Small outback towns need to think outside the""@@ incentives to sell themselfves

Hey Jim · Guru

Small outback towns need to think outside the""@@ incentives to sell themselfves

brickies · Guru

I thought it's all about putting money into there town not looking for more freebies , Providing free camp should be more than enough .

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I'm with you Brickies - I am only too pleased to put INTO the town to show my appreciation of them providing a place to park my rig, sleep overnight and savour the things these lovely inland towns have to see. I love being able to experience what, in many cases, is the 'way it all used to be'.

In fact, many of the small inland towns I have frequented over the past six years of full-time "nomadding" already have very competitive prices to attract the passing, and sleep-over, traffic.

They are mainly struggling to make a quid now - why would (or should) they want to cut their prices - which are already very low.

We, the traveller, are their lifeline.

Cheers - and love those 'old time' towns hanging in there - John

hako · Guru

I agree with brickies - we visit their town to look, understand and enjoy the town as it stands. If we were offered 'freebies' just to entice us to visit then we would not be interested. We like to see a town as it is, warts and all and not have the town beholden to us.
Good luck.

Hey Jim · Guru

Hi all,

I think what I was trying to express, was worded wrongly. Sorry.

I never get it right every time. What i'm trying to get across is they do need us too. We spend our retirement away from base and shop in regional area's. Not in the cities. that's a lot of people and one very big amount of money that gets spent.

Many Locals look with envey when they see the types of rigs moving through their towns.

We have been in, quite a few situations where we have been waiting our turn to be served and the locals get served before us. We pull the pin and just walkout and fill our prescriptions and toileties next stop as just one of many examples, so the dollars are spent down the road in the next town.

Its not put all, into the same basket. However Towns folk, do ask why GN's don't say. Go Figure

Its So rude, And yet they say their town is dying. Well They need to wake Up. Is this any clearer as to my comment.

Regards Hey Jim & Lambie

Desert Dweller · Guru

We never stay in big town, resort style CP's. We stay in small town community run CP's as a rule. When we're there we pay for our site (unlike the many ''stealth campers'' we see that don't), fill up with diesel, enjoy a meal at the Pub & do a big shop at the local IGA supermarket.
If we're really lucky we might buy some home-made jams & pickles/relishes off the local ladies. Yum!
The point of the exercise is to GIVE not RECEIVE.

brickies · Guru

Two years ago when I was in Barcaldine in Western Queensland , I got talking to a a man who turn out to be the Mayor who talked about city and country needing one and other , He was talking about when he visit large coastal city he speaks to groups about the country people producing there food but if the city people didn't buy what they grew they would not survive . So I look at it this why we love to go bush if these local business went they to supply our goods we need we could not visit such towns , Jim I never in such a hurry that I can't wait to get served in the country town there is always someone to talk to while you wait and always served quicker than in a big city long may these small country towns survive we need them .

Baz421 · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
We never stay in big town, resort style CP's. We stay in small town community run CP's as a rule. When we're there we pay for our site (unlike the many ''stealth campers'' we see that don't), fill up with diesel, enjoy a meal at the Pub & do a big shop at the local IGA supermarket.
If we're really lucky we might buy some home-made jams & pickles/relishes off the local ladies. Yum!
The point of the exercise is to GIVE not RECEIVE.

Well said. Agree.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

A smile on the dial and friendly attitude from anyone that gets my money goes a long way.

Baz421 · Guru

Hey Jim wrote:
Hi all,
I think what I was trying to express, was worded wrongly. Sorry.
I never get it right every time.Fair enough we are all human JIm What i'm trying to get across is they do need us too. AgreeWe spend our retirement away from base and shop in regional area's. Not in the cities.We try to do this also that's a lot of people and one very big amount of money that gets spent.
Many Locals look with envey when they see the types of rigs moving through their towns.Of course they do as it's such a great lifestyle,,,, you would too in their situation.
We have been in, quite a few situations where we have been waiting our turn to be served and the locals get served before us. NEVER experienced this at all in 7 years. We pull the pin and just walkout and fill our prescriptions and toileties next stop as just one of many examples, so the dollars are spent down the road in the next town.Why go to this extreme, suck it up a little,,, it's not the end of the world.
Its not put all, into the same basket. However Towns folk, do ask why GN's don't say. Go Figure
Its So rude,IS IT REALLY THAT BAD???? And yet they say their town is dying. Well They need to wake Up. Is this any clearer as to my comment No I think you have just reinforced a lack tolerance Jim - now that's just my humble opinion so take it for what you think it's worth..
Regards Hey Jim & Lambie

Maybe take a big deep breath before you write something - this can help to write things a bit clearer so we all know where you are coming from.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

whoops.............lets not get personal folks - lets start smiling at each other again. But remember everyone here is entitled to their own opinion irrespective whether you agree or dis-agree with them. If we all thought the same, this forum would be very, very boring !!

We find small towns vary widely in how they cater to nomads. Usually the ones away from the coast are doing it the hardest and do what they can to cater to those passing through. Unfortunately, it is often the locals in these towns that do the most damage to the businesses. Too many of them will drive an hour or two to a town or city that has a Coles or Woolies and buy 2 weeks worth of groceries and meat and use the shopper docket to fill up the fuel. We have been in several towns like this and you chat with the locals in the pub (always the last to close) and they moan about all the shops closing and then say they drive to Coles etc.

We are happy to use their CP's (often run by the shire and well maintained and at a reasonable cost) and buy locally. If we all do this, then these retailers may still be there next time we pass through that town

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I understand what Jim is trying to get to as I had a problem here in Townsville.

I have been comnig to Townsville for 11 years now but up until 4 years ago My wife and I flew from Melbourne 4 times a year. Flew Jetstar most of the time as they do direct flights from Melbourne..Up Friday nights and back Monday nights due to health problems with my wife.

When I lost her 4 years ago I flew up the first year and stayed in a cabin in a CVP. For 3 years now I have driven up during winter with my van in tow. I have a daughter and grandchildren here.

3 years ago I went into a well known chemist to get my monthly meds, said I would come back in 30 mins. Had lunch and went back as agreed. No meds ready. I waited another hour before my name was called. I saw 8 people come in during that time, handed scripts in and got them before me.

When my name was finally called there was one med not available so I asked why it had taken so long and why didn't someone let me know that med wasn't avail. I was told they had to look after their local regulars first. I took the scipt to another chemist and had it filled. I said nothing as not to get more steressed than already.

I have been going to the other chemist now 5 times a year for the last 3 years now. Great service, great advice and great people. They even remember me when I arrive back here each year. First name all the time.

I will not go into the original chemist ANYWHERE now and the name is in most states, at least up the east coast anyway.

Fuzzball · Veteran Member

RE: Small outback towns need to think outside the

brickies · Guru

RE: Small outback towns need to think outside the""@@ incentives to sell themselfves

Onedodger · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
A smile on the dial and friendly attitude from anyone that gets my money goes a long way.

Exakary mate. If we have to wait a minute for service in a small towns business then I simply start a conversation with a local and before you know it you have valuable info about the town and your turn has come to be served. We always tell the locals that we have enjoyed their hospitality and therefore are spending our few meagre dollars in their town.

Besides we love these small towns much better than the big hip pocket burglers in the cities. aww

Baz421 · Guru

Bruce and Bev wrote:
whoops.............lets not get personal folks - lets start smiling at each other again. But remember everyone here is entitled to their own opinion irrespective whether you agree or dis-agree with them. If we all thought the same, this forum would be very, very boring !!

We find small towns vary widely in how they cater to nomads. Usually the ones away from the coast are doing it the hardest and do what they can to cater to those passing through. Unfortunately, it is often the locals in these towns that do the most damage to the businesses. Too many of them will drive an hour or two to a town or city that has a Coles or Woolies and buy 2 weeks worth of groceries and meat and use the shopper docket to fill up the fuel. We have been in several towns like this and you chat with the locals in the pub (always the last to close) and they moan about all the shops closing and then say they drive to Coles etc.

We are happy to use their CP's (often run by the shire and well maintained and at a reasonable cost) and buy locally. If we all do this, then these retailers may still be there next time we pass through that town

Nah,, not getting personal Jim asked if it was explained better and I think it was not,,, I try not to play the man but the subject.

wasn_me · Guru

Hey Jim wrote:
Hi all,
Been thinking again. If small towns want more GN's to stopover for. Be it overnight, through .........2-3days. Why not give a few discount incentives .IGA do fuel coupons for groceries.( Coffee shops. Some buy Two hoties Tea & coffee + cake & get soming off a loaf of every day bread) Quoat ( Brumbies). We would stay longer and explore more if the accommodation/ CV was not a rