By Dongyun Kwon
Over the last weekend between 14 and 16 March, Big 4 Yarra Valley Caravan Park was crowded with Essential Caravans and their owners.
Essential Caravan Owners Group held its third Vic Meeting in Healesville after hosting the event at the same place, Bridgewater Caravan Park, for the last two years.
120 caravans with around 250 people including 10 children attended this year’s event.
The event organiser, Duane Pendlebury, said the Vic Meeting is a good opportunity for Essential Caravan owners to get together, make friends, and have a good time while raising funds to give back to the local community.
“Industry-related businesses and local community businesses donate their products, vouchers and discounts for us to run a raffle and auction,” he said.
“All the proceeds go back to local community groups.”
The event successfully raised $14,000, which was a lot more than the original aim of $10,000.
Five local community groups received the donation on Sunday morning; Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed, Badger Creek CFA, Healesville Scouts, Healesville Community Garden and HICCI.
Local musician Charlie came to the event to add a musical atmosphere on Friday.
The event also invited local businesses, such as Payten and Jones Wine, and Creswick, to give them an opportunity to promote themselves to caravan owners who came from all across Victoria.
On Sunday, the participants spent the day in the town.
They had lunch at the Healesville RSL and played lawn bowls at the Healesville Bowling Club.
“We thank local businesses for their support. It’s been overwhelming,” Mr Pendlebury said.
