For many, the RV lifestyle is not only about exploring our beautiful country, but also about the people you meet along the way. One of the ways in which the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) members meet likeminded people, is by attending club events, specifically the clubs annual rallies.
(image courtesy of Robert Koch)
Back in March, RVs of all shapes and sizes gathered together in celebration of the club’s 31st Anniversary Rally, in Pontville, Tasmania. Held from March 13-19, the rally attracted 586 vehicles and 984 members, with 240 volunteers putting in plenty of long hours to pull the event off seamlessly. For those in attendance, the week-long event was an enjoyable experience with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
The weather was perfect – warm days and cool nights and mornings helped attendees celebrate the wonderful venue. Although this was one of the smallest anniversary rallies in a long time, the consensus was that it was also very friendly and relaxed. The rally slogan was ‘common-sense, courtesy and consideration’, and rally managers Pete and Trish Gallagher said they felt that focus made a huge difference.
JAM-PACKED WITH ACTIVITY
With an exciting rally program planned for the week, members spent their time attending special interest events, information seminars, local tours, as well as participating in a variety of arts and crafts. The entertainment kicked off with magician and stand-up comedian Bodane Hatton, and was exactly what was needed to get the week off to a great start – there was plenty of laughter among the captivated audience. This set the standard for the week, with each act well received.
The fantastic thing about a rally is that there is always something for everyone and while the ever-popular disc bowls day got off to a wet start, by lunch time the sun had broken through and the afternoon was perfect. The competition was the largest ever held at an anniversary rally, with 143 teams in total.
And the fun did not end when the sun went down of an evening. Each afternoon, the common areas cleared as everyone gathered around their RVs for happy hour, catching up on the day’s events and sharing knowledge and tips on all things RV. Then it was off to indulge in the evening’s entertainment, provided by local musicians and artists.
While rallies are great for both the club and its members, they are also a fantastic way to give back to the community. Many members visited local shops and businesses in both Pontville and surrounding areas, contributing greatly to the local economy.
At the end of a great week of companionship, learning and plenty of fun, the last motorhome pulled out of the Pontville Rally site and the tiny Tasmanian town returned to its usual quiet pace of life. Many attendees vowed to meet up again at the 32nd National Rally in Bundaberg, Queensland, this coming October.