The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 1

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 2

Hello to all caravan club members.

I’m Carolyn Healy and on behalf of the Qld Caravan Club, Jabiru Caravan Club, Bayside Caravan Club and Toowoomba and Golden West Caravan I invite and encourage you all to put in your registrations to attend the 2015 State Rally to be held at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds.

Planning has been in progress for 2 years now and these Clubs are excited to extend their hospitality to all Caravan Clubs affiliated with the CCQ in Queensland and caravan clubs in Northern NSW.

Stanthorpe is ready and waiting, the town has been very supportive as well as organisations in the town such as Show Society, Historical Society, Qld Wine Training College and many others.

Several organisations and exhibitors will be giving some wonderful Seminars, Bus Tours, self drive tours, and evening entertainment. Daytime will also include Bare Foot Bowls and Lawn Bowls, Golf and our great Disc Bowls Challenge sponsored by Halcyon Over 50’s resorts and Creative Crafts.

Monday night will be the opening ceremony followed by BBQ dinner and Wine and Cheese (sponsored by Energy Tech).

Tuesday is Italian day and celebrating the Italian heritage of the Stanthorpe region. This will culminate with the Kui Parks Italian night and Italian music for entertainment. Come and hear Angelo Puglisi tell his story of the family wine making heritage.

Wednesday night is Telstra Rainbow Ball night, come dressed in any or all colours (except black and white). What a night this will be.

Thursday night is our Fun Fashion Spectacular sponsored by Maks Caravan Repairs. You have to be there or else miss out. I am not allowed to give too much away except to say the entertainment for the night, local musician Peter Salata, will send you away feeling great happiness.

Friday night our Kratzmann Caravan night of nights will feature Tania Kernaghan and band. A wonderful first to the State Rally.

Saturday night will feature the closing ceremony and party night sponsored by Retreat Caravans and the Rock and Roll Stomp. Looking forward to seeing you all in Stanthorpe. Carolyn 2015 CCQ State Rally Committee

2015 STATE RALLY STANTHORPE

CCQ Executive President: Bob McKernon Secretary: Barbara Rutherford Treasurer: Adrian Skinner

All correspondence to: CCQ Secretary 1 Colvillea Close, Carseldine 4034 Or via email at: ccqsecretary@gmail.com

CCQ Web site is: https://sites.google.com/site/caravanclubsqld/

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 3

Mark your calendar now - Queensland Road Safety Week, 17-21 August 2015

Queensland Road Safety Week is a joint initiative of the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and supports the Queensland Government’s “Join the Drive to Save Lives Program”.

This important community event is an opportunity for all Queenslanders to be directly involved in making our roads safer for everyone.

‘Speaking up for road safety’ is the focus of this inaugural Queensland-wide event; and we’re encouraging the whole community to have their say on road safety.

Each day of the week will focus on a different road safety behaviour kicking off with ‘distractions’ on Monday, ‘speed’ on Tuesday, ‘fatigue and restraints’ on Wednesday, ‘sharing the road’ on Thursday, and ‘drink and drug driving’ on Friday.

Community events will be held throughout the State and we’re encouraging all road users to get involved. Attend a local event, talk to your kids, family and friends about staying safe, or get online and make a pledge to improve a single road behaviour, share a personal story or suggest a road safety tip.

Visit http://jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/road-safety-week for event information and to find out how you can get involved.

QUEENSLAND ROAD SAFETY WEEK PRESS RELEASE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Bob McKernon - President of Caravan Clubs of Queensland is proud to announce that the CCQ has been invited to participate in Queensland Road Safety Week. Queensland Road Safety Week is a joint initiative of the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The RACQ, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q), are proud supporters of the event.

The participation of the CCQ in such an important event shows that the event organisers are cognisant of the concern that the CCQ and its members have for the ongoing safety of the caravanning fraternity. The CCQ wholeheartedly supports the concept of Road Safety Week.

The CCQ will advise all clubs of the programme as the details come to hand. Bob McKernon will be meeting with the stakeholders to work through the details and how that will impact on club/police expectations.

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 4

Another Caravan Show has come and gone with a measurable degree of success. Over 400 people visited the CCQ stand with questions regarding Clubs and caravanning. At least one club that I am aware of has received 3 enquiries regarding membership. The committee would appreciate any feedback that you are able to provide regarding enquiries to other clubs as a result of the show.

My thanks go to all who assisted on the stand, particularly during those busy periods, and indeed Caravanning Qld. And EcoPot who supplied the visitor prize of an EcoPot Thermal Cooker and an EcoPot Power Lite Cook Top.

