• Members Information

• About
  the Club
• Club News
• Membership
  New / Renew
• Insurance
• Members
  Market
• Marketplace
• Online
  Store
• Motorhoming
  Information
• Contact

• NEWS ARTICLES

Another two CMCA Rallies have successfully drawn to a close, and both were thoroughly enjoyed by all those in attendance. The NSW town of Bingara was host to our 23rd National Rally from 13-19 October 2008, and Whyalla in SA proved to be a beautiful backdrop for our 23rd Anniversary Rally, held between 30 March and 5 April 2009.

The communities and councils of both towns were most welcoming and friendly and it was fantastic to see so much support for CMCA and the motorhoming lifestyle. In addition, the Rallies helped boost the business of a number of local shops and restaurants, so it was rewarding to be able to give something back to our wonderful hosts. It is also encouraging to see that Rallies can help expand the understanding of governments and local townspeople regarding the benefits of self-contained tourism and the requirements of mobile travellers.

Bingara and Whyalla are both beautiful towns, and were highly popular with Members, but they are also perfect examples of the diversity of Australia’s landscape. Whyalla boasts everything from spectacular outback plains to vast coastlines, and it can be seen why the area is frequently associated with the slogan ‘Where the Outback Meets the Sea.’ Bingara is situated along the stunning Gwydir River, surrounded by hills and volcanic and glacial formations. This just goes to show the variety of locations available as potential Rally sites, and CMCA hopes to discover similarly serene and welcoming towns to host future Rallies.

CMCA’s Bingara Rally

The Bingara Rally went off without a hitch, and those in attendance agreed it was one of the most successful CMCA Rallies ever. Around 1,000 vehicles attended, and Members arrived to find the main street lined with banners welcoming our Club. Many Members parked their vehicles in local schools and residential backyards as part of the Host a Motorhome program, before entering the Rally site itself. This program offered Members the opportunity to experience the area before the Rally commenced. A number of tours of Bingara were held during the Rally, and visits to the historic Roxy Theatre were particularly popular, bringing back a lot of memories for Members. As with every Rally, there was constant entertainment, including dance demonstrations, bands, market stalls, seminars and The Bow Tie and Bling Ball (which was a huge success). The photography and disc bowl competitions were hotly contested and it was great to see all those in attendance having such a great time.

CMCA’s Whyalla Rally

Whyalla was also a Rally to remember, with enough tourism and event opportunities to suit the tastes of everyone who attended. The arts and crafts expo was very popular, along with the photography competition, trade displays, sporting activities, and a number of hands-on activities and workshops, such as learning how to solder. The Naughty Nautical Ball saw the more adventurous Members dress up as everything from mermaids to pirates in celebration of the sea. Whyalla is also known for its fishing and seafood, and many Members tried their hand at reeling in some dinner fresh from the ocean. The keenest fisherman remained in Whyalla after the Rally for the One Steel Fishy Fringe Festival, which not only celebrated fishing, but boasted a variety of art activities, live entertainment and workshops.

Rallies offer the perfect opportunity for motorhomers to celebrate their lifestyle and expand their experiences, so may we see even more of you attend in the future. The next CMCA Rally will be held in Rockhampton, QLD from 28 September - 4 October 2009. Watch this space in the coming months for more information on that Rally.

The CMCA Team