27 September 2018

Give a warm welcome to the CMCA Rally
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey calls on residents to help make our visitors welcome as more than 1400 people begin to roll into town for the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) Rally (October 6-13, 2018) at the Gunnedah Showground.
Cr Chaffey said this is Gunnedah’s chance to show new visitors the Shire’s vibrant and diverse community, and what makes it unique.
“There is so much for our visitors to discover and I encourage everyone to make them feel most welcome and showcase our warm Gunnedah country hospitality,” Cr Chaffey said.
CMCA Rally Manager Paul Flynn said excitement is building with the members preparing for the Gunnedah Rally.
“What stands out about Gunnedah is it is an RV-Friendly Destination; the town presents itself well and we are aware of the ongoing tourism needs during the drought,” Mr Flynn said.
“We started thinking about coming to Gunnedah for a Rally five years ago.
“It helped that the Council has been very active in pursuing the Rally to be held in Gunnedah.”
Cr Chaffey acknowledges the importance of the eight-day event.
“The flow on economic benefits of hosting the Rally in Gunnedah couldn’t have come at a better time with impacts of drought being felt throughout the business community. Promoting Gunnedah to people who might like to move here and encouraging visitation is a critical component of Council’s economic development strategy,” he said.
“Everyone who lives in Gunnedah knows that it’s the best place in the world to be and this event gives us the opportunity to promote our little patch of paradise to people from all over Australia.”
The Rally is holding an open day on Saturday, 13 October for the public to attend.
“If you are interested in meeting the members, having a look at some of the motorhomes and campervans that will be on site, or taking a look at the markets, head along to the open day at the Showground,” Cr Chaffey said.
The Showground has now been handed over to the CMCA and Rally volunteers are busily constructing a mini village in the showground to prepare for the commencement of the Rally on October 6.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Tourism Supervisor Chris Frend hang up the CMCA street banner ready for the Rally.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.