DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO GO ON SAFARI in ’07

Fancy exploring this beautiful country of ours by caravan or motorhome while enjoying the camaraderie of group travel with like-minded people?

Choose from four great Caravan Safari’s planned for 2007:

The Outback Discovery Trail (Dubbo, NSW to Longreach, QLD)

* Saturday 11 August – Saturday 25 August 2007
Highlights include: Old Dubbo Gaol theatrical night tour and dinner, Western Plains Zoo early morning walk and breakfast, Australian Cotton Centre guided tour, ‘Dig In’ dining experience under the stars in Lightning Ridge, Outback Opal Tour, Cosmos Centre Night Tour, Workers Heritage Centre, Qantas Founders Museum and 747 Tour, Stockmans Hall of Fame, Thomson Belle River Cruise and numerous group meals and camp-oven dinners.

The Murray and Wine Trail (Bright, VIC to Victor Harbor, SA)

* Saturday 15 September – Saturday 29 September 2007
Highlights include: Dinner cruise on the Murray River, Old Port of Echuca Tour, lunch at Banrock Station Winery, 4WD guided tour of the gorges around the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound, coach tour to Adelaide, day trip to Kangaroo Island (including Seal Bay, The Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch) and wine tasting at numerous wineries.

The Wildflower and Goldfields Trail (Kalgoorlie, WA to Boyup Brook, WA)

* Saturday 6 October – Saturday 20 October 2007
Highlights include: Mining Hall of Fame Tour, Kalgoorlie Super Pit Tour, Langtrees Bordello Tour, Tour of Cape le Grand (Esperance), MacKenzies Island Wildlife Cruise, Wildflower Tour at Stirling Range Retreat, Albany Day Tour (including Whale World), Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, Shearing shed lamb spit function, and a final night function at Harvey Dickson Country Music Centre.

The Tassie Wilderness Trail (Tasmania)

* Saturday 3 November – Saturday 17 November 2007
Highlights include: Devils@Cradle interpretation centre (Cradle Mountain) tour and devil feeding, West Coast Wilderness Railway Day Trip, Penguin viewing on Bruny Island, Sorrell Fruit Farm visit (where you can pick your own berries and fruit), Port Arthur Historic Site guided tour (including cruise on harbour and lunch), Chairlift ride over the spectacular Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tour and tasting at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and final night function at High Tide Waterfront Restaurant in Devonport.

Why Join?

The cost for each Safari is from $2,450 including GST (per vehicle – two people).
This includes all caravan park fees, entry into major tourist attractions and some meals (see detailed itinerary for each Safari for the inclusions), Safari Manual with detailed daily itinerary and maps, and a participant welcome pack including backpack, polo shirt and hat. A discount of $100 (per vehicle) is available for Members of a state motoring club.

More Information

For more information or a Safari Registration Pack, please log onto www.mynrma.com.au/safari or contact Kylie Elliott , Safari Project Manager, on 1800 228 517 or email kylie.elliott@mynrma.com.au

20-MINUTE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FROM DARIO CARAVANS & REPAIRS

The team at Dario Caravans and Repairs has put together a 20-minute maintenance checklist – the perfect reference for you to download here. 153kb
If you don’t have Adobe PDF reader you get download it for free here.

SHOW US WHY YOU LOVE THIS COUNTRY

The team at We Love This Country is building a completely new website. Launching in the near future, it will be jam-packed with useful information for all VIP Club members. We would love to hear from VIP Club members that have photographed the open spaces and natural beauty of Australia while touring. The best image may be featured on the We Love This Country website and the winner will receive a signed copy of John Williamson’s ‘We Love This Country’ CD.

Also we have a bunch of ‘RV Runaway Vacation’ Movie gear such as travelling mugs to giveaway to the 7 best ideas on what you would most like to see on our new website that will enhance your Caravanning holiday. Winners entries will be listed in the next edition of We Love this Country enewsletter.

TO SEND US YOUR SNAPSHOT:
To participate all you need to do is email a low resolution copy of your snapshot along with a description to crva@zoik.com.au by Friday 15 June 2007. Winner will be contacted by email. No images will be used or copied without permission.

