Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2003/Holiday centres
An Accommodating Experience
By Barnie van Wyk, General Manager,RAN Central Canteens Board
There are not many experiences more ' Navy' than heading to one of the RANCCF (RAN Central Canteen Fund) holiday centres situated near Burrill Lake NSW (Bungalow Park), Forster Gardens in NSW and Amblin Park near Busselton on the west coast.
These holiday centres are owned by the RAN Central Canteen Fund and are being administered by the RAN Central Canteens Board on behalf of all Navy members, reserves and former serving members.
As the newly appointed general manager of the RAN Central Canteens Board, I had a memorable time visiting all three parks making sure that all the parks conform with the expectations of 'a family village resort', from spacious self contained accommodation and amenities to adventure playgrounds and other entertainment for children, all available at a discount fee to all Navy members, Reserves and former serving members.
The RAN Central Canteens Board's aim next year is to focus on the entertainment available at the parks. The management of our parks, John and Penny Coppola at Bungalow Park, Graham and Pauline Stubbs at Forster Gardens and Frank and Carol Pradera at Amblin Park have indicated that they have one goal and that is to make sure you enjoy the very best of true 'Navy' hospitality.
Managing parks however, is but one of the many activities performed by the Central Canteens Board on behalf of the members of the Navy. There are plenty of other activities like managing canteens, investments and the generation of revenue that is done on behalf of our members.
A very exiting activity underway shortly is a planning survey to assess the requirements of all Navy members, reserves and former serving members. The aim of the survey is to prepare a revised concept plan for the future assistance of all RAN Central Canteen Fund members.
All members of the Navy, Navy reserves and former serving members are eligible for benefits from the RAN Central Canteen Fund and are encouraged to call me (Barnie) on 0040 393 293 to provide any firm views on the services you require.
All views, information and feedback received from the surveys will allow the Board to develop options, which will form part of the RAN Central Canteens Board's future service initiatives and ultimately the benefits everybody is entitled to.
Thus, please enjoy the holidays with us at your own holiday centres near you and be on the lookout for the RAN Central Canteens Board survey and even more, the great spot prizes or 'early bird response prizes' you may qualify for!
Retired RAN personnel (with 20 years or more service) are eligible for full Service discounts and all those with less then 20 years are entitled up to 20% discount at all holiday centres. Write to Staff Officer (Canteens), RANCCB, CP4-5-172 Campbell Park Offices, Campbell Park ACT 2600 to obtain your discount card. (Telephone (02) 6266 4985 Fax 02 6266 3645)
Contact details for the holiday centres are:
Bungalow Park, Princes Highway, Burrill Lake NSW 2539 Telephone:02 44551612 bungalow@shoal.net.au
Amblin Caravan Park,
PO Box 232, Busselton WA 6280 Telephone: 08 9755 4079 amblin@amblin-caravanpark.com.au
Forster Gardens,
PO Box 20, Forster NSW 2428 Telephone: 02 6554 6027 gardens@hardnet.com.au
A complete list of ADF resorts is available at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpsa or on the Defweb at defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/dps
