Proposed National Forum Meetup - Queensland

Just had a chat with the Neerum Creek people (great bunch!!) and as part of the group booking, they offer their gas fired Camp Oven which caters for up to 100 peole (it's huge) for free. Part of the package!! Additional to that, being school holidays and being a large group, he suggested (again for free) nightly movie nights for the kids as there'll be other people's kids there also, so not specifically setup for us, but means they don't have to feel obligated to go every night as it were. They will also set up the Tug'o'War in our area for the kiddies (not that the adults would use it anyway ... ahem, cough, cough ... lmao).

A few other things were discussed, but I'll leave those till I go up and see them and get it confirmed - good things ... really good things!!!!!

Trying to accomodate for everyone's tastes and likes is nigh on impossilbe, but I'll certainly do my best to ensure there is as much variety/option available to people as possible so that you can have a great holiday ...

Great to see so many people putting their hand up to volunteer equipment etc to assist anyone travelling - having spoken with 2 of them, we already have an absolute arsenal of spare camping gear!!!! So I can't iimagine anyone will be without the essentials ... the camp grounds hire equipment also (and have a shop, and a play area, etc, etc)

It's coming together well, but at the end of the day, it is only what it is through the support and attendance of the people involved - we often sprout about how we are different to other forums, family freidnly, etc, etc ... well ... time to put the money where the mouth is one and all !!!! LOL ... yep, a bit rich coming from someone now not going to the Loveday meeting, BUT I did drive a near on 2000 klm trip by myself to meetup with the Victorian meet in January - so trust me, I know it's difficult to do, but the reward is worth it!!!

Here's hoping to a fantastic trip for everyone involved!!! (yep, I know, it's 9 months away ... that's not that long ...).

Im very interested as well guys, would love to visit LCMP and Fraser.. Have noted the date and will confirm later on.. Shouldnt be a problem though.. Looks like a top trip everyone

Fletcha

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Originally Posted by big_fletch

Im very interested as well guys, would love to visit LCMP and Fraser.. Have noted the date and will confirm later on.. Shouldnt be a problem though.. Looks like a top trip everyone

Fletcha

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Top stuff mate!!! That's great news!!!

Just a quick one if anyone knows....When you rent a 4wd do they normally provide a baby seat or is that something that I'll need to get?

Umm....Does any of the locals up there have a spare child car seat...LMAO

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Originally Posted by AB

Just a quick one if anyone knows....When you rent a 4wd do they normally provide a baby seat or is that something that I'll need to get?

Umm....Does any of the locals up there have a spare child car seat...LMAO

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You have to rent them .. I'd say someone will have one though ...mine are in boosters and sold the baby seats, but I'll work on getting you one to save some coin (not to mention make sure it's comfy - those hire ones are super ordinary usually!!!).

Fingers crossed, I should have some reasonably good news tomorrow arvo regarding the trip - I'm off in the morning to go suss a few things out and meet with some people, and all going to plan, I'll post the good news later tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by AB

Just a quick one if anyone knows....When you rent a 4wd do they normally provide a baby seat or is that something that I'll need to get?

Umm....Does any of the locals up there have a spare child car seat...LMAO

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I doubt it, but you could probable hire one from them......


I have a spare, if you need 2 borrow, but you will have 2 take my kids as well, can you fit 2 child seats and a booster in the back of yours?????

As long as I can stop drinking enough 2 save some money before then.......and as long as my 4 inch lift is in and engineered and maybe some gas is installed

Count me, missus and the 2 ferals in :)

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Originally Posted by NissanGQ4.2

I doubt it, but you could probable hire one from them......


I have a spare, if you need 2 borrow, but you will have 2 take my kids as well, can you fit 2 child seats and a booster in the back of yours?????

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$200 a day and I'l look after the youngens mate...lol

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Originally Posted by AB

$200 a day and I'l look after the youngens mate...lol

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you can give me $200 a day 2 look after the ferals, for that i'll even let you keep the child seat *L*

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Originally Posted by NissanGQ4.2

As long as I can stop drinking enough 2 save some money before then.......and as long as my 4 inch lift is in and engineered and maybe some gas is installed

Count me, missus and the 2 ferals in :)

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That's awesome news fella!!! Fantastic!!!

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Originally Posted by Bigrig

That's awesome news fella!!! Fantastic!!!

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Working on this one mate, looking forward for a catch up :) just got 2 organize time off work. not even fussed if I don't get the lift or the gas in, I'm keen for a camping holiday up your way :):):)

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Originally Posted by NissanGQ4.2

Working on this one mate, looking forward for a catch up :) just got 2 organize time off work. not even fussed if I don't get the lift or the gas in, I'm keen for a camping holiday up your way :):):)

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Don't stress mate, I'll be most likely hiring a little Jimny...LMAO

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Originally Posted by AB

Don't stress mate, I'll be most likely hiring a little Jimny...LMAO

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Too right - there'll be plenty of trucks to ride shotgun in and truth be told, more of a holiday getaway than strict four wheeling, so the trucks will only be needed for tough stuff probably half a day in the whole week - rest is touring, beach and keys removed whilst we have a few!!