TO TELL US WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON THE NEW WEBSITE:
To participate all you need to do is email your comments and suggestions along with your name to crva@zoik.com.au by Friday 15 June 2007.

SUPERANNUATION CHANGES MAY HELP YOU GET ON THE ROAD SOONER

Sweeping reforms to the Australian superannuation system will benefit self -funded retirees. Now is the time to speak to your certified financial planner to ensure you maximize your retirement benefits.

The following information has been sourced from the Federal Government and BDO Kendalls. It is general information only and should not be relied upon for making personal financial decisions.

What this legislation offers now is a new flexibility to individuals over age 55 in structuring their salary packages, superannuation contributions and superannuation pensions. This can in many instances result in dramatic improvements to overall tax payable, particularly from 1 July 2007 for individuals over age 60 whose pension incomes after this date will be tax free.

But what are the income tax consequences? Earnings in consumer’s superannuation fund from assets supporting a pension stream are tax free. By commencing a pension consumers can effectively reduce the tax on fund earnings from 15% (or 10% on capital gains) to nil. If the fund has substantial assets this tax saving could be substantial. Currently taxable pension income is assessed in the hands of the member at normal marginal rates of tax less a 15% rebate. The taxable pension income is reduced where a fund has undeducted contributions.

Pension and lump sum payments received by individuals age 60 and over will be tax free as July 1, 2007. Tax on contributions received by a fund by way of employer contributions or member contributions are taxed at 15%.The real tax benefit in diverting personal income into superannuation contributions (which are taxable at 15%) for those in the 55 to 60 age bracket is in the reduction in superannuation fund tax.

This information does not constitute specific advice and does not take into consideration the individual circumstances surrounding the reader. For further information on the superannuation changes, and how these may affect your personal situation, please contact a qualified financial advisor.

CATCH THE QUEEN OF THE COUNTRY AT THE SHOW

Australia's Queen of Country, Tania Kernaghan will sing her tunes three times a day and between performances, will be signing autographs at the Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Holiday Show (6 – 12 June 2007) and at just $12 entry, it has to be one of the best investments for anyone buying or maintaining a caravan or simply planning a driving holiday. With over 300 exhibitors, we suggest you plan you visit carefully, especially if you want catch the free seminars.

This year’s Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show features a range of inspirational and educational seminars by experts to help holidaymakers get moving. Here is a sample of who you can see:

RACQ’S ON-LINE TRAVEL PLANNER
with RACQ Touring Staff
Now you can search and plan your drive holiday at www.racq.com.au. This site can help you find the quickest route across town or it can help with a full driving holiday itinerary around Australia—what to see, where to go.

4WD TO CAPE YORK
with Tom Rosser
As Operations Manager of Billy Tea Bush Safaris, Tom has driven to Cape York more nearly 150 times. Yes, he certainly knows the way, knows the country, knows the people and knows the pitfalls. It’s a great area of Australia but you have to know what you’re doing. Tom will tell you why.

UNDERSTANDING SOLAR POWER
with Robert Pitt
Many travellers ask about fitting solar panels to recreational vehicles. There are many different applications which require different approaches as regards equipment used and peripherals to go with that installation. Robert has years of experience in all types of installations, especially for mobile applications.

WORKABOUT OZ AS YOU TRAVEL
with Barry Brebner
Like to work as you travel. You can and Barry has done it. And what’s more, he’s written a book on how you can do it too, a book he continually updates from his experiences. Come and hear how you can do it to.

INTRODUCTION TO MOTORHOMING
with Bill McClintock
Bill has been motorhoming in Australia and overseas for 40 years. So who better to pass on advice to you on this fast growing segment of touring and travel in Australia.

The seminars will run every day in two auditoriums, one situated on the Upper Level, Building 3 and the other in Building 11 within the Motorhome and Campervan Show area at the RNA Showgrounds.

