The CMCA’s 24th National Rally will be hosted at the Rockhampton Showgrounds, from September 28 to October 4, 2009.
Over 1000 motorhome enthusiasts are expected to attend the seven-day event, which will include evening entertainment, craft activities, a men’s shed, health and wellbeing seminars, RV retailers, and access to day tours of the local region.
Little Pattie, Memphis Moovers, Kye Cole Band and Australian bush poet champions Melanie Hall
and Susan Carcary will perform to campers throughout the week.
"A large number of RV traders will attend this year," said BJ Mahon, 24th National Rally manager and volunteer.
"Winnebago, Sunliner, Trakka and Jayco, Dream-Pot, BioMagic, Springers Electrical, and Positive Batteries from Rockhampton are but a few."
BJ said that craft activities will include jewellery making, scrapbooking and paper crafts, painting, and knitting and looming.
"There will be all sorts of interesting segments for both men and women," said BJ, with the event reintroducing the popular men’s shed to the program. Queensland Health will run The Pit Stop health program. "It will be a real hit."
Rally goers will also be eligible to submit photos of their travels to the event, as part of the CMCA 24th National Rally photographic competition. Other displays and health seminars will focus on heart health and skin, prostate and breast cancer. Centrelink will also be represented.
The event is open to all CMCA members. For more information and membership, visit www.cmca.net.au
Places are limited.
RALLY TOWNS
BJ said Rockhampton was chosen as the destination for the rally for many reasons.
"Rocky is centrally located on Qld’s east coast, and is a relatively easy drive from Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, and also the central west of Qld. It has good facilities in the showgrounds and neighbouring Victoria Park."
CMCA rally sites need to be large enough to
house 1500 motorhomes and sustain the tourists who occupy them for the duration of the rally.
"Preferably, the grounds should be flat and grassed, with access to water and a reasonable amount of 240V power. It should have well maintained pavilions and grounds," said BJ.
BJ said that towns have a lot to gain from hosting a CMCA rally.
"A rally of this size brings great financial benefits to the small business operators within the region – in the vicinity of $2.5m."
The CMCA outsourced tours departing from the rally to local tourism authority, the Rockhampton Tourism and Business Centre.
"We feel that this body knows its region and is well placed to promote and organise tours on behalf of operators who support Capricornia."
- BJ Mahon has been involved with the CMCA since 2002, and has worked as a volunteer for the organisation on and off since 2003. For more information, visit www.rockhamptonrally.com
Image: The 23rd National Rally at Bingara, supplied courtesy of the CMCA