NATIONAL FORUM MEETUP: QUEENSLAND: Mon Oct 1 - Sat Oct 6: Neurum Creek Bush Retreat

[Bigrig]

Howdy all

New thread to change this from "PROPOSED" to "HAPPENING AND GET ON BOARD"!!! lol - The original list/poll results are pasted below as a PDF document - just so I could keep track.

Everything is humming along nicely, so I'm going to section out the updates into a couple of posts.

New POLL on the thread also, and the it is MULTI CHOICE, so please choose all your selections prior to hitting submit.

Over to you people's ... would be grand to get as many as possible!!!!



Site Map.jpg
Directions.jpg
Aerial Photo 1.jpg
Aerial Photo 2 - Not to Scale.jpg
Aerial Photo 2.jpg

QUEENSLAND - National Forum Meetup.pdf
Original Forum Poll.pdf
invoice.pdf

[Bigrig]

OK - here goes:

Met with Neurum Creek on Tuesday and essentially it appears to be a TOP location. Very central to a lot of things (when I say central - an hour in any direction, but works well for the itinerary). I must say, John the owner is an old country boy and one of the nicest people God ever shovelled guts into. He really went out of his way to show us around and make sure it would be ideal for the group.


They have sectioned aside a part of the property they keep for Sponsored Events (video attached) - on the map, it is on the bottom left called the "Deer Paddock". Quite frankly, outside a bit more of a walk to the showers, it is probably the best camping area in the joint!! Massive flat area that would easily accomodate 50+ large campsites. In a hope to make it as attractive as possible for people, I have negotiated a slight rate decrease, and some items they are going to throw in, and some items they have cut the price on for us specifically. As follows is the email he sent me - his email in blue, and my comments after each paragraph in red:
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Hi Scott,
We look forward to hosting your family gathering for Nissanpatrol.com.au and trust you do reach your predicted 100.

You should have received the copy invoice as requested by separate mail. As with any such large event that brings over 50 people we expect to offer the organiser Free camping as we know how much work you need to put in and the costs you incur to do the running around so would do that for you if you accept (I haven't accepted as per attached invoice - this is going towards the Marquee cost leaving only $168 to cover it for the whole week!!).

I am quite happy to use our standard method of bookings which is for them to phone 1300733901 or email admin@ncbr.com.au or go to our website booking page http://www.ncbr.com.au/pricingpage.php in all cases they must nominate they are part of Nissanpatrol.com.au otherwise our system will place them in a different area. As per Attached Invoice below - this will also include balance costs of toilets and marquee.

They are then given 3 days to confirm by paying the deposit.

We will not charge the standard $7 site fee to any families simply we will charge the standard rates of $10.50 Adult & $5.50 Kids (Note there is a small loading on the days of Sunday 30th & Monday 1st because of the Queens birthday holiday). Item 8 below and note the PAYMENTS section below with additions to cover extra costs.

The only thing for you to remember is our standard terms normally allows them to cancel up to 14 days before and get the deposit back. Therefor the accurate count may not happen until then unless you state the fact that it is absolutely non refundable then all are counted irrespective of those that decide not to turn up. I would like everyone to pay deposit by February 20th as listed below, with full amounts to be paid by June 30th - is that OK with everyone?

We spoke briefly about September traditionally being a low rain time, however we do not accept cancellations based on weather predictions. We can give you a weekly report of how many have booked, Tracey would send you an email with updates once a week.

We will supply free of charge both our commercial roaster oven & catering trailer at no cost. The pics attached were from a real event and the cook had never done it before. Items 3 & 4 below.

I haven’t got pics of the catering trailer but it is a full covered trailer with a commercial Heatlie BBQ on board with water tanks & 12 volt power.

I have sent an email to order the big marquee. My question is how do you want to handle the cost of marquee & toilets? Do you want to round up the cost and divide out by say 80 people then we add that cost to each invoice as a special event so the club doesn’t have to fund out of pocket. It would only add about $2.50 per day for each one. Item 6 below.

As mentioned we would supply a few metal wood fire BBQ’s (12) to act as fire pits and of course they can be used as bbq’s also. Item 9 below.

The area would be flagged off from other users. We have a full fenceline to put up the 10m banner also!

It will require 3 portable toilets for the week and we would arrange them with your approval. Item 2 below.

At this time how about I agree to hold the area available until 20th Feb. to allow you time to get your plans made. Or anytime earlier, it’s up to you. Please note my comments below.

When you give the go ahead we will require a deposit to be paid by each family and we will be guided by you as to when you want them to fully pay. Please note my comments below.

