New Caretaker for Wedderburn Pioneer Caravan Park
Published on 30 September 2015
LOOKING for a “tree-change” in Loddon Shire has paid handsome dividends for former Melbourne couple Greg and Dede Williams.
They have a new home, Mrs Williams has found part-time work at the Council offices and Mr Williams has just been appointed the new caretaker of the Wedderburn Pioneer Caravan Park.
The family moved to Wedderburn from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in July, 2013.
“My family and I visited the caravan park a number of times over the past few years while we were looking for property and we’ve now bought a house in town and small farm nearby,” Mr Williams said.
“I’ve just come off driving buses in Bendigo for two years after doing the same in Melbourne for four.
“In the past, I’ve also worked as a storeman for Coles Myer, in sheetmetal supervision, in carpentry and aged care.
“It’s early days, but I can see some improvements that can be made to the running of the park and I will be addressing those.
“A number of community-based events we have coming up will bring visitors to the town, such as this month’s engine rally and a trail ride organised by an Inglewood-based pony club.
“There’s plenty for people to do around Wedderburn – I can point them towards gold detector hire, local bushwalks, the eucalyptus stew pot and old gold mine at Hard Hill Reserve, the Coach House Gallery and Museum and more.
“The park office has printed information for visitors, plus free self-drive audio CDs, and the information centre is close by, with a wealth of resources for travellers.”
Popular visitor experiences in the area, all within easy driving distance, include Melville Caves in Kooyoora State Park, cycling and walking trails, rock climbing at Mt Kooyoora, browsing through the district’s eclectic antiques and collectables stores, dropping in to major tourist destinations Simply Tomatoes and Boort’s Star Spanner Sculpture Gardens, learning about olive oil production and, of course, gold fossicking.
Mr Williams is also expecting to benefit from the recent announcement that the park has been granted “CMCA-Friendly” status, allowing members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia to claim a 10% discount on stopovers.
There are now about 300 caravan parks around Australia accepted as CMCA-Friendly, including 60 in Victoria.
“I’m looking forward to the role here,” he said. “It’s going to be a good experience.”
Loddon Shire’s Director Economy and Community Bryan McEwan said Council was looking at development plans for all of its caravan parks, including Wedderburn, and these should be finalised within the next few weeks.
“As for Wedderburn, we certainly want to preserve its feel and atmosphere and ensure it’s a well serviced and well managed park,” Mr McEwan said.
The Pioneer Caravan Park is set in quiet bushland and incorporates part of Wedderburn’s former botanical gardens.
It offers three self-contained cabins, 60 powered sites and 25 unpowered sites, use of a camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a covered area with three electric barbecues.
For more information – or to make a booking – phone 5494 3301 or contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 3489. Visit http://www.pioneercaravanpark.com.au/