The Times - The Grey Nomads

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In this issue:
•Cockatoo Island is calling •Putting the brakes on speed •Snakes alive ... six victims airlifted
West seeks ‘grey gold’
as mining loses lustre
As the heavy vehicles
make their exodus, will
grey nomads roll in?
Australia’s resources boom
helped shape the travelling
experience of grey nomads in
many parts of the country …
and the ‘bust’ is doing exactly
the same in reverse.
Towns that were thriving
just a few years ago are now
struggling for survival. Many
Outback roads that constantly
shook with the weight of endless convoys of giant trucks
are quiet again. And caravan
parks that were either full
of ‘workers’, or were priced
beyond the reach of travellers,
are now looking for the grey
nomad dollar once more.
Australia’s mining companies
are shedding jobs quickly,
with 50,000 workers losing
their jobs in the last year. In
the past week alone, mining
giant Glencore has announced
that 300-plus people will
likely lose their jobs when it
shuts down its West Wallsend
coalmine in New South Wales
next year. And Woodside
Petroleum and Rio Tinto have
both just announced they are
to cut hundreds of jobs from
their operations in Western
Australia’s Pilbara region.
The West, in particular, is now
looking anxiously at ways it
can attract more grey nomads
and other travellers to help
On the way out
support the state’s changing
economy.
“Interstate tourism has
slumped since 2008,” admitted
the chief executive of Tourism Council WA, Evan Hall.
“Australians used to turn up to
Western Australia in droves,
but we developed a reputation
for being expensive and didn’t
invest enough in promoting
our extraordinary regional
destinations.”
In towns like Karratha, which
will feel the impact of mining
job cuts heavily, the mayor, Peter Long, says he has noticed a
sombre mood among residents and that local businesses
are starting to feel the pinch.
Karratha is not alone.
However, it was a situation
that was foreseen. A report
into the possible effect of a
mining ‘bust’ in the West
warned last year that regions
like the Pilbara could be left
littered with ghost towns if
‘Dead snakes
don’t snatch’
– GNT readers
Come on pull the other
one! A brown snake would
never be snapped stealing a
sausage from a barbie.
That was the view of a convincing majority of GNT
readers when confronted
with the photographic
evidence (below) which apparently caught the slippery
snag snatcher red-handed.
On the way in?
they didn’t develop critical
infrastructure and diversify.
Report author and Curtin
University researcher, Jemma
Green, predicted tourism
would be crucial and said the
Pilbara could not afford to be
viewed as just a ‘giant quarry’.
“There are a number of good
quality roads missing to get to
key areas, and if you looked at
a tourist guide book, it would
tell you just to bypass the
Pilbara altogether,” she said.
“It’s also very expensive for
tourists.”
However, times are changing.
“Tourism wasn’t really possible
when the caravan parks were
full of construction workers,”
said Pilbara MP Brendon
Grylls at the time. “But now I
think with the market normalising, there’s great hope for us.”
Guilty or framed?
• Is the West back on your travel
agenda? Was it ever off it?
While the veracity or otherwise of the photo cannot
be independently verified,
68.3% or respondents to our
GNT poll on the issue were
not convinced.
Grandy was typical.
“I believe it’s dead,” he said.
“I figure it wouldn’t be snaffling hot sausages from the
barbie!”
But the rigid pose and lively
looking eyes were enough
to convince Rob & Pam K.
“It’s well and truly alive,”
they declared confidently.
Despite some disagreement
about the snake’s guilt, all
readers agreed on one thing.
If the snake didn’t eat that
sausage, then no one did!
Click to comment
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Page 1
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]
Characters of the road
‘Free camps offer much
more than cost savings’
Queenslanders Paul (66)
& Pam (62) enjoy the
camaraderie of the road
What do you travel in?
We bought our 17’ Jayco Outback poptop new in 2014 and
we tow it with a 2013 Nissan
Navara Crew cab 4x4 diesel.