The State Rally is looming large on the horizon, and given the reports from the organising committee we certainly are in for an excellent meet. The monster raffle tickets have been ordered and will be forwarded to Club Secretaries in the near future. We do encourage your continued support in ticket sales, which goes to supporting our chosen charity, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Springers have kindly donated the major prize, which will be $1500.00 worth of Solar Equipment of the winner’s choice. Our sincere thanks to Springers for their ongoing support.

During recent visits to Club Rallies we have found there to be some confusion regarding the Data Base for both the CCQ and the NACC. In essence, inclusion in these lists is a matter for the individual to decide, not your executive or club secretary. We have invited the NACC National Secretary to attend the State Rally. Rin Klasen has accepted the invitation and will be available to discuss your concerns, as well as doing a presentation at the Delegates Meeting scheduled for the Thursday. All members are welcome to attend that meeting.

Both Barbara Rutherford and I wish to express sincere thanks for the warm welcome we have received at each club visit, and the interest shown in the work the Committee is undertaking. If your club would like us to visit, Barbara will be more than willing to make the arrangements.

I look forward seeing you at the State Rally in September.

Bob McKernon

CCQ PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Winner of the EcoHeat Power Lite Cooktop P. Tetley-Jones

Winner of the EcoPot Thermal Cooker Anne MacGregor

CCQ CARAVAN SHOW PRIZE WINNERS

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 5

GEIRO CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

The GEIRO club held their second annual gathering at Coolum Beach Caravan Park from May 19th to May 26th which was attended by 33 vans that travelled from all over Australia and included 2 vans from Adelaide, 6 from Melbourne and 4 from ACT. The remainder from NSW and Qld had far less to travel.

The club gathering spent a total $41000 in the area which was reported to the CCQ LED program and included a donation of $1040 to the local ambulance station for CPR training. The club held activities that included bus trips to Eumundi Markets, Melany and Montville, a cruise on the Mooloolaba River and bare foot bowls.

The club also held its AGM which was attended by Bob McKernon and Barbara Rutherford representing the CCQ followed by an AGM dinner in the marquee with entertainment provided by a local band. Next year the GG2016 will be held in Canberra from 7th to 16th March.”

The GEIRO Club comprises the Geist and Euro Imported RV Owners Club of Australia Inc.

Darryl Walters, Secretary of GEIRO Club on the CCQ stand at the Caravan Show

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 6

CAMPING AT THE TOOWOOMBA SHOWGROUND

CARAVAN SITE AVAILABLE ALL YEAR ROUND PH. 07 4634 7400

Depending on prior bookings or existing events

CARCARAVAN RALLIES Why not arrange your next rally at the Toowoomba Showground. We can accommodate up to 100 vans in a specific area, and can also provide a variety of pavilions and buildings for your use.

Discounts apply for groups booking in excess of 20 caravans nights. Larger bookings may also have use of one of our buildings or pavilions at no charge depending on availability.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Showground whilst still only a short 10 minute drive to the city.

Please call us at the: Toowoomba Show Office for more information on:

Ph. 07 4634 7400 Mon – Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm

EMAIL: rasqadmin@rasq.com.au

Camp Site: $25 per night.

Camping fee includes 2 adults & 2 Children under 12YOA.

A $5 fee is charged per extra person per day.

Power and Water available.

Free dump point on grounds

Toilets & Showers

PETS ARE WELCOME OWNERS MUST LOOK AFTER AND CLEAN-UP

AFTER THEIR PETS

Toowoomba Showground Cnr: Glenvale & Harvey Roads. Toowoomba.

PO BOX 18099 Clifford Gardens, Toowoomba 4350

RASQ

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 7

A FIRST FOR FORSTER/TUNCURRY

The Rotary Club of Great Lakes is staging Opera by the Lake featuring an opera company from Sydney "OperaBites”. This will be an afternoon full of culture by the beautiful Wallis Lake at John Wright Park, Tuncurry on the 19th March 2016. The event will start at 3.00 pm and finish at 6.00 pm. That's right just under 9 months away. The time will slip by quickly. This is a beautiful time of the year in the Great Lakes Region. This will be an opera gala to remember with arias and ensembles from some the world's most adored operas. Go to our website www.operabythelake.com and our Facebook page for more infor-mation. Please let us know if you like us.

Tickets pricing is as follows; Adults $45.00 Concession card holders $40.00 Group of 10 or more $40.00 Child under 16 $30.00 Family of 4 $130.00 You will be able to buy your tickets on line shortly through Great Lakes Tourism or at their office or you can pre-book now by emailing info@operabythelake.com and we will reserve tickets for you.

For more information email me at info@operabythelake.com or telephone 0408 180 866

Don’t miss out this will be a fabulous event of glamour and glitz at the afternoon in the great outdoors beside the beautiful Wallis Lake. In the event of unfavourable weather the event will be moved to Club Forster. The show will go on what ever the weather. Any surplus money from the event will be donated to local not for profit organisations.