The cost of Marquee & toilets will be quoted at the beginning and we will require a $200 deposit with full payment 10 days prior to the event. If you charge them in the price we will cover the cost provided you end up with a minimum of 60 Adults. Item 2 below.

I trust this is enough information at this time,
Regards,
John.

PS you are welcome to talk at any time to Tracey or Colleen for updates once the ball is rolling.
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To break it down - an itemised list below and what I have done is add some of the additional costs to the PER PERSON pricing that is listed above - I think it still makes it very resonable and cost effective for all.



1. We have a sectioned off (HUGE) area with our own entry road right beside the creek and waterhole about 80 metres from the office and shop.



2. Toilets are provided for free if we have more than 60 people - $200 Deposit to be paid that I will sort out up front and work out with eveyone later, however I am expecting more than 60 people by the interest thus far.



3. They are providing (FREE OF CHARGE) the Commercial Roaster Camp Oven which cooks for up to 100 people



4. They are providing (FREE OF CHARGE) the Commercial Caterer's Trailer they have on site for Sponsorship Events - this is to assist with interstate travellers also in not having to bring camp ovens/cookers etc.



5. They are providing (FREE OF CHARGE) 12 Fire Pits to be located throughout the camp grounds - they are awesome little units, completely self contained (like a barrel) with a flip top lid that is actually for cooking on - so they double as comfort/warmth AND a cooker!!!



6. We are getting a 27mx9m Marquee setup by them in the middle of our camping area - massive space to use as a communal area where people can setup tables in the shade, the Caterers Trailer will be parked under/beside it, and to generally sit around and chatter ($450 less my camping fees of $282 = $168 remaining across the headcount - I've added $0.50 per person per day to cover this - everyone OK with that?).



7. They are providing (FREE OF CHARGE) 2 large Mobile Mini Skip bins that they will collect and clear to save us having to keep separate bins/plastic bags etc, etc



8. They have waived the one-off fee of $7 per site completely - not much, but still a great show of faith and interest in having us there.



9. They will get tralier loads (over 1 tonne) of cut timber for fires and place them in the campsite for general use - $100 per trailer, probably want 3 trailers up front, so again have added $0.50 per person per day to the camp costs to cover it - Everyone OK with that?



10. They are providing (FREE OF CHARGE) movies nights for the kids (every night if we choose), games sets for the kids, Tug'o'War rope to go in our camp area, etc



Payments:

I suggest that eveyone pays directly to the park and gets their own individual invoice. I will add the costs detailed above, which makes adults $11.50 per day and kids $6.50 per day - is everyone OK with this?



I am suggesting that deposits need to be made by the 20th February (obviously others who jump on can pay after this) but at least that secures the site etc. Furthermore, I am thinking of suggesting to the owners that all balances are to be paid in full by June 30th (once again, others who join after this can still come and simply pay at that time), with the money being NON REFUNDABLE to the individuals, but going back to the forum itself to cover for some costs of other items not listed on here. Is everyone OK with that?


Basically want to get this out of the way for eveyone, however it works out extremely cost effectively when you break it down to $57.50 per adult and $32.50 per child for the whole 5 nights with camper ovens, cookers, firepits (cookers also), timber, toilets, marquee, movie nights for the kids, games, etc, etc (there are still some surprises up my sleeve!!!).


Obviously the itinerary is just a guide and I'll continue to work on that and put an update up in the coming week or so to provide as many options for people as possible - you could stick to it religiously, or you could do your own thing - entirely up to you!!

[Bigrig]

Further to AB's meeting with Simon from 4WDTV today, it is all but confirmed that they too will be attending the forum meetup with their cameramen etc and filming a segment for the show on us specifically as a forum, what it is we get up to, the setup, people's rigs, camp setups, etc, etc, etc ... very exciting stuff!!!! This is a major drawcard for both new members looking to join the forum, and existing members (as well as new I guess!! lol) that are thinking about coming along to the gathering. Great exposure and not something that they normally do, so they certainly feel we are worth the trip - now it's up to all of us to get as many along as possible!!!! Family, friends (sociable ones!!! lmao), and of course plenty more members.

Top job AB and if this doesn't end up being one of the biggest and best 'individual/single' meetup of any online 4WD forum in Australia, then I'd be surprised!! I know there are other gatherings, but usually multiple clubs/forums to get these sorts of numbers and interest. Just another reason why we are fast becoming the 'forum of choice' when it comes to all things Nissan Patrol and the great outdoors.