This is our third Jayco but our
first with an ensuite. It also has
a 120w roof-mounted solar
panel and we back that up
with a portable folding solar
panel. This allows us to park
the van in the shade and still
charge the batteries. The Navara tows the van well, but the
advantage of diesel over petrol
is now disappearing with the
cost of diesel in the bush
still quite dear, compared to
petrol.
Where do you camp?
We deliberately purchased
a caravan designed to be
self-sufficient and we take full
advantage of that by seeking
out free camps wherever we
can. We find that free and low
cost camping is the preference
of many like-minded people
and, because of this, it is common to meet people similar
to ourselves. There is a lot of
camaraderie between grey
nomads and what better place
to hear of that ‘special’ location. This type of camping is
so much different to the rulebound and often over crowded
Nomads in Brief
Stolen van chase
Four teenagers have been
arrested after a high-speed
pursuit involving a stolen
caravan along Victoria’s
Hume Freeway. The quartet
were arrested after they
jack-knifed the caravan near
Gundagai.
Asteroid impact
Scientists in central Australia have uncovered an
asteroid impact zone spanning 400km, the largest
ever recorded. The impact
was caused by an enormous
meteorite that split into two
10km-wide chunks before
slamming into what is now
the Warburton Basin.
Paul & Pam’s new rig is set up for free camping
caravan parks, not to mention
the cost. We also look for low
cost campgrounds such as
showgrounds and recreation
grounds. Many sensible rural
authorities now realise that
people such as us will use low
cost camping facilities and
we will also buy fuel and
groceries.
Do you keep a journal?
Since we retired in 2009 we
have kept a record of every
place we have stopped at. We
have a handwritten book, as
well as maintaining an Access
database.
What wouldn’t you be without?
Our Lemair washing machine
which is light enough to happily sit on the back seat, and
our portable freezer which
also sits on the back seat.
Scariest nomad experience?
Not ensuring the drawbar
hitch was fully seated ... we
were in a caravan park and the
kerb made it difficult to position the tow ball directly under the hitch and drop home.
As we drove out of the park we
went over a speed bump and
the van parted company with
the car...of course everyone
was watching too! No damage
however and a lesson learnt.
Tips for fellow nomads?
If you are staying in a show
grounds, especially during a
weekend, camp as far as you
can from any buildings, they
will often be used by various
groups. We camped right in
the middle of a religious convention once!
Click here to comment
Mick’s back!
Outback-loving grey nomads had better be ready
to reach for the remote’s
off button when the horror franchise, Wolf Creek,
moves onto the small screen.
Following on from the Wolf
Creek and Wolf Creek 2
movies, Mick Taylor is reportedly poised to continue
his gory rampage across
remote Australia in a TV
series.
NZ campervan crash
There’s been another nasty
accident involving a campervan driven by an overseas
tourist in New Zealand.
A motorcyclist remains in
hospital with serious injuries
after the collision near Punakaiki on the South Island.
Witnesses say the driver of
the campervan had been on
the wrong side of the road.
Page 2
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]
Dear Editor,
Re: National park rubbish
(GNT: 92). Yes, there is a
large amount of rubbish being
dumped by lazy, thoughtless and greedy people. I
believe the solution is not to
simply sit back and complain
about what other people are
doing but to stand up and
take action. This can include
making sure that we leave our
campsites cleaner than when
we arrived (even if that means
picking up other people’s
rubbish); not leaving bags of
rubbish around overflowing
bins (we managed to take it in
there so why can’t we take it
out and dispose of it in a more
suitable location); and taking
responsibility to inform the
appropriate authority when
we see people acting irresponsibly (and not just complain
about it at the next Happy
Hour). Unless someone
stands up and makes the effort
to report them, these grubs
will continue their abhorrent
behaviour. If someone takes
the initiative to clean up after
themselves and others, those
following are more likely to
treat the location with the
appropriate respect. I also find
that often as I am walking
around with my bag cleaning
up the area, I am joined by
other likeminded people who
are happy to help with this
task.
Geoff K
Dear Editor,
The most rubbish I’ve seen
is outside the national parks
or dumped in random areas
as there are too many gates
on national parks to even get
near them!