Sounds like a cracker of a trip Scotty.....mmmmmmmmm pig on the spit Aaarrrrrgggghhh
Didnt get to parents over chrissy and theyre buggin me to get up there, so if i can jag a combined folks/forum visit to Qld, and i can sweet talk the miss's and of course the $$$$ it would be tops mate to get there. Fingers crossed, lets see what happens

So if the definite maybes are included, so far 24 vehicles and approx. 60 people!!!!!!

Gunna be a bottler.

Can't wait to meet these folk tomorrow to be honest and hopefully have some news that'll be pleasing to everyone I reckon!!

AB - what's the chances of 4wdtv being asked to come along for part of the even an get another plug?? Or am I being over zealous??!!! lol

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Originally Posted by wild98

Sounds like a cracker of a trip Scotty.....mmmmmmmmm pig on the spit Aaarrrrrgggghhh
Didnt get to parents over chrissy and theyre buggin me to get up there, so if i can jag a combined folks/forum visit to Qld, and i can sweet talk the miss's and of course the $$$$ it would be tops mate to get there. Fingers crossed, lets see what happens

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What can I say other than what do you want me to say to the missus???? lmao!!!!!

I figure I can't much help with the other two!!!! Maybe I could throw a word into your folks and they might solve the other two problems for you!! lol

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Originally Posted by Bigrig

So if the definite maybes are included, so far 24 vehicles and approx. 60 people!!!!!!

Gunna be a bottler.

Can't wait to meet these folk tomorrow to be honest and hopefully have some news that'll be pleasing to everyone I reckon!!

AB - what's the chances of 4wdtv being asked to come along for part of the even an get another plug?? Or am I being over zealous??!!! lol

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Yeah mate, sounds good. I'll have a chat to Simon this Friday about it and see what he thinks.

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Originally Posted by AB

Yeah mate, sounds good. I'll have a chat to Simon this Friday about it and see what he thinks.

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Sounds great ... fingers crossed!!!

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Originally Posted by Bigrig

Things were bound to change quick!!!! LMAO ...

Had a thought - works out cheaper (probably half the price for some), but thinking rather than camping at LCMP, how about Neerum Creek Bush Retreat?? Link below - a mate has stayed here and reckons it's great - they have hot showers, BBQ's, powered sites, etc, etc and far more central to everything than LCMP for those wanting diversity ... example 47.2 klms to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, 70 klms to Bribie Island, 12 klms to Woodford (Beerburrum State Forest for some wheeling), 75 klms to LCMP for a day up there, 51 klms to Maleny (wine and cheese region - nice spot too); etc, etc, etc ...

http://www.ncbr.com.au/index.php

Brace yourself for the scary CGI woman who talks to you!!!! LMAO ... you'll know exactly what I mean when you access a few pages on the site ...

Essentially the best of all worlds ... right on the river, still camping but not outright roughing it ....

Thoughts?? I'm going to take a run up there to meet with the managers next week and see if I can't sort out a better group rate also ...

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Jeez H Scotty...lol...I just had a look at that site on this link and that scary lade scared the poopa out of me...LMAO

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Originally Posted by AB

Jeez H Scotty...lol...I just had a look at that site on this link and that scary lade scared the poopa out of me...LMAO

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I warned you!!!! lmao

Just walked in the door after getting back from Sydney but got confirmation today of a few things I was hoping for - I'll put the information up tomorrow, but these things just might be the items that 'swing' some people's votes to go ... they're good sh!t ... promise!!!

Im so in for this trip. I will be able to assist with airport pickups and some gear as well. As well as a ride to ride shotgun in.

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Originally Posted by Warnie

Im so in for this trip. I will be able to assist with airport pickups and some gear as well. As well as a ride to ride shotgun in.

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Excellent news fella!!!! Just about to go setup the laptop and start piecing together all the information I've got over the last few days - will post it up shortly.

Stay tuned - pretty exciting stuff!!!!

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!!


The Invoice you will receive direct from them. This is the first one, but the others will have the Marquis and Toilet costs on them itemised separately.

Attachment 11995


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDS6XVPLkmA

Sensational mate!!!! Your are one serious organiser and this will be once in a lifetime trip that's for sure!!!!

I'll present this to Simon Christie from 4WDTV tomorrow and see what he has to say!

I have one quick question. Apart from the general activities around the place the basic itinerary set out the first page is still the basic plan?

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Originally Posted by AB

Sensational mate!!!! Your are one serious organiser and this will be once in a lifetime trip that's for sure!!!!

I'll present this to Simon Christie from 4WDTV tomorrow and see what he has to say!

I have one quick question. Apart from the general activities around the place the basic itinerary set out the first page is still the basic plan?

