More than 900 campervans and motorhomes have rolled into the city this week to take part in the 37th annual Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) National Rally.
About 1500 visitors and their vehicles will be based at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds.
“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 have not 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.”
Mount Gambier City Council provided $20,000 in cash and $2500 in-kind assistance to support the event which is expected to generate more than $1m within the local community.
“About 85% of our visitors involved in this event are coming to us from interstate, providing a huge economic and visitation boost,” council’s Economy Strategy and Engagement manager 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.
“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.”
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.
Mayor Lynette Martin OAM welcomed the visitors to the region.
“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,” she said.