[Bigrig]

Howdy

as mentioned in the thread, looking to have a chef provide all food and cook on the Monday night and Friday night for the communal dinners - should work out around $7-8 per head I reckon by buying in bulk etc. Once confirmed I'll post up some more information.

Also, looking at hiring those Sumo suits and Gladiator games for the adults (and some older kids) - should be gangs of fun, and I'll post more details later on pricing etc (again, works out pretty cheap depending on numbers who are keen - working on around $5 per head for a 24 hour hire period!!).

Lastly, could I ask that eveyone who's going/pretty sure they're going, shoot me an email so I can coordinate this with you via your address - many people who are dedicated members etc don't get on here a lot, so figured email would be the best method of update.

My email address:

bigrig@nissanpatrol.com.au

Fairly easy to remember!! lol

below hopefully give a better idea of the size of the area we have allocated to us. On the second photo, I have cut and copied the owners house (large 4 bedroom Queenslander) onto the area to give some perspective of size - fits their house in on the flat section 27 times with plenty of space in between ... bloody big area!!!! There is also a section surrounded by yellow outline that is the part leading down to the creek that you can see on the vide - no good for caravans and campers, but definitely able to get tent sites down there also ...


Hope this helps ...


Attachment 12295


Attachment 12296

[Bigrig]

Ok - as per below please start to make contact with the retreat and pay deposits/full amounts etc. Details as follows:

Phone 1300733901

OR

email admin@ncbr.com.au

OR

go to the website booking page http://www.ncbr.com.au/pricingpage.php

In all cases you MUST nominate you are part of Nissanpatrol.com.au otherwise their system will place you in a different area.

You will receive an individual invoice as per the one attached below in this post. Deposits are to be made by the 20th February if possible, with all outstanding monies to be paid by June 30th (hopefully more than enough time for everyone). There'll obviously be those joining in post the 20th February, so obviously just pay as you confirm you are going - I have just informed them they'd start receiving payments, and essentially trying to put a date on it to make sure everyone gives it some attention (and they don't think I'm the only one coming!!! lmao).

[Bigrig]

Howdy

as you've no doubt realised, a new thread started for the trip. I've changed the poll so we can get some sort of oindication for numbers and types of camp setups to allow me to best set it up when I go up the Saturday before.

Could I ask that if the poll doesn't specifically accomodate you, can you email me with all the relevant details:

bigrig@nissanpatrol.com.au

Would be great if everyone could PM their mobile number after you've confirmed and you paid your deposit - will us PM's on here and SMS as per a few previous ones to keep everyone updated.

Thus far, approximately 79 people and 26 vehicles!!!!

[Bigrig]

Howdy

list below is the attendees that were either on the last poll or have confirmed with myself through other means:

AB; Ben-eboy; Bigrig; Dhuck; Frenzy; GUtsy Ute; Macca86; Mal H; MudDonk; Nickpeacock36; NissanGQ4.2; Ozzyboy; Patch697; Plasnart; Roofy; Ryan; Swampy; Thirsty; Torq4x4; Warnie; Yendor

C'mon Queenslanders!!! There's more of you out there!!!

Steve67au; 04OFF; Peacemaker; Cadbury; Random; Redman; Finly; YNOT; Lawnbowls; Bastardo; Scotty83; Hekarewe; Amelia; GavandNat; Daves; Beansathome; MQMAD; Blazza; etc. NO pressure!! lmao

Hopefully with the numbers increasing for members travelling from far and wide, more interstate members may jump on board also (and obviously new members in the interim).

Also, a couple of activity items:

1. I've organised for a entertainment/face painting mob to come up one day for a few hours to entertain the kids, paint faces professionally, etc

2. I've organised SUMO suits for the Wednesday or Thursday for a bit of a giggle with the adults

3. Rather than wine tasting at the wineries themselves (can still do the drive as it's a top area), I've organised for a wholesale company - Four Seasons Fine Wines - to come along and conduct a full wine tasting event over about 3 or 4 hours on the Thursday - I figure by that time in the week, everyone would be ready just to let the kids swim, blokes will no doubt want to work on/ogle at their vehicles, and thought it would be nice way for some of the ladies (and gents - I'll be there!!) to sit back, relax and enjoy a drop or two

4. I'm in the process of organising a cameraman for the entire week - intent is to video the week and have a professional DVD done (approx. 60-90 minutes long). Probably cost around $8 each, and will be sent to everyone post the trip. Will be proper DVD with Members Ride Section, Camp Setup Section, Forum Members Section and obviously covering the week with enough detail to ensure everyone has a decent memento/keepsake from the event.

