Explore how the CMCA Solos Rally brought Hollywood glamour and community spirit to Macksville.
The first week of May saw 285 vehicles carrying 297 CMCA Solos Network members set up camp at the Macksville Showgrounds in the Nambucca Valley for a week of skill sharing, camaraderie and fun. It was a time for catching up with friends, old and new; and getting into the spirit of the rally theme, Hollywood Stars. The occasional shower of rain and a few cool days in amongst the lovely sunshine didn’t dampen the enthusiasm and energy that members brought to the Solos autumn rally.
The festivities started, as all Solos rallies do, with the first-timers arriving two days before the actual start of the rally. The First-Timers Team welcomed 70 newbies and got them settled in with a program of activities to acquaint them with what was planned for the week. Along with site orientation, and introductions to the rally team and the Solos Committee, there was a welcome BBQ on their first night. There were ‘taster’ activities over the two pre-rally days, including beginner line dancing classes and an introduction to lawn bowls… to whet their appetite for the week ahead.
The rally program was packed full of a variety of activities to appeal to the different interests of attendees. Workshops and classes run by members included CMCA Connect and Geowiki X (various levels including introduction, trip planning and advanced), electrical systems for RVs, Pilates, dog training, beginner and intermediate line dancing, basic rock and roll, disc bowls, meditation, ukulele, motorhome safety, mental health support, genealogy and DNA, and a large range of craft workshops including making your own copper jewellery. Most workshops were filled to capacity and received very positive feedback. There were tutorials and competitions for those who love a good game of cards, as well as board games and jigsaws for those who prefer quieter activities. For the early risers, there were morning walks and a bike-riding group.
Cultural Activities and Entertainment Highlights
The ‘Hollywood Stars’ theme for the Macksville rally created an atmosphere of tongue-in-cheek fun. There was an abundance of bling and eye-catching outfits during the week, mostly sourced from local op-shops. The dress-up dinner dance featured the Academy Awards, with Hollywood celebrities, or wannabes, treading the red carpet and vying for the lens of the paparazzi. The dance floor was jumping, with many practising their new dance skills.
Trivia night, hosted by Wednesday Adams, Cher and Moses, reached a record high for attendance. Twenty-seven tables of six, many dressed in Hollywood attire, tested their knowledge and memories on a broad range of Hollywood trivia questions. Race Day was a hit, with ‘jockeys’ astride their wooden horses competing for the Solos Cup, and Fashions in the Field attracting some eye-catching outfits. The Talent and Performance night was hilarious, as was the Murder Mystery ‘Who Killed the Mayor’, crafted by one of our Solos. The shady fictitious Mayor in no way resembled the lovely Rhonda Hoban OAM, Mayor of the Nambucca Council, who opened the rally at the Welcome Dinner on Monday night and stayed to the end of the evening, dancing and chatting with many Solos.
Image: Pet parade - three birds
The dog training demonstration impressed the audience, with so many dogs and owners showing off new skills learned in the training classes during the week. The Pet Parade was a hoot, with 31 dogs (50% of all dogs on-site), a stuffed dog and three birds, and their owners, dressed for the occasion. Many members also participated in the Poets Breakfast, showcasing the talents of the Solos’ very own bush poets. Various musical Solos ‘busked’ at morning tea and happy hour, providing enjoyable entertainment while members mingled and chatted.
The two rally coach tours were booked out and everyone enjoyed the itinerary and destinations. The first tour included a trip to Bowraville and Nambucca Heads, taking in many points of interest, and the second tour was to Taylor’s Arm and the Pub with No Beer. The Men’s Shed hosted two visits – separately for men and women. These were booked out and enjoyed not only by the Solos, but by our Macksville hosts as well. They subsequently requested a table at our Market Day and were very pleased with the number of items sold. And the man who staffed the Men’s Shed table at our Market Day was so interested in our network that he has since joined the CMCA and the Solos!
Image: Rally Manager Dave Applegate (Far right) and Macksville Rally Committee
Impact of the Rally on Macksville
The Solos Macksville rally provided a boost of over $91,000 to the local economy during the week in the Nambucca Valley, including nearly $41,000 on goods and services as evidenced by shopper dockets. The rally attracted good media interest, with an interview on local radio that was played a number of times during the week, and a nearly full-page article in both the print and online Nambucca Valley News of the area.
Based on feedback from attendees, it was a highly successful rally and there was great appreciation expressed to Rally Manager, Dave Applegate (recently retired Solos Network President), and his well-oiled ‘rally team machine’. They worked tirelessly and cohesively to deliver a wonderful week.
Image: Solos Network President Carol Reason with race caller Jean Rowley
The Solos Network
For those new to the CMCA, the Solos Network is a special interest group (SIG) and was established in 1997 to provide encouragement and support to CMCA members who travel alone. Over time, the Solos Network has developed into a strong community of nearly 900 CMCA members Australia-wide. Many Solos say the network has been a life-changer, some even say it has been a lifesaver. When they lost their partner, or their partner no longer wanted to travel, many thought they would never enjoy the motor-homing life again.
The Macksville rally was a first for new Solos member, Chris Gordon-Smith from Warwick in Queensland. He said, “I’m amazed at the diverse range of people. It’s like a rocky road of personalities, from all walks of life and backgrounds. It’s helping me climb out of my shell and helping me learn how to be solo after the loss of my wife. It’s been hard at times, but totally worth stepping out of my comfort zone.