Steve & Di W
Dear Editor,
This is the tip of the iceberg
and education starts with
our young ones. The amount
of rubbish thrown onto our
roadsides from cars is increasing at an alarming rate. The
sooner we get our government to introduce refundable
containers the better. We
spend thousands of dollars
on education campaigns for
skin cancer so how about a
bit on litter. Every schoolchild
should be taken on a visit to
the local landfill to see where
their rubbish ends up. As for
the commercial dumpers,
someone knows who they are
so why not dob them in!
Bob P
Dear Editor,
I know some people think the
dumping of rubbish in parks
etc. is the council’s fault for
not having free dump sites.
However, I find it somewhat
alarming that folk would
rather lay blame anywhere but
on the perpetrators!
Steve & Cecily W
Dear Editor,
People cannot or will not pay
the big tip fees. If councils
want a clean region, they have
to make dumps affordable
and available - i.e. open at the
weekends when people have
time to take their rubbish to
the tip. It strikes me that if
we can have camera to catch
speedsters all over the country, then perhaps cameras to
record offenders dumping
rubbish. Utterly surprised
Royal hasn’t got them already.
Jim O
Piles of illegally dumped rubbish
Dear Editor,
I think it’s funny how we
cannot take our ‘restrained’
animals into the parks but
these morons can come and
go as they please, destroying
our beautiful landscape as
if it’s their right. We have cameras everywhere. You have to
go through gates and, in some
parks, they are locked after
a certain time. Why not put
cameras at park entrances?
Helen A
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
Dear Editor,
We have all seen it – from the
countless number of cigarette
butts and beer-bottle bottle
tops littering rest areas, camp
grounds as well as state and
national parks. While these
are a blight on the landscape,
they certainly don’t seem to be
‘seen’ as much as the furniture, old white goods, etc. that
are also left where they should
not be. It makes me wonder if
local councils have unwittingly been part of the reason that
these large items are being
dumped due to their high and,
in some cases, exorbitant fees
that they charge to use their
dump sites. This is in no way
to condone what people are
wrongfully and unlawfully doing, but I am sure that when
faced with a huge charge to
“do the right thing”, they find
it easier and cheaper to do the
wrong thing.
James E
Dear Editor,
Spending many years as a Forest Officer, I have seen this for
many years and have charged
many people over the offence
and issued many infringement
notices. There is no excuse for
the offence but many people
that I have dealt with blame
the high tip fees.
Jim O’D
Dear Editor,
Dump fees are prohibitive.
Daina
Page 3
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Dear Editor,
Regarding this problem of
‘dumping’ rubbish - not necessarily just in national parks.
There are no doubt a number of reasons that we are
experiencing this problem. I
would suggest that this problem started when local shires
shut down ‘free’ dump areas,
without full consideration of
the possible effects this would
have on the community.
Another example of lack of
thought: Pensioners used to
have ‘ Tip Passes’ - permits
which could be used twice per
annum for a free visit to the
tip. This was discontinued.
If a trailer load of ANY rubbish is taken down to the tip,
it would cost the citizen approximately $50. This practice
included cut grass; the grass
is subsequently dried and
sold to customers for $50 per
trailer load!
Ted G
Dear Editor,
Last year, while up in Queensland on my usual three-month
winter trek from Tassie, I saw
(among other stuff) cactus
being dumped off a track near
a free camping area, complete
with its roots. It had already
taken hold and was spreading.
This was within a few kilometres of pristine conservation areas. I took photos and
drove into Rockhampton
council to report it. I was
alarmed as, in the gem fields
of Sapphire and Willows in
particular, it is out of control.
Spread by one thoughtless
person years ago. Now it’s a
major problem to the councils
there. They were very happy
I reported this, and said they
would send someone out
ASAP to collect.
Yvonne P
Dear Editor,
We came across the same
problem at Bruces number
2 camping area at Christmas
time on the Murray outside
Yarrawonga. The pigs responsible just left all sorts of
rubbish behind when they
left. One lot was even spoken to about emptying their
toilet waste a metre from the
water’s edge in the soft sand.
