Members from every state and territory travelled to the Scenic Rim for this popular annual event which saw more than 400 members parked up at the Beaudesert Showgrounds.
The ACC is open to all RVers and this was evident at the muster where rigs ranged from camper trailers, large and small caravans, motorhomes and even a large converted bus. Locals were surprised to see so many people wearing ACC shirts and name badges as they shopped with local traders at restaurants, cafes and service stations.
There were activities every day, with too many highlights to list, but two events drew universal praise from members.
Wednesday night saw crowds of members board a fleet of buses to the Gold Coast’s ‘Outback Spectacular’ and glowing reports the next day were testimony to the success of the evening.
Friday was tag-along day and with about 10 vehicles in each of the 10 or more ‘tags’, hundreds of people took off to explore the Scenic Rim. Some also went to the Amberley Air Force Base to look at the museum but we chose the 4WD tag to Queen Mary Falls, high in the Great Dividing Range.
Breathtaking scenery, twisting, narrow unsealed roads and great banter through the CB radios made for a fantastic day. Fording 14 rocky crossings of the Condamine River added to the excitement.
Another highlight was for ACC Sunshine Coast member Neil Prideaux who shot a hole-in-one for the first time in his life during a golf game and was presented with a lovely trophy to mark the achievement.
It has become a tradition at ACC National Musters to have a Charity Afternoon Tea in support of a chosen local charity and this was continued at Beaudesert when ACC chairman Tom Smith presented the speaker with a cheque for $1000.
Saturday afternoon saw TV travel celebrity Mal Leyland give an inspirtional and entertaining talk about his career.
From the time the muster was declared open by local MP Jon Krause to the AGM and Closing Ceremony the following Saturday, the organisers, led by ACC Gold Coast Gadabouts member Kathy Burgess, did everything possible to make the event a huge success.
In his report, Chairman Tom outlined another year of progress with membership growing, new branches being formed and a healthy financial position. He also spoke of activity in the lobbying area with the ACC being present at RV industry-related meetings and making submissions to relative bodies.
The 10th National ACC Muster will be held in Shepparton, Vic, next year and is expected to continue the fine tradition built up over the past nine years.