Caravan World Issue 626

Fears about escalating fuel costs have me thinking, once again, about the local caravan industry and the drive to ever-larger caravans. It doesn't make sense to me. And if you ask builders why a lot of their vans are so large and heavy, the inevitable answer is that's what we, the customers, demand. Some dealers tell me if they try to talk prospective buyers into a lighter model, the client can't be convinced, and they risk losing the sale. Buyers have a long list of options they think they want, and the more we bolt onto the van, the heavier it gets. Of course, there are innovative builders determined to get weight out of their range with modern building techniques, and they deserve every success. But for the rest, we must wonder…

For the second consecutive year, Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has claimed the “Car Manufacturer of the Year” title at the 2021 Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards. The award recognises the manufacturer's 96.1 per cent customer satisfaction rating, which represents an increase from its 2020 total of 94.9 per cent. The award is tallied based on 60,000 consumer interviews conducted each year. IUA Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato, said the award is indicative of the company's commitment to quality and consistency of service. “Our Isuzu Ute dealers take a customercentric approach during every interaction; so, not only are we proud to be tracking in the right direction by improving in our annual customer satisfaction results, but we are thrilled to hear that we are living up to our current customers’ expectations,” he said. Hiroyasu also…

Revellers at the Birdsville Big Red Bash have broken the world record for the largest Nutbush dance. Some 4,084 dancers lined up for the epic event, breaking the previous world record of 2,878 boot-scooters, set in 2021. Some dancers donned fancy dress for the fundraiser, with people dressed in tutus, dinosaur costumes, hippy wigs and other colourful outfits. Each participant paid $15 to enter the event, resulting in an impressive donation of more than $60,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Festival owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group, Greg Donovan, praised attendees for their participation in the fundraising event, declaring them all “legends”. The July Big Red Bash is estimated to bring in approximately $15m in economic benefit to regional and outback Queensland. For those who missed the popular…

A new public art experience has been unveiled on Victoria's East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost. Local artists Alice Pepper and Patricia Pittman were joined by visiting artists David ‘MEGGS’ Hooke, LING and Minna Leunig to create the works of art, which are inspired by the story of the Gunaikurnai community. A cultural awareness program involving the Gunaikurnai artist collective and community ensured that the visiting artists gained a deep understanding of artistic practices, cultural storytelling, land management and preservation on Country. The project, produced by The Social Crew, involved collaborations with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the East Gippsland Rail Trail Community, and was supported by the state and federal governments. The Social Crew Creative Director Belinda Collins said, “We are excited to share the beautiful result of…

Fears about escalating fuel costs have me thinking, once again, about the local caravan industry and the drive to ever-larger caravans. It doesn't make sense to me. And if you ask builders why a lot of their vans are so large and heavy, the inevitable answer is that's what we, the customers, demand. Some dealers tell me if they try to talk prospective buyers into a lighter model, the client can't be convinced, and they risk losing the sale. Buyers have a long list of options they think they want, and the more we bolt onto the van, the heavier it gets. Of course, there are innovative builders determined to get weight out of their range with modern building techniques, and they deserve every success. But for the rest, we…

Dogs Australia has released a list of important tips to consider when travelling with dogs. Dogs Australia President, Hugh Gent, has urged travellers to plan ahead before taking a dog-friendly road trip. “There are four considerations when travelling and holidaying with your dogs: comfort, safety, health and happiness,” he said. “It's crucial to plan ahead – for the travel itself and for the holiday destination. When your dog is happy and healthy, they cope better with travel and you'll all have a great time.” Pet owners are encouraged to exercise their dogs before the trip to burn off any excess energy. Booking pet-friendly accommodation ahead of time is essential, as is carrying enough food and water for the trip. Dogs should be microchipped and all registered details should be current. It is important…