When challenged, we were
told to “F” off .These pigs will
be the first to complain when
slapped with a charge when
national parks has to constantly clean up after them. It
seems their parents did not
do a very good job in teaching their children about the
ways of the bush. Perhaps they
would like us to come and
dump rubbish and waste in
their front yard! I think not!
Munro B
Dear Editor,
Re: Coolbox toolbox (Gadget:
GNT 92). The toolbox should
have a retractable wire and
lock of some sorts, even
rigged to some sort of alarm
system. But the trouble is.
it would make it that much
more expensive. It will be an
attractive item though as it is
a good idea.
GB
Dear Editor,
Yep I’ll order one! We haven’t
started our ‘nomad’ adventures yet (in the planning
stage) but this looks great.
Eagerly awaiting to hear more
about its production and how
to purchase.
AB
Dear Editor,
Re: Romance survey (GNT:
92). I’m with Alf G. Nothing
more to know and ‘Herself ’
reckons she’s seen every tree,
rock and blade of grass!
Robert P
Dear Editor,
Re: Jaclyn & Heidi (GNT: 92).
So where are you camped
Don? I’m sure many of the
solo women like me would
love to know! Good on you
for having such a good heart
and still wanting to give back
in some way. I pick up others’
rubbish which is my small
way of giving back.
Gail B
Dear Editor,
Travelling with pets (GNT:
91). My wife and I would not
think of travelling away in
our van without taking our
four-year-old Labrador along
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
with us. He is very much
part of the family and enjoys
the trips as much as we do.
Choosing to travel with pets
does impose limitations but
we feel that the companionship he provides more than
compensates.
Beemaperson
Fuel prices vary wildly in
remote areas
Dear Editor,
In late January, 2015, we
travelled north up the Stuart
Highway and were astounded
by the price of fuel in certain
places. We had left Ballarat,
Victoria, and were paying
$1.17 per litre of ULP. We
travelled north to Mataranka,
NT, and were amazed at the
variation of fuel prices along
the way. We have travelled
this route several times in the
past few years and expected
to pay more for fuel, but the
prize goes to a little roadhouse
that markets itself as the UFO
capital of Australia near the
Devils Marbles. ULP there
was an astronomical $2.099.
A full 30c more than the next
most expensive either side of
them.
Jen & Gaz
Page 4
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Living life in the fast lane
without speeding tickets
While some grey nomads
may dream of the day a ‘selfdriving RV’ is able to take
away the stresses of a long day
behind the wheel, the reality is
that affordable ‘autonomous’
vehicles are still some way off.
But that’s not to say that
today’s traveller can’t take
advantage of the technology
being developed as the boffins
move ever closer to the holy
grail of legal and safe selfdriving cars.
The roadsign-reading Ford is
a case in point. By the middle of this year, the US auto
maker is to start selling a car
that can not only read roadsigns, but can adjust its speed
accordingly to ensure you’re
not driving too fast. While
grey nomads aren’t normally
known for their speed demon
approach to travelling around
Australia, the new technology will offer some protection
against an occasional lapse of
concentration, or an unexpected or unseen change in
speed limit.
Drivers will be able to set the
new system to let them speed
at up to 8km/h beyond the
detected limit.
The system really combines
two existing technologies. A
Website highlights
Dead or alive
Recently our website
www.thegreynomads.com.au
reported that Another New
South Wales coastal town is
cracking down hard on illegal
street campers. Eight vehicles
parked on the Coffs Harbour
foreshore were slapped with
$75 fines during a recent
‘blitz’ by council rangers.
Mayor Denise Knight said
she was concerned that some
visitors were not paying for
camping privileges, and about
the visual effect that illegal
camping was having.