5. 2 of our members are in fact 4WD Retail Outlets (north and south of Brisbane). They have both more than graciously offered to put up some small items as prizes for different events throughout the week (such as 'who gets bogged first'; Trivia Night, etc). I can't thank these guys enough and I'll post up an update with more detailed information once I confirm everything with them - I DID NOT request this from them, they offered on their own backs which is simply outstanding of them!!!

6. The campsites will be set out with pegs and ribbon - plan is that anyone can camp in any camp lot as it were, however, I want to ensure we have a clear path in and out (roadway) so kids aren't constantly on the look out for cars from any direction etc, and for ease of setup for eveyone. The sites wil more than likely be about 15mx15m each (huge) on flat ground.

7. This hasn't been discussed with anyone as yet (and I would have to confirm with owners) however was thinking of also having a local band (much to my disgust, country music ... lmao) play on the same day as the wine tasting for a bit of entertainment. Thoughts?? (I put this down here to know if you all read everything or not!!! lol).

8. Also approaching the local bottle shop and butcher for discounts for forum members - I'll have 'discount cards' for everyone to use on the week.

That'll about do it for now - so many ideas, and simply wishing for this to be a 'trip of a lifetime' for everyone involved.

[Bigrig]

Thanks for refraining from posting whilst I got everything in the first few posts - just makes it easier for reference ...

now, post away people!!!!! Let me know if you have any ideas that you want brought to the table also - more than open to suggestion!!!! Update number 7 below has a few new ideas in it also, so would be interested to hear your opinions.

Lordy I'm excited!!!

[Sir Roofy]

howdy

list below is the attendees that were either on the last poll or have confirmed with myself through other means:

Ab; ben-eboy; bigrig; dhuck; frenzy; gutsy ute; macca86; mal h; muddonk; nickpeacock36; nissangq4.2; ozzyboy; patch697; plasnart; roofy; ryan; swampy; thirsty; torq4x4; warnie; yendor

c'mon queenslanders!!! There's more of you out there!!!

steve67au; 04off; peacemaker; cadbury; random; redman; finly; ynot; lawnbowls; bastardo; scotty83; hekarewe; amelia; gavandnat; daves; beansathome; mqmad; blazza; etc. No pressure!! Lmao

hopefully with the numbers increasing for members travelling from far and wide, more interstate members may jump on board also (and obviously new members in the interim).

Also, a couple of activity items:

1. i've organised for a entertainment/face painting mob to come up one day for a few hours to entertain the kids, paint faces professionally, etc

2. i've organised sumo suits for the wednesday or thursday for a bit of a giggle with the adults

3. rather than wine tasting at the wineries themselves (can still do the drive as it's a top area), i've organised for a wholesale company - four seasons fine wines - to come along and conduct a full wine tasting event over about 3 or 4 hours on the thursday - i figure by that time in the week, everyone would be ready just to let the kids swim, blokes will no doubt want to work on/ogle at their vehicles, and thought it would be nice way for some of the ladies (and gents - i'll be there!!) to sit back, relax and enjoy a drop or two

4. i'm in the process of organising a cameraman for the entire week - intent is to video the week and have a professional dvd done (approx. 60-90 minutes long). Probably cost around $8 each, and will be sent to everyone post the trip. Will be proper dvd with members ride section, camp setup section, forum members section and obviously covering the week with enough detail to ensure everyone has a decent memento/keepsake from the event.

5. 2 of our members are in fact 4wd retail outlets (north and south of brisbane). They have both more than graciously offered to put up some small items as prizes for different events throughout the week (such as 'who gets bogged first'; trivia night, etc). I can't thank these guys enough and i'll post up an update with more detailed information once i confirm everything with them - i did not request this from them, they offered on their own backs which is simply outstanding of them!!!

6. the campsites will be set out with pegs and ribbon - plan is that anyone can camp in any camp lot as it were, however, i want to ensure we have a clear path in and out (roadway) so kids aren't constantly on the look out for cars from any direction etc, and for ease of setup for eveyone. The sites wil more than likely be about 15mx15m each (huge) on flat ground.

7. this hasn't been discussed with anyone as yet (and i would have to confirm with owners) however was thinking of also having a local band (much to my disgust, country music ... Lmao) play on the same day as the wine tasting for a bit of entertainment. Thoughts?? (i put this down here to know if you all read everything or not!!! Lol).

That'll about do it for now - so many ideas, and simply wishing for this to be a 'trip of a lifetime' for everyone involved.

cuontry and western you beuaty lee kirnigan aye

[Bigrig]

cuontry and western you beuaty lee kirnigan aye

Not quite young fella!!! Bit you keep praying and we'll see what comes!! lol