Why these wheels are in motion
LOCAL business Kookaburra Caravans is riding a wave on the back of a growing number of families taking up caravanning.
“We’re seeing a huge influx of families,” business owner Mathew Taylor told Dubbo Photo News.
He said the grey nomads are still touring in large numbers, but the surprising thing is, all of a sudden, working families are getting in on the act too. “They’re saying, ‘Well, hang on, all these oldies are out having a great time,’ and so the family bunk vans have become a big thing.
“Unlike Sydney where a family typically has two kids, out here a lot of families have three or four. I design the vans, so they’ve got three bunks and a table that folds down to a bed and then a double, so you can fit six in there quite comfortably, plus there’s showers and toilets.
“Ten years ago, you could hardly buy a bunk van. There were maybe five made by just one manufacturer. It’s changed a lot.”
Kookaburra Caravans moved from Fitzroy Street to new premises on Bourke Street just a month ago, and has increased their display space, workshop and taken on new staff.
“The opportunity arose with the workers I’ve got. They all arrived at about the same time and we thought, ‘We’ve got all these experienced locals from the industry.’
“My workshop manager has had 35 years in the industry. He started about the same time in the industry as me. Our office lady has had 17 years’ experience in spare parts. It’s very hard to get that sort of experience in people.
“They’re training me. It’s been really good. We’re really blessed to have good staff who are so helpful and obliging,” he said.
Emergencies and construction are also significant reasons for the Dubbo region’s need for temporary housing in caravans.
In 2017, an influx of vans was sent to house victims of the Sir Ivan bushfire.
“I’ve just designed a huge caravan with three rooms in it. I’ve designed it as workers’ accommodation. Each room has a little kitchen, and a bed or bunk and cupboards and is individually airconditioned.
“We took it down to the Bathurst
Car Races and it was hired down there. It’s a new design we’ve come up with. In this area, there’s been a big call for accommodation,” Mr Taylor said.
“In country towns, where there’s rail work or even road workers, they usually book out the pub, then there’s no other accommodation available so they usually park the accommodation caravans at the back of the pub and they can still eat at the pub with the team,” Mr Taylor said.
Some customers use the caravans to live in while they’re building or renovating.
“We even get people renovating bathrooms or kitchens who will often hire a van to put into the front yard for a week or two. They can still sleep in the house and use the van for the cooking or showering,” he said.
Solar panels are also standard. “Solar panels are a big thing now. As long as you’ve got sunshine it will tick along all the time. Your car also charges the batteries while you’re driving. Vans have a washing machine, shower and toilet now. Years ago, lights were 240-volt but now it’s all 12-volt.
“I’ve added a few extra batteries to the design, two-door fridges, TV, DVD player, microwave and air-conditioning. Anything is possible.”