No need to ease up on the accelerator ... your car does it for you
forward-facing windscreenmounted video camera scans
the environment for roadsigns
and alerts the driver to their
presence. This is then linked
in with speed limiter sensors
which are mounted in a car’s
wheels to detect how fast it is
going. Once software detects
the vehicle needs to go slower,
it smoothly controls engine
torque by electronically
adjusting the amount of fuel
delivered rather than applying
the brakes.
The speed-limiting technology
can be overridden by pressing firmly on the accelerator
if there is a need to find quick
acceleration for safety reasons.
The Intelligent Speed Limiter
technology will become available to the public when Ford’s
second generation S-Max car
is launched in Europe in August, and is set to be extended
to other models around the
world soon afterwards.
Click here for more.
SURVEY
Is it fair to fine ‘illegal’
car park campers?
YES
NO Other website must-reads:
Grey Nomad tragedy
Caravanner killed in horror crash
Camping in Cronulla
Budgeteers welcome
Croc shock
Reptiles become a road hazard
Speed limits can change with
little warning ... but technology
can ensure you’re ready
• Would you like to have Intelligent Speed Limiter technology
in your vehicle? Do you find it
hard to keep track of constantly
changing speed limits on some
highways? Where are the worst
places?
Mining free zone
Mitchell Plateau protected
Merchandise magic
Shirts, caps, and stubby holders
‘Like’ us on Facebook
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Page 5
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]
Island in the harbour
QUIZ CORNER
Last week’s picture puzzle
solution: The winning entry
was sent by Grandy.
1
While a trip into the heart
of Sydney doesn’t normally
put grey nomads in mind of
magnificent camping, and the
opportunity to explore historic
islands, that could all be about
to change.
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which manages the
world-heritage-listed Cockatoo Island, is on a mission
to attract more nomads …
and the appeal is clear to see.
If you’re looking for a super
central location to stay while
you leave your caravan or
motorhome elsewhere, then
Sydney Harbour’s largest island could be the perfect place
for you.
What has been billed as the
world’s first urban waterfront
campground is just a short
ferry ride from Circular Quay,
Darling Harbour and several
other inner city wharves. You
can bring your own tent, or
bring your own sleeping bags
to sleep in an already set-up
tent, or treat yourself to a full
luxury ‘glamping’ experience.
For those nomads really keen
to indulge themselves, there
is also a range of ‘non-canvas’
accommodation options available.
While camping on a waterfront site with views over
one of the most spectacular
harbours in the world is an
experience even the most difficult-to-impress nomad would
2
3
Crocodile
Win 2 grey nomad
bumper stickers!
Bright lights, big city ... the amazing view from Cockatoo Island
Email us the solution to this picture puzzle. Winner will be drawn
from entries and announced in
Issue 94.
CLUE: Take the ‘A’ out of the first
element to see if it will make you
brighter on your trip.
Photo: Tourism NSW
definitely want to note in their
travel journals, day trippers
can still have a memorable
experience here.
Cockatoo Island has an
amazing history. It was a
convict gaol from 1839-1869,
a reformatory and industrial
school from 1888-1908, and
a dock and shipbuilding yard
from 1847-1992. The shipyard
closed in 1992 and, in 2001,
the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust took ownership
of the site. After extensive
remediation works, Cockatoo Island was opened to the
public in 2007.
The best way to explore Cockatoo Island is on foot, and
the Harbour Trust has created four self-guided walking
journeys and included them
on a map which is available
from the Visitor Information
Centre. Alternatively, an audio
tour can bought for $5 which
guides visitors to 26 stops
across the island.
Besides learning about the
island’s fascinating history and
enjoying its amazing views,
visitors can hire a boat to hit
the water, or they can do so in
their own kayak, or they can
take some amazing photos of
the harbour and the historic
convict buildings, or just enjoy
a picnic or barbecue on either
the Upper or Lower Island.
There are also a number of
cafes for a coffee or a snack,
and the waterfront Island Bar,
which is made from recycled
shipping containers, is open
in the spring and summer
months.
It’s unique, interesting and
exciting. And, like Tasmania’s
Port Arthur before it, this is
one former convict colony
you won’t be in any hurry to
escape from.