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Yep - I'll be adding options to it predominantly just to give people a truly "choose your own adventure" experience. With a group this size, people will want to do their own thing and simply be guided by what's on offer around the place. Plan is to have at least 2 viable and worthwhile options for each day to give people plenty of opportunity to experience the great South East.

Must say - I'm quite sincerely over the moon at how quickly this is pulling together and the fact that no-one should be left uncatered for ... having discussed it with some others, I will probably have a few more ring ins (great people) coming also, and obviously encourage others to do the same - appreciate we are a forum, but if you feel more comfortable with a circle of friends there, then go for it.

The ONLY thing that was stressed to me by John is they WILL NOT tolerate people playing up in the place (loud music, drunken behaviour affecting other campers - which shouldn't worry us as we are away from them all !!! lol - etc, etc so as per our forum motto, this is a family friendly trip - we'll all be having one or fifteen beers etc, but not at the cost of anyone elses good time - we'll police that ourselves I'm sure, and from the mulitple trips I've been to date, it shouldn't be an issue anyway, but needs to be said).

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Originally Posted by Bigrig

Yep - I'll be adding options to it predominantly just to give people a truly "choose your own adventure" experience. With a group this size, people will want to do their own thing and simply be guided by what's on offer around the place. Plan is to have at least 2 viable and worthwhile options for each day to give people plenty of opportunity to experience the great South East.

Must say - I'm quite sincerely over the moon at how quickly this is pulling together and the fact that no-one should be left uncatered for ... having discussed it with some others, I will probably have a few more ring ins (great people) coming also, and obviously encourage others to do the same - appreciate we are a forum, but if you feel more comfortable with a circle of friends there, then go for it.

The ONLY thing that was stressed to me by John is they WILL NOT tolerate people playing up in the place (loud music, drunken behaviour affecting other campers - which shouldn't worry us as we are away from them all !!! lol - etc, etc so as per our forum motto, this is a family friendly trip - we'll all be having one or fifteen beers etc, but not at the cost of anyone elses good time - we'll police that ourselves I'm sure, and from the mulitple trips I've been to date, it shouldn't be an issue anyway, but needs to be said).

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Love the new Disco Scotty, is this the Land Rover forum?

57 bucks... Sheesh if only you had given more notice :p

love your work mate, awesome set up going.
any help you need with this, just a stone throw away.
Is this confirmed now? I.e can we start looking at putting a deposit in?

Cheers

Ozz

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Originally Posted by nickpeacock36

Love the new Disco Scotty, is this the Land Rover forum?

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Didn't you read my thread for the sale of Tank due to 'Disco vering' a new ride?? lmao

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Originally Posted by ozzyboy

57 bucks... Sheesh if only you had given more notice :p

love your work mate, awesome set up going.
any help you need with this, just a stone throw away.
Is this confirmed now? I.e can we start looking at putting a deposit in?

Cheers

Ozz

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I'll confirm the details post the weekend when everyone's had the chance to view, and pretty much from Monday next week, deposit away!!

Thanks for offer of assistance too mate - might take you up on it at some stage!!

Top job Scotty,
That all looks and sounds awesome.
A big thank you for all you've done so far and X2 on any help needed.

Place looks fantastic!!

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Originally Posted by GUtsy ute

Top job Scotty,
That all looks and sounds awesome.
A big thank you for all you've done so far and X2 on any help needed.

Place looks fantastic!!

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Thanks mate. Again, greatly appreciated. Just hope we get plenty of people ... a fair few haven't voted as yet, but have chatted via text etc with a few of them, and all more than likely in (those I've chatted to) ... sorry if I forget some:

Yendor
04OFF
Ryan
Peacemaker
Ben-e-boy
Finly
Silver
MQMad
Frenzy
Steve67au
Hekarewe
Random

Etc etc from the south east region - not to mention multitudes from down south!!

Gunna be a corker!!!

Rightio. We're in. What a crowd!
Top idea mate.

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Originally Posted by frenzy

Rightio. We're in. What a crowd!
Top idea mate.

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Getting bigger and better by the minute!!!! Awesome to hear mate!!!

Hey Scotty, was there a date set yet????

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Originally Posted by NissPat

Hey Scotty, was there a date set yet????

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A few of us will be getting there on Sunday 30th September, but the 'official' date we were working on is Monday 1st October to Friday 5th October.

Sincerely hope you can make it mate!!

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Originally Posted by Bigrig

A few of us will be getting there on Sunday 30th September, but the 'official' date we were working on is Monday 1st October to Friday 5th October.

Sincerely hope you can make it mate!!

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As we'll be doing a 3 month trip I'm going to try and plan to be there. It sort of works as we'll be making our way home from the tip around mid September so we'll try and make it mate.

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Originally Posted by NissPat

As we'll be doing a 3 month trip I'm going to try and plan to be there. It sort of works as we'll be making our way home from the tip around mid September so we'll try and make it mate.

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That'd be outstanding mate!!!

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.

Top work AB and Scottie,

Great work 2 Scottie on the orginising the meet up