Aims of the Club - Included in the Constitution are the Club's three main aims:
i. To encourage friendship and co-operation amongst people interested in
A-shaped A’van folding campers;
ii. To share ideas of common and mutual benefit; and
iii. To publish a Club newsletter (The A’vanner) three times a year.
The Club’s development and success - Much of the Club's development and success comes from the fact that all members have the common bond of owning a unique shaped van. The Club also has a committed committee who make a great contribution using their differing talents to support the Club in a wide variety of ways.
We have wonderful people who have volunteered to be state and group coordinators and these people are the impetus to any success that the Club enjoys - and are indeed the "backbone" of our club. All groups are very welcoming and many members include in their itinerary a visit to other groups' gatherings as they travel around Australia.
There seems to be a positive interest in the Club where everyone feels welcome and there are many optional activities from which people may choose. Some members prefer to participate in the smaller group activities while others like to come to the bigger rallies.
Friendships that have been formed through the Club are extremely important and we are continually encouraged by the support shown by Club members to others in need, especially when facing ill health issues or bereavements.
The Club calendar also motivates people to use their van more than they would do if they didn’t belong! It certainly encourages them to get out and see more of our great country. Again, people are very supportive of each other and members who may need a little extra help are often invited to tag along with others as they travel – even helping others put up their van, awnings, annexe, etc.
Another important reason for our success is that the Club is not a forum for members’ complaints! If there is a problem we seek to offer positive advice but members are always told that any concerns must be taken up directly with the agents.
How do A’van owners find out about the Club? All Australian agents are given copies of our Club application form with a request that they be given to new owners of A-shaped folding A’vans - but many people also hear about the Club from other members on their travels.
Criteria for joining the Club - This is quite simple! For new members to join the Club they must own an A-shaped folding camper manufactured by A’van Campers Australia Ltd.
Branches of the Club in various States - There is at least one group in each state as well as the ACT Region. NSW has two current groups – the NSW South Coast Group while the Riverine group (based on Albury/Wodonga) has both Victorian and NSW members. Victoria’s second group (Strzelecki) mainly arranges activities in the Gippsland area.
Currently there are nine A’van Club groups in operation around Australia but members are free, and indeed, are encouraged to form a new group in any area if they think there is sufficient interest.
Current membership of the Club - Over 1200 vans involving more than 2500 people in all states of Australia.
Activities of the Club - Club activities are advertised in our newsletter – in 2008 there were over 50 activities throughout Australia, and there are more than 30 activities so far planned for 2009. These are mainly weekend gatherings but some groups will have picnics or an occasional speaker. Sometimes there are week long events, town visits or tag-alongs organised for special purposes – again all activities are listed on the Club’s calendar.
Once a year we hold a National Rally which includes the AGM. This usually attracts over 200 A’vans from all states and people attending have a wonderful weekend of social activities including a concert, speakers, dinner, market and bush dance. Our May 2008 National Gathering in the Busselton WA also gave members an opportunity to learn more about the technical aspects of towing from Caravan & Motorhome expert, Tom Olthoff, who is a regular visitor to such events.
Future growth of the Club - While we don’t have a ceiling on membership there is a natural attrition each year so with a membership of approx 1200 A'vans we may have already reached our peak. Unfortunately many of us get older each year (!!) and over time many members have had to resign, or sell their van, usually because of health concerns. However, with over 120 new van memberships annually this more than balances the members who have had to resign for a variety of reasons.
Is there support for the Club from the A’van Camper's company? Yes, A’van Campers Australia Ltd certainly supports the Club by being a major sponsor at all our Annual Gatherings. However the Club has no direct connection with the manufacturer and operates as a completely separate entity - this approach is of benefit to all parties.
The future of the Club - The Committee gets very positive feedback from our members and we hope it will continue to provide a great source of fun and relaxation as well as create new friendships and interests for our members.
Is there a connection with the A’van Club in the USA? Yes, we were delighted to assist the initiators of the Aliner Owner’s Club of USA when they made contact on reading about our Australian Club on the internet. We assisted by sending information on how our club began, membership forms, state organisational ideas, newsletters, Members’ Directories, etc. with the result that the USA club has been established along very similar lines. We share all newsletters and hope one day there will be members who are able to interchange visits to both clubs. The USA Aliner Club also has members in Canada which further extends the interests and activities of Club members with mutual benefits to all involved.
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