Click to comment
Email your entries here
Do You Know
1. Whether you’re coming along
the Dawson Hwy or the Leichardt Hwy, it would be easy to slip
up in this tiny Queensland town.
2. Despite the name of this
Capricorn Highway town, you
still can’t dump your toilet waste
illegally here.
3. Shortest road distance between
Queensland towns of Cloncurry
and Rockhampton?
a) 993km
b) 1,213 km
c) 1,423km
4. Ebb Gunnel Slug (anagram).
These WA marvels aren’t easy
to get to but they’re worth the
effort.
5. Which highway links the
Queensland towns of Clermont
and Mackay?
(Answers on p. 8)
The trusted choice for Ambulance Services
The safer, Australian made alternative
www.smartbar.com.au
Phone (08) 8384 0292
[email protected]
Page 6
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]
Six snake bite victims
airlifted in one month
A spate of snake bites in
Queensland should serve as a
reminder to all grey nomads
of the need for caution when
out in the bush.
The RACQ CareFlight Rescue
has responded to a staggering
six snake bite cases this month
alone.
In the latest incident, a
backpacker was airlifted from
Fraser Island at night after she
was bitten by a snake. While
the patient didn’t display signs
of being invenomated, she was
flown to Hervey Bay Hospital
as a precaution.
A few days earlier another
female backpacker was bitten
by a snake at Gayndah, and,
in the previous week, Care-
The sound of nerves
Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,
After three months on the
road, I thought I would be getting used to the sights, sounds
and senses you expect when
free camping. But I’m still as
jumpy as a kangaroo, especially when the sun goes down.
I think every creak in the rig is
a snake slithering towards me,
I think every rustle of the trees
is a demented saltie on its way
to attack our motorhome and,
worst of all, I think the distant
rumble of the ocean is probably
a gang of psycho bikers roaring
into our camp. I know it’s irrational but I can’t stop thinking
that way. My husband, Jock,
just snores through the whole
thing while I lie awake all night
allowing my imagination to
run riot. Don’t get me wrong, I
love the lifestyle and free camping …. but I’m getting very
tired now. Any ideas?
Samantha
Gas ‘lunchbox’
cookers faulty
The cookers may be recalled
A Fraser Island backpacker was flown to hospital as a precaution
Flight airlifted a Goondiwindi
woman to hospital after she
was bitten on the foot while
gardening, and also a Glenmorgan man who was bitten
on the back of his leg by what
was believed to be a brown
snake.
Earlier this month, a boy from
Noosa and an elderly man
from Miles were also flown to
hospital following snake bites.
RACQ CareFlight Rescue
says anyone who is bitten by a
snake should limit body movement, apply a compression
bandage to the bite area and
call triple zero immediately.
There are many people who
take a while to get to know
that the Australian Outback
really is a safe place to be
as long as you follow basic
precautions, Samantha. Don’t
feel bad about feeling uneasy.
Just try to work through it and
minimise the things that make
you anxious. I know things
change when it gets dark but
try to listen quietly to the
sounds around you while it is
still light. Listen to the distant
ocean and acknowledge what
it is and what it sounds like,
take note of the wind and the
rustle of the trees, and jump
in and out of the motorhome
a few times and listen to how
it groans occasionally. It might
be reassuring to perhaps camp
near where there are others
camping, too. Don’t be afraid
to lean on Jock emotionally,
Samantha. And please ask
him to wait until you drop off
before starting to snore. Jaclyn
The mind can certainly play
tricks when you are out in the
stillness and the emptiness
of the bush, Samantha. And
whatever they may say, even
the most fearless of Australian
adventurers will have had the
odd moment of knee-shaking
uncertainty when travelling in
remote areas. But Wolf Creek
was a movie, snakes are afraid
of people, and crocodiles don’t
eat motorhomes! And you’re
a lot more likely to win the
lottery three times in a row
than you are to be attacked by
a gang of grey nomad-hating
bikies. Pour yourself an extra
glass of wine, Samantha, sit
back in you campchair and
enjoy the vastness and loneliness of the Australian Outback, Hang on … what was
that? A dingo howling! Relax,
Samantha. I’m just joking.
