Enjoy the journey
Malcolm Street reflects on an eventful few years and the Aussie spirit to motor on
We’ve dealt with some challenges in recent years – COVID, supply issues, fuel prices, and flooding rains – but in true Aussie spirit we keep motoring on, so enjoy the journey
Both domestic and international travel present a few more challenges these days. COVID-19 certainly affected things with more expensive airfares and travel insurance, not to mention additional medical requirements. In all countries, the Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry has taken a hit with component shortages in tandem with an increased demand for the product. Across the world, the war in Ukraine has affected many things, including fuel prices – something that very much hurts in long-distance Australia. Then this year, severe flooding in several states has repeatedly caused problems in many areas. The most recent occurring as I put these words together.
Events like the above can sometimes affect our mental wellbeing, especially when we’re out on the road away from home, friends, or family. Life becomes a struggle, and even achieving the simplest things seems too hard. During these times, friends and acquaintances are significant. Organisations such as Beyond Blue can undoubtedly help, but sometimes an understanding friend or two is often all it takes to get back on a more even keel. Stay in touch.
Flooding Rains
I’d been watching the rain and flood situation closely because I was heading off to the Campervan and Motorhome Club Australia (CMCA) national rally at Bingara (mid-northern NSW). Road closures became a potential problem for other CMCA members and me heading that way from all parts of Australia. Fortunately, there are several websites with up-to-date information readily to hand and when I travelled north, the only rain I experienced was when I left Sydney. The only signs of flooding I noticed were several higher-than-usual rivers. That situation lasted for a few days until the rains came to Bingara and the showground where 600 and counting motorhomes were parked. Everyone donned rainproof gear and footwear that was either waterproof or easily washable.
The Humble Volunteer
Like so many events, a CMCA rally depends on a large group of volunteers. You name it, they do it. Meet and greet, siting of 600 or 700 motorhomes of all shapes and sizes, running seminars, supplying morning teas, laying out water pipes, ensuring all the OHS requirements are in place and even doing exciting things emptying the garbage bins or driving the buggy that collects toilet cassettes. Yes, you too, can be part of the action!
Sadly, the motorhome club is no different to many organisations these days: the average age of the volunteers is rising, and those same people are not being replaced. I have not been to a CMCA rally for several years, but I recognised quite a few of the volunteers undertaking their respective tasks, still effectively as they have done at past rallies.
Travelling Along
Ralph Waldo Emerson is apparently credited with the saying, “It’s the journey, not the destination that counts”. Let’s Go Motorhomes made a Jayco Royale available for my use at the rally and as I made my way north up the New England Highway, from Muswellbrook to Tamworth, through towns like Scone, Wingen, and Murrurundi, I was reminded of that little phrase. Although time did not permit, I thought that some of those little towns deserved a bit of exploration in order to soak up the atmosphere and get a take on the local history. I’m a bit of a fan of old-style federation buildings and there are certainly plenty of those to be seen, some in very good condition, others looking a bit neglected. That’s in addition to cafes and restaurants that serve fine fare and wineries with many drinkable wines.
The destination of course, is essential too. Bingara, built along the banks of the Gwydir River, has a few attractions in its own right. One is the unique Roxy Theatre and Greek Cafe which was built by three Greek partners originally from Kythera. Fully restored in 2004, it now serves as not only a theatre and cafe and but also a reminder of a rather fascinating historical past.
Despite all the difficulties, I reckon Australians will continue to travel in some form or another, preferably by caravan or RV. It’s part of our cultural heritage!