Solar Xpress has been in business for over 25 years. We are a multi-award winning business that sells and installs a vast array of solar and 12 volt equipment for your caravan, home, farm, boat, 4WD or recreational vehicle.

We supply and install - Batteries and Chargers - Solar Panels and Inverters - Cruise controls and Reverse Cameras - UHFs, LEDs, Spotlights and Light bars - Caravan and 4WD Awnings - Upright and Portable Fridges - Satellites, Antennas and TVs - Onsite Auto- electrician to install all products We invite you to come in and talk to our friendly staff at 55 Lear Jet Drive, Caboolture. Please contact us on 1800 800 846 if you require any information.

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 8

Caravan Clubs of Queensland

Locality Expenditure Summary

This report has been filtered to limit the report to the following criteria:

Time Period 2015 All Clubs All Venue Types All Localities All Local Government Areas

Data provided by the participating Affiliated Caravan Clubs

Participating Clubs 30 Events 149 Max Min Average Vans 2418 183 1 16 Localities 126 Local Government Areas 45

Venues Visits Expenditures Caravan Park 48 $92,208.00 Free Stay 0 $0.00 Other 7 $4,050.00 Scout Ground 6 $7,791.00 Showground 83 $88,056.00

Expenditures Site $192,105.00 Dining $122,685.00 Other $201,093.00 Major $56,914.00

Period Total $572,797.00 Average / Van $236.89

History (All Clubs, all years) 2015 $572,797.00 2014 $824,823.00 2013 $770,003.00 2012 $624,280.00 2011 $565,029.00

Total Locality Expenditure for all Clubs since 2014

$3,356,932.00

Printed -12-Jul-15 Locality Expenditures Summary

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page 9

RFDS CELEBRATES ITS 20TH BIRTHDAY IN BRISBANE

On Thursday, 25 June 2015, I was delighted to attend a morning tea at the RFDS Brisbane Base to celebrate that base’s 20th birthday.

Past patients and staff, community members, supporters and corporate partners joined current RFDS staff and board members to honour the work of the Flying Doctor in Brisbane.

The base was officially opened on July 3 1995, and allowed the Flying Doctor to expand its operations in Queensland. The Brisbane base has grown from one aircraft and five staff, to two aircraft and 32 staff.

Whilst there, I had the opportunity to speak to the CEO and the Community Fund Raising Coordinator who both personally acknowledged the annual contribution of caravan clubs (through the CCQ) and were very grateful for the support.

Thank you to those Clubs who have contributed to the combined annual donation for this year. Please know that your donation is put to very good use.

Barbara Rutherford

CCCQ DISCLAIMER The material in ‘The Bulletin’ is in the nature of general comment only and is not necessarily the view of the CCQ Inc. or of the editor. Articles are submitted by third parties and are accepted in good faith by the CCQ. The CCQ makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for the intended purpose of any product, service or material in ‘The Bulletin’ Barry A. Roberts—Editor

The Bulletin Volume 15, No.4 July 2015 Page

WARNING! IS YOUR CARAVAN REGISTRATION PLATE TOO HIGH?

CARAVAN NUMBERPLATE LAW A caravanner in NSW got hit with a $415 fine and three demerit points for having an incorrectly positioned rear numberplate on his caravan. The caravan that had been manufactured in Victoria and registered in NSW with a numberplate light and mount set at 1.6m above the ground. This is illegal.

All eastern states from Queensland to Tasmania have regulations limiting the maximum height at which a licence plate can be affixed as 1.3 metres.

The Australian Design Rules, an excerpt of which is shown below, clearly stipulates the rules for displaying registration plates.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 61/02 - Vehicle Marking) 2005

REGISTRATION PLATES AND LABEL HOLDERS

9.1. Registration Plates

9.1.1. All Vehicles other than L-Group Vehicles:

9.1.1.1. Provision must be made for mounting a registration plate (as shown in Figure 1) to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle so that no part of such plate is more than 1,300 mm from the ground.

9.1.1.2. Provision must be made for mounting a registration plate (as shown in Figure 1) to be affixed to the front of the motor vehicle forward of and parallel to the front ‘Axle’ so that no part of such registration plate is more than 1,300 mm from the ground.

9.1.1.3. No part of a vehicle, including its standard equipment, regular production options or ‘Equipment’ must be so located as to obscure any part of the registration plate (s).

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia web site details some of the angst that has been

aroused by the incident as detailed above. Check out their web site for more information.

http://www.caravanindustry.com.au/number-plate-height-regulations-causing-a-stir