Like all the other things you
think you hear at night, they
really aren’t a problem.
Heidi
Click to comment
Up to half a million portable
butane gas cookers commonly known as ‘lunchbox’
cookers do not comply with
Australian standards, and
may pose a serious safety
risk.
The devices have already
been removed from sale
in New South Wales and
Western Australia following
a number of reports of burns
and blasts, including one
in which a man died when
a butane-stove explosion
ripped through his caravan.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said both
single and some models of
dual burner lunchbox cookers could no longer be sold
in Australia following the
suspension of their compliance certificates.
“The product certificates
were suspended by the
independent certifiers, as test
results showed the cookers’
shut-off valves, known as
overpressure devices, do not
operate as intended and are
non-compliant with the Australian Standard,” he said.
The devices work by plugging
in a small can of butane – a
highly flammable gas – into
their side.
The Australian Competition
and Consumer Commission
(ACCC), which controls
product safety, said it was
liaising with gas regulatory
authorities to determine
whether a nationwide recall
was needed.
Click to comment
Page 7
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the
Your news and views? Email us at [email protected]
CLASSIFIEDS
Click here to see all the classified ads on our website
FOR SALE
HELP WANTED
WEIPA, QLD
Bus Driver/Groundsman Required at
Weipa Caravan Park & Camping Ground;
Weipa, Cape York, QLD. Click here.
***
CATTLE STATION, NR BLACKALL, QLD
Couple needed to look after gardens on
our cattle property in central Queensland.
Role would include weeding, mowing,
watering and general care of the gardens
along with some occasional caretaking
(feeding pets, checking waters).
Small wage offered as well as 2brm cottage with garden (furnished with basic
furniture) electricity and meat in exchange
for garden maintenance at your own pace.
Click here.
***
BOWEN, QLD
Seasonal Food Processing Supervisor. An
innovative business is inviting applications to join a food value adding operation
in the Whitsunday Region of North
Queensland. This horticulture operation is
seasonal in nature, with excellent holiday
in the off-season. Click here.
***
RIVERINA REGION, NSW
Mixed Farm in the Riverina requiring
help ASAP. We operate a mixed farm
approximately 30kms west of Deniliquin,
NSW (Ute Capital of the world), and are
looking for help during our busy period,
of harvesting and sowing. Start would be
immediate and time required could range
anywhere from a couple of weeks to a
couple of months, depending on the applicants ability and proven work experience.
Click here.
***
NORTHERN RIVERS, NSW
Farm in the beautiful Northern Rivers of
NSW require a couple of nomads. We work
to your strengths. Some of the duties
performed by nomads in the past include
gardening, house maintenance, farm work,
cleaning and general duties. Click here.
***
LIGHTNING RIDGE, NSW
We are a farming family located just 13km
from lighting Ridge. we are are both
working full time off farm and would love
a hand with day to day activities a bit of
fencing and some handyman jobs around
the house and yard. We are in no position
to pay anyone but please feel free to bring
along your caravan or camper or whatever
you travel in – hook into our power at the
shed and stay a week or three. Click here.
***
CATTLE STATION, 250KM TO ALICE SPR.
We are a family owned cattle station
located 250 km nw of Alice Springs. We
need a boreman and a cook the position
is for 4-6 months and could be possibly
longer. Click here.
***
ENEABBA, WA
PAID help wanted – farm work/construction and child care for seeding program
near Eneabba WA. We are looking for a
trustworthy, reliable couple to assist us
for 4 to 6 weeks from late April/Early May
2015. Own accommodation required but
can hook up to power and water.
Click here.
***
MARGARET RIVER, WA
We have a farm petting zoo/tourist attraction and cafe located in the beautiful Margaret River wine region. We are a family
run business and are looking for people
to help us out for a couple of hours a day
in exchange for parking their van on our
property. Click here.
***
HOUSESITTING
HILTON AREA; NR FREMANTLE, WA
Housesitter wanted from the 3rd until the
8th of April. We live in Hilton, just out from
Fremantle. We have a two bedroom house
on a leafy block. We only need sitters to
feed the cats (Stormy and Tigger) and to
water the plants. Click here.
***
DERBY, WA
Caretaker to help with light farm duties
and assist with tractor for cutting turf in
Derby, the Kimberley region of Western
Australia. In return free rent, electricity.
Click here.
***
GRANTVILLE, VIC
Housesitter wanted in Grantville, 30 minutes from Phillip Island, to mind two dogs
and a cat 25/4/15 to 14/5/15. Your own cat
friendly pet is welcome. Click here.
***
ELLIMINYT, VIC
House Carer June and July 2015 on my
5 acre property at Elliminyt in Victoria.
Home 5 minutes from large town of Colac
and on the edge of the Otway Ranges.
Care of two elderly indoor poodles and
supervision of a horse. 1/2 acre well cared
for garden and lawns. Click here.
***
MITCHELL AREA, QLD
Looking for a caravanner that would like
to stay on my semi rural block located in
Mitchell Qld. with own caravan from May
26-June to maintain grounds (mowingwith ride on mower plus watering).
Click here.
***
GOLD COAST, QLD
Ground keeper wanted at our Southport
pony club. We are offering free site and
power and have a lockable amenities
block which is a public domain, in return
for someone to do odd jobs around the
grounds which includes locking and
unlocking security gates. Click here.
***
INJUNE, QLD
Injune Community Development Association is looking for a caretaker for
the showgrounds for 2015. In return for
free water, power and camping you are
required to water lawn, mow, clean ablution block and manage campers.
Click here.
***
TORRENS CREEK, QLD
We are looking for caretakers to look
after our cattle property at Torrens Creek
which is about 300km west of Townsville
on the Flinders Highway from the 1st April
for 2-3 months. . CLick here.
***
ATHERTON TALBLELANDS, QLD
House on 10 acres with lap pool & gym.
3 dogs & 2 horses to feed and walk dogs
twice a day. Ride on mower experience is
a must and tractor & slasher experience
would be a bonus. Click here.
***
DARWIN, NT
Seeking couple with own van to look after
a caravan and surrounding garden in
Darwin from 18 May to 20 June.
Click here.
***
LAURIETON, NSW
House sitter wanted for 6 weeks on the
mid North Coast, Laurieton. Starting 30
April through to 11 June. 2 friendly kelpie
dogs need feeding daily, would prefer
someone who has a good understanding of animals (one of the kelpies is on
medication). Click here.
***
VOLUNTEERING
ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
If you’re looking for something positive
to do, ‘Come & Try’ a bushcare activity!
Come & Try activities are held in the
Adelaide Hills and surroundings regions
most of the year. The days activities run
from 9am-3:30pm, with a morning tea and
lunch break. Click here.
***
GULF COUNTRY, NT
LORELLA SPRINGS CATTLE STATION/
WILDERNESS PARK is requiring Grey
Nomads volunteer helpers for a week, a
month or even for the whole season (April
to October). We supply food and a place
to stay in return for your help in running
this beautiful one-million acre coastal
property in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Click here.
***
WANTED TO BUY
ALINER AVAN
I want to buy an Aliner Avan in very good
condition. 1-5 yrs old with solar if possible and a double bed. Click here.
***
EUROPEAN MANUFACTURED CARAVAN
Looking for a European manufactured
caravan which will be single axle, overall
length about 6.88 meters (22.5 feet) and
2.25 meters (7feet 5 inches) wide with a
tare weight of about 1340 kg. It will be 2 to
4 berth with preferably an island double
bed or at least fixed. Click here.
DISCLAIMER: The Grey Nomad Times team is not responsible for any sale,
trade, or other transactions between vendors and vendees or advertisers
and respondents. All parties enter into transactions at their own risk.
Page 8
Issue 93: March 27, 2015
Times
the