 10% on last year, with new members joining our Club, from Rockhampton to Armidale, Goondiwindi to Landsborough, and everywhere in between. We gained 35 new members and friends over the 3 days, plus a couple more in the following days, and there is now a strong possibility of a Toowoomba branch in the near future.

 

It was great to see ACC members Allan & Heather from Buderim and Maureen & Bruce from Brisbane, as well as Danny & Denise visiting from NSW. We also met Malcolm & Diane, two of the very early ACC Members in Queensland, and discussed the development of the ACC over the past 10 years.

 

I hope you all enjoyed yourselves, returned home safely, and perhaps even bought the usual gadget or two for the van! Some members were looking at new vans and motorhomes, accessories and parts, towing and other equipment, 4x4’s and boats, even safaris and lifestyle products.

 

A big thank you to the willing volunteers for the ACC stand (Dennis & Geraldine, Lawrence & Petra, Tom & Sandra, Lynne & Ray, Val, and Trevor. Some of your travelling included from Tara to Moreton Bay, and Sunshine Coast to Inverell. Your valuable time and effort taken to support the ACC cause is very much appreciated.

 

Lorraine Owens

CoOrdinator

 

“ ACC Chairman Tom Smith presenting the first of our RVSTAY signs to Inverell Boats And Caravans who are part of our Member Benefits Scheme inside the ACC

The idea of the Signs is to make it easier for Members when on the road to Identify  Businesses that are suppling Benefits to our members., and can therefore enjoy the improved service and discount

BTW Inverell Boats and Caravans have the best price for LPG refills in Inverell

 

So keep your eyes peeled for these signs when travelling

 

A new Special Interest Group has been set up called the ACC English Van Owners Group.

This group is formed to share tips, advice and general information regarding the maintenance, parts availability and modifications to imported English caravans and motorhomes.

If you are the owner of an English van and would like to share your experiences and tips, or receive advice from other owners, join the ACC English Van Owners Special Interest Group


Some of the members from the Lockyer Valley RVers took a members caravan along to the Helidon Heritage Fair and met with local residents talking about the Australian Caravan Club and the area's local branch the Lockyer Valley RVers, It was a lovely sunny day and interest in the club and local branch was a lot higher then expected with 2 new members joing the club plus an existing member signing onto the Lockyer Branch.

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

JULY 2016 CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE – Tom Smith

As an update on Club management I wish to announce that due to work pressures Bruce Beausang requested to leave the Board as at the 31/5/16. It is with reluctance that the Board has agreed and I thank Bruce for his efforts over the last 4 years.

To fill the vacancy from 1/6/16 until the 2016 election Lynne Friis former President of the Eastern Explorers will join the Board as a Director. Lynne brings with her a wealth of RV Experience and also has an extensive legal background which will greatly assist the Club.

A reminder to members who wish to receive a hard copy of The Nomad that postage and handling costs will be added into your Club Membership renewal from the 1st July 2016.

Also please remember to complete the National Muster application either online or from the copy in the latest NOMAD.

ADVOCACY and POLICY TEAM update by Graeme Tree Our focus over the last couple of months has been more on internal matters for the Club. However our State Reps remain active.

Ray Cornall in Queensland says things are a little quiet at present but he continues to meet with Fraser Coast and is keeping up to date with developments in that state.

Eric Cumming in Western Australia tells us that the Western Australian National Parks is opening up camping sites at Yanchep National Park from July this year, in a trial to expand camping options close to the metropolitan area. Yanchep National Park is 50 km north of Perth along Wanneroo Road which becomes Indian Ocean Drive. This route takes you through coastal plains to Geraldton avoiding the heavy haulage route of the Branch Highway. Yanchep will be a useful stopover for travellers wishing to sight see around Perth city and suburbs. Well done Ray and Eric keep up the good work.

BRANCH SUPPORT COMMITTEE update by Graham Christie ACCL Insurance - We often hear “we’re insured when we go on a muster with the ACC, that’s why we sign the form when we get there.”

Here are the answers to various questions and the outcome for your information

Question 1

All service organisations have insurance on their members. Members are covered for all eventualities from when they leave home; to the task/event and until they arrive home. Does ACCL insurance coverage do the same?

ACC: No – the ACC holds Business Insurance which provides for Public Liability cover plus Liability Insurance which provides a variety of insurance classes for Directors and Officers cover. By definition “Public liability insurance protects a business owner and their business against claims of personal injury or property damage that a third party suffers (or claims to have suffered) as a result of the business activities”.

Question 2

If ACCL holds Business Insurance and Liability Insurance, do they cover all ACCL events and Branch Committees (President, Secretary, Treasurer and/or Vice President?)

ACC: Yes – providing that prior approval has been granted by the Board for the particular event. This then gives the event the status of an “endorsed activity”. The term ‘Officers’ extends to members who take part in the day to day management of ACC branch level committees. Note that the period of cover is for the start and finish dates specified in the event application.

Question 3

How does the ACC ensure that for insurance purposes it has an accurate record of attendance at an approved muster?

ACC: All muster attendees including friends/non-members must be included on and sign the Muster Attendance form (children must be recorded but are not required to sign).

Question 4

Does ACCL insurance cover personal injury

ACC: Only so far as “third party” claims are concerned. ACC member personal injury / personal liability cover is a matter for each individual.

Question 5

Does ACCL insurance cover loss and/or damage of personal equipment to and from events?

ACC: No

Branch secretaries and others who organise events such as musters, tagalongs, day outings and lunches need to gain approval in advance of the event to be covered. Those attending need to sign a Muster Attendance form and the branch secretary/organiser needs to return a copy of the form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. after the event for club records.

If you have any more questions please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CLUB SHOP

Following a wonderful 5 years of coordinating the Club shop Di and Cec Caterer have now passed the responsibility to Alan & Heather Hermann. The shop will continue as strong as ever and we thank Cec and Di for their outstanding efforts over the past years. The club shop phone number remains the same but now with the dulcet tones of Heather to support members.

TAGALONG GUIDELINES

The Board approved the draft of the Tagalong Guidelines and Registration Form on receipt of advice from the Club’s Solicitor and Insurance Company. Both documents will soon be available in the documents section on the website. It is expected that all ACC members will use this process for all Club approved tagalongs. Tagalong is a term the Club uses for events others might call roving musters, roving rallies or safaris. The TAGALONG Guidelines have been forwarded to branch Secretaries.

The ACC is on the move

As a part of the growth of the Club the Board is seeking the assistance of members in the following roles-

Advocacy and Town Support Representatives

We are seeking two members to fill the roles of Advocacy and Town Support Representative for Victoria and Tasmania .These Roles are to represent the Club at State level making representations to Chambers of Commerce and Councils on issues impacting the RV traveller. You will be working in close relationship and be part of the Advocacy and Policy Team. Please email expressions of interest or request for more information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

State News Reporter

Seeking a member from each state to co ordinate and produce material from Branches for publication on the web and Facebook. Basic computer and writing skills would be required with material published to the website by our Web Editor. Please email expressions of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ACC National Show Coordinator

A coordinator is required to work with the Branch Support Committee Chair to seek opportunities for recruitment through ACC attendance at Caravan Shows and other RV events. Following identification of suitable show opportunities liaise with the show organisers to book ACC sites at the shows. Please email expressions of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Breaking News - WA to host the 2018 National Muster Due to the positive survey result indicating that members are willing to travel to Western Australia the Board is pleased to announce that the 2018 National Muster will be held in WA.

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