New Managers for the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park
Published on 18 July 2017
If enthusiasm counts for anything, the Bridgewater Caravan Park is in for a shake-up.
New joint managers Jacquie Dunn and her parents, Jim and Pat Clee, assisted by Nathan Pilcher, take up the reins on 24 June and their minds are already brimming with ideas.
All come with solid experience in business – Ms Dunn has worked most recently with Bendigo Bank and Mr Pilcher in the retail sector, while the Clees own Inglewood Aged Beef in Brooke St, having been involved in retail butchering for 40 years.
They also run a food trucking business and employ 20 staff in all.
“Jacquie will be managing the park with grounds maintenance assistance from Nathan and we’re her back-up,” Mr Clee said.
“Our main motivation in applying for the role was to help boost tourism in the area.
“Our research has shown that people are coming in for one night, but we want to extend those stays to two or three days.
“We are talking with Council about such ideas as hiring pushbikes, golf clubs, bowling balls, fishing gear and canoes and would love to put a pontoon on the river.
“There are great bike and canoe trails within the Loddon Shire that need to be utilised to their full potential.
“That way, we’re providing the kinds of experiences that will keep people there longer.”
Ms Dunn said she planned to try to involve the community by approaching local clubs and groups for their co-operation.
“Our hope is to make something that’s good even better and work with the community to use assets that already exist,” she said.
“All this equipment will eventually be available to caravan park customers.
“We just want to give this the best shot we can.”
Loddon Shire Tourism and Marketing Officer Robyn Vella said the ideas proposed by the new park managers would fill a gap in the Loddon Valley’s tourism offerings.
“The region has its natural attractions, but providing infrastructure so visitors don’t have to bring their own recreational equipment makes our region even more appealing,” Mrs Vella said.
“I look forward in working with them towards obtaining the appropriate permits so that these opportunities can come to fruition.”
For more details, phone the caravan park on (03) 5437 5356 or Loddon Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489.