AS the busy spring season ramps up, it is an exciting time for the new leaseholders and site managers at the Gentle Annie Caravan and Camping Reserve (also known as King River Caravan Park) in Whitfield.
The accommodation business is now part of the Camp Crusty group owned by Paul Hangan and Michael Harris, who have about 15 other properties across Victorian in their portfolio, including sites in Bright, Everton and Eldorado.
Michael Harris said he and his business partner, who recently took over from Petra Seebacher, were drawn to the property by its natural setting which fits the organisation's theme.
"We like nature-based bush camping, and we loved the river setting and the location in the King Valley," he said.
"Petra did a really good job getting the park to a functional level, increasing the number of visitor nights - it has quite a cult following and is punching above its weight in terms of social media following.
Latest Stories
"We thought using the base Petra had created, we could continue that journey and take it to another level, exposing the park and location to more visitors to the area."
Mr Harris said they have engaged Mark Vincent and Kim Tynan as the on-site managers, who started about eight weeks ago and are excited to be based at the park.
He said they intend to focus on maintaining it as a beautiful location with good facilities for everyone, planning to tidy up a few cabins and perhaps eventually install glamping tents along the river.
"Some of our other parks have glamping tents or experiential accommodation, and I think Gentle Annie is screaming out for something like that which will go very well," he said.
Mr Harris said what attractions the business adds to the site is a park-by-park proposition, primarily based around its location.
He said they understood Gentle Annie was used by people who were often largely self-sufficient and liked "getting back to nature", enjoying family activities like camping, swimming, fishing, bush walking and being beside a campfire at night, rather than any man-made attractions.
Major improvements being undertaken at the park, largely funded by a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) flood recovery grant and overseen by the Gentle Annie committee of management, has seen new amenities and laundry facilities installed and the demolition of the aged toilet block.
Mr Harris said they were working closely with the committee of management and DEECA on improvements to the property, and the new arrivals office is expected to be completed this week.
He said the modernised amenities above the flood line would ensure the park was future proofed and able to cater for the large number of guests who will be accommodated during peak periods.
"We'll continue to work with the committee of management on making sensible, commercial improvements to the park while still retaining its strong, nature-based feel," he said.
DEECA Gentle Annie committee of management chairperson James Nicholson said the committee welcomed the Camp Crusty group as the new leasehold operators of the reserve.
He said they bring a wealth of experience, with committee secretary-treasurer Steve Bowman having recently visited their local sites, and been impressed by the good standard of presentation.
“We’d also like to acknowledge previous leaseholder Petra Seebacher for her efforts, for her hard work, and for building good relationships with the patrons, which has helped to ensure repeat visitors staying at the reserve," he said.
"We understand that after about five years, given the demands of other projects in her life, Petra felt it was time to move on, and we wish her all the best for the future.”
Steve Bowman said Paul and Michael came to Gentle Annie at a time when the grant-funded major works had been completed or were underway, including the amenities blocks and laundry.
He said the works also included stabilisation and reinforcement along the banks of the King River for future flood mitigation, and upgrades to power and water infrastructure, including firefighting capability.
"All this work, which has only just been finished, is for the benefit of patrons, and this puts Camp Crusty in a great position going forward," he said.
"We have invested approximately $700,000 in the reserve and this puts it in good stead for the longer-term future."
*
King Valley in brief
Whitfield Golf Chook Run launch
The Whitfield and District Golf Club invites all members, friends and locals to the opening of this year's Chook Run, being held on Wednesday, 8 October with hit off from 5pm to 5.30pm.
Entry is $6 for the nine-hole competition, with a frozen chook for the winner, and a free sausage sizzle will be held after the golf.
Those who are not Tiger Woods can just have a hit and a miss, or a stroll, and there are some fun prizes for nearest the pin on all par threes, plus the chance to win a bottle of wine.
*
Hall Stories in Cheshunt
Celebrated actor, comedian and storyteller Damian Callinan will bring his new show Hall Stories to the Cheshunt Hall on Saturday, 11 October.
Damian will pull back the curtain on his own tour stories and examine the quirks, traditions and characters of Australian halls and meeting places, while also delving into the history and characters of the town he visits, and the role the hall plays in the broader community.
There will be a sausage sizzle from 6pm with the show to start at 7pm and tickets are $25, available at wpacc.com.au.
*
King Valley Arts Film Club screening
The King Valley Arts Film Club will hold its final screening for season three at the Cheshunt Hall community cinema on Tuesday, 14 October, with doors open from 7pm and the film to start at 7.30pm.
The movie will be Wim Wenders' Perfect Days, a quietly powerful celebration of finding beauty, meaning and grace in the simple rhythms of everyday life.
Fresh popcorn and ice cream will be for sale (byo beanbags and cushions) and film lovers can drop in for a single screening for $10 per person, with more information at kingvalleyarts.com.au/film-club.
*
