More than 600 campervans and motorhomes are rolling into the city this week to take part in the 37th annual Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) National Rally from 22 to 29 September 2024.
About 1,500 visitors and their vehicles will be based at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds for the next week or so.
“The rally is an annual gathering of CMCA members and incorporates the Company’s Annual General Meeting,” Rally Manager Jo-Anne Arthur said.
“Our delegates are so excited to be here and are looking forward to catching up with friends they haven’t seen in a year and meeting new people in this friendly city.”
“This event will provide many activities for our members to participate in, including entertainment, craft, line dancing, seminars, workshops, disc bowl activities, trade stands, exhibitors, a movie night, musical band, ball night, singers and off-site tours.”
Council provided $20,000 in cash and $2,500 in-kind assistance to support the event which is expected to generate more than $1 million within the local community.
“About 85 per cent of our visitors involved in this event are coming to us from interstate, providing a huge economic and visitation boost,” Manager Economy Strategy and Engagement Biddie Shearing said.
“We have a visitor information booth present at the showgrounds as delegates arrive to assist them and encourage visitation to our tourism assets and our businesses.”
The rally is a wonderful way for members from all over the country to come together, forge enduring connections with one another and explore our wonderful city, and we are so pleased to welcome CMCA delegates to Mount Gambier. – Mayor Lynette Martin OAM
“We have also assisted the CMCA courtesy bus to loop between the showgrounds into the CBD to enable delegates to leave their vans at the showgrounds and explore the heart of our city,” Ms Shearing said.
Established in 1986, CMCA is Australia’s largest RV club with around 70,000 members.
“In the lead up to the event, Mount Gambier has been featured in CMCA promotional material and we are anticipating high engagement within the next week as the delegates arrive and repeat visitation into the future,” Ms Shearing said.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