For more information about the show visit: www.caravanqld.com.au

Places to stay around the Brisbane Show include:

BIG4 Brisbane Northside Caravan Village
Big 4 Brisbane Northside Caravan Village is a top quality tourist accommodation complex conveniently located close to excellent transport facilities, shops, restaurants and clubs. The Village is situated only 10 kilometres from the Brisbane International Airport and 12 kilometres from the city centre.

763 Zillmere Road (cnr Zillmere & Dorville Roads) Aspley
Phone: 07 3263 4040
Website: http://www.caravanvillage.com.au/

Brisbane Holiday Village
Brisbane Holiday Village offers the ultimate getaway for families, couples or groups wanting to kick back, unwind and enjoy being together. No matter what option you choose - from self contained cabins through to camping or caravan site - Brisbane Holiday Village promise you value for money and an unforgettable holiday.

10 Holmead Road Eight Mile Plains
Phone: 07 3341 6133
Email: sales@brisbaneholiday.com.au
Website: www.brisbaneholiday.com.au

Brisbane Gateway Village Resort
Gateway Village Resort is the perfect location from which to enjoy a great Brisbane holiday and explore Brisbane and South-east Queensland from the city life to the fabulous sights and attractions of our region.

If your looking for a fresh holiday experience and a friendly place to stay and relax you must come and see us and discover the wonderful spacious environment we have to offer... so close to the city!

200 School Road Rochedale
Phone: 07 3341 6333 
Email: bookings@gatewayvillage.com.au
Website: http://www.gatewayvillage.com.au/

‘ABOUT WOMEN’: WINNING ENTRIES

In our last enewsletter we asked members who makes a better navigator: men or women? Here are the best replies. Each will receive a copy of Dennis Austin's (of Austin's Caravans Tasmania) new book 'About Women'.

Who makes a better navigator: men or women?

If you missed out on the competition, the book is available from Austins Caravans website www.austinscaravans.com.au. The cost is $12.00 including postage. Dennis is offering a money back guarantee if you don't get at least 20 laughs.

COOKING WITH ROBYN COOK

Olive Pasta Salad

Thick spaghetti or linguine
Kalamata olive paste/tapenade
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Cherry tomatoes
Young green salad leaves
Parmesan cheese
Ground pepper

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Mix the tapenade with a little lemon juice and olive oil. You need a reasonable coating so use your best judgment and taste for quantities. Mix the tapenade through the warm pasta then toss through all other ingredients. Serve on its own, with bread or as a side salad to barbecued lamb chops.

The Holiday Lifestyle Cookbook is available from Robyn Cook by phone or fax to 07 5445 9923 or email to piproductions@ozemail.com.au

Payment by cheque or direct deposit only, sorry no credit cards. $12.50 includes GST and Postage to anywhere in Australia. Post your order and payment to 2 Diedrichs Court Palmwoods Queensland 4555.

WINTER FESTIVALS

It seems the colder months are full of festivals! Why not hit the road this winter and check out some of the great festivals Australia has to offer. Stay at our recommended caravan parks near the shows.

Yulefest in the Blue Mountains

1st June – 21st August 2007, Katoomba, NSW
Yulefest in the Mountains is a special time to celebrate winter in a 'Northern Hemisphere' style with a wide array of traditional Yulefest dinners and luncheons. Live entertainment, carols and decorations all add to the Yulefest atmosphere. Enjoy the crisp mountain air by day and the glow of a cosy fire at night.
Tel: 1300 653 408
www.yulefest.com

WHERE TO STAY WHILE ENJOYING THIS FESTIVAL:

OR VISIT THE FOLLOWING TRADE BUSINESS:

Mowanjum Festival

4th-5th of July 2007, Derby, WA
View the Wandijina Art featured in the Olympic 2000 Opening Ceremony and the Mowanjum Aboriginal culture at the Mowanjum Festival. The first day holds a family evening with art displays and contemporary music followed by day two with a traditional cultural evening featuring coroboree dancers.
Ph: (08) 9191 1104
www.wandjinadonny.com

WHERE TO STAY WHILE ENJOYING THIS FESTIVAL:

Palmer Street Jazz Festival   

11th-13th of August 2007, Townsville, QLD
Palmer Street is set to swing with some of Australia’s leading jazz artists. Artists perform on several stages in the Maritime Museum Park and the packed program promises to deliver a line-up of talent to wow audiences. This year’s Festival is designed to attract jazz enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy listening to good music.
Ph: (07) 4721 5333
www.triplet.com.au

WHERE TO STAY WHILE ENJOYING THIS FESTIVAL:

OR VISIT THE FOLLOWING TRADE BUSINESSES:

MEET OUR INDUSTRY BUSINESSES

Platinum Contributors:

Dolphin Insurance Dolphin Underwriting Agency was created in 2001 to meet the Tourism industry liability needs. Today, Dolphin Insurance offers liability and property insurance with underwriters at Lloyds of London and QBE, specialising in Tourist, Hospitality, Entertainment and Leisure SERVICE Dolphin Insurance is fully dedicated to providing Insurance Brokers Australia wide specialty insurance products designed after consultation with Industry Associations and Customers. Specialties include: Tourism, Real Estate, Motor Trade, Professional Indemnity, Winery and Horticulture. SECURITY Our Liability Product is 100% underwritten by Marketform, a syndicate of Lloyd's of London, who have been with us from the beginning providing strength and security, whilst also helping us to grow. 20 Prowse Street WEST PERTH WA 6005 Free Call: 1300 881 404 Phone: (08) 9213 9822 Fax: (08) 9481 4311 Email: info@dolphininsurance.com.au Website: www.dolphininsurance.com.au
Melbourne Trailer & Caravans M.T.C.S is a fully owned family business with Tom Henry as founder being joined by his sons Denis in 1971 (General Manager), Wayne in 1985 (Office Manager) and his grandchildren Kirsty in 1992 (Administration Team Leader) and Craig in 1996 (Purchasing Officer). The outstanding reputation of the business is a result of years of reliable service both to the public and the industry as a whole and we plan to continue this for many years to come. For the caravanner, M.T.C.S offers a wide range of accessories including awnings, hatches, refrigerators, rotating vents etc. For the trailer builder or repairer we offer expert advice on your individual requirements and a large range of parts and accessories with axles made to order on-site. 1-3 Ashley Park Drive CHELSEA HEIGHTS VIC 3196 Phone: (03) 9772 2333 Fax: (03) 9772 4999 Email: sales@melbournetrailers.com.au Website: www.melbournetrailers.com.au
Trakka Pty Ltd TRAKKA is an Australian company, established in 1973, specialising in designing, engineering and building Recreation and Special Purpose Vehicles. Our services include: Sales of new and used TRAKKA RV's. Conversions and modifications to existing vehicles. Try before you buy program… if you're not sure which way to go. Camping accessories. Conversion service & spare parts. Our products and services are considered to be the best available and our mission is to maintain our leading position, by delivering high quality, innovative, world-class products and providing an outstanding level of service. During construction you can observe your vehicle being built in our modern purpose-built Headquarters, at Sydney's Mt Kuring-gai, using the latest production methods and technology. Our vision is to turn the dream to "see Australia" into reality and create the journey of a lifetime. 9 Beaumont Road, MT KURING-GAI, NSW 2080 Phone: (02) 9472 9000 Fax: (02) 9472 9090. Email: info@trakka.com.au Website: www.trakka.com.au

Richmond Caravans Located in North Western Sydney, Richmond Caravans has been servicing the caravanning public since 1977. Initially operating as a leading repairer to the industry, Richmond Caravans commenced sales operation of new and used caravans in 1994, and have been displaying the full range of Coromal Caravans since December 2004. Whether you be a grey nomad, a baby boomer or a young family looking to experience life on the road, Richmond Caravans has the experience to not only help you choose the right caravan but is able to provide the ongoing service and support that you require. Not only do we sell, service and repair caravans, we also use them ourselves. Only from personal experience can you truly pass on the experience. 128 Ham Street SOUTH WINDSOR NSW 2756 Phone: 02 4577 6553