Preparations for the 33rd CMCA National Rally are rolling right along in Gunnedah.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Members of the rally’s management team are in Gunnedah again this week to meet with the council and community groups to help line up a program for the week-long event in October.
The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) rally will see Gunnedah’s population swell in size, with an average of around 800 RV’s expected to pull up for the event.
The rally could generate more than $2 million in revenue for Gunnedah’s economy, based on spending from the 2013 CMCA rally in Narrabri.
The event is likely to take over Gunnedah Showground precinct, the Gunnedah Kennel Club grounds, the RV grounds, Donnelly Fields, and some classrooms of Gunnedah High School.
A group of about 200 volunteers will trickle into town the week before to set up for the annual event, with many rally-goers also expected to show up early.
Paul and Anita Flynn are heavily involved in rally preparations and said Gunnedah was chosen because it’s an RV-friendly town.
“They’re supporting us, so we’re supporting them,” Mr Flynn said.
“We’re trying to involve as much of the community as possible.”
READ MORE: $2M injection
Gunnedah councillor Owen Hasler is in the local working group for the rally and is helping to connect the management team with local contacts.
“We’re making sure this can be as successful as possible,” he said.
This week Cr Hasler and the management team have already met with Gunnedah Conservatorium’s Rebecca Ryan and the council’s tourism manager Chris Frend, and arts and cultural officer Lauren Mackley about potential activities and tours in the area, plus evening entertainment.
The Flynns first visited Gunnedah in late 2017 and said they were impressed by the town.
“We came in October and were very taken with the town,” Mr Flynn said.
“Anyone we’ve approached with support and services has been brilliant.”
RELATED READING: Gunnedah Pony Club camp makes way for motorhome rally
