The theme “Year of the RAAF”, along with the “Year of the Jeep” will be featured by the Khaki Vehicle Enthusiast (KVE), from March 8 to 14, based at Ball Park Caravan Park.
At yesterday’s monthly zoom meeting of Federation Council, cash sponsorship of $3,735 towards the promotional advertising and purchase of 350 participant caps was unanimously supported, on the motion of Crs Shaun Whitechurch and David Longley.
“This is a massive event, not only for Corowa but the whole district,” deputy mayor Whitechurch said.
“It’s one of the more worthy events and at a time when there’s not a lot of visitors in Corowa.” Cr Longley agreed about “the whole district”, referring to his home-town Howlong welcoming the KVE. Cr Norm Wales said it was always great to welcome the KVE.
KVE secretary Jan Thompson said members were extremely lucky to have been able to hold their Swim-In this year – which attracted 235 ex-military vehicles and over 1,000 people - due to COVID-19.
“We are working towards the 2021 event and hope that any restrictions will be over by then,” she told The Free Press. “We have already lined up Russell Kelly who wrote a book about a Beaufort Bomber to complement the theme ‘Year of the RAAF’.
“Participants are sending in their entry forms and if there was a problem we would give them an option of transferring or refunding the entry fee.
“We are looking at the positive side and are thrilled about yesterday’s news of a sponsorship grant from the Federation Council. The grant really helps us provide participants with a pack of items which acknowledges the Federation Council. Many participants are very grateful for the support from the Federation Council and also Ball Park Caravan Park.
“We have been extremely well looked after for the past 41 years and this is why we continue our annual event at Corowa which is a perfect location and has everything we require within the Federation Council area.
“A grant also from the Corowa RSL in the past has enabled us to hold a very successful parade on the Saturday morning.”
KVE President Richard Farrant emphasised the lucky timing of the 2020 event. “We were extremely lucky with the timing, as on the Sunday night at our final dinner at the Corowa RSL we heard the news that gatherings of 500-plus people were banned from midnight, a very close shave!” he said.
“What amazed me thinking back was that during the event week, no one seemed to have concerns about the oncoming virus situation, the only thing we noticed was the supermarket was cleared of toilet rolls! We are looking forward to 2021 and planning for the event right now. So, to quote the famous words of General Douglas MacArthur, ‘I shall return’.”
In recommending council’s approval for the event’s sponsorship, director corporate and community services Jo Shannon said the influx of event participants to Corowa during the eight days brings direct economic and tourism benefit to Corowa.
“Local businesses embrace the event with many providing discount vouchers to the event attendees. In 2020, 350 people registered for the event,” she said.
“Each year the event hosts a parade of military vehicles down Sanger Street in Corowa. The parade allows the community to interact and be part of the event and learn about Australian war history. The organisers also host a swap meet at the Corowa Showgrounds that is open to the public.”
The itinerary for 2021 day trips include a trip to Rand and Tocumwal through Mulwala alongside the parade, dinner at Corowa RSL Club and a swap meet.
Ms Shannon pointed out promotional benefits to Federation Council by the KVE. “It should also be noted that approval of the 2021 Annual Military Parade and accommodation offerings at Ball Park Caravan Park will be dependent on COVID-19 social distancing rules and regulations,” she said.
“The event delivers significant social and cultural benefit to Corowa and the region via their program of activities which includes visits to towns and schools around the Federation Council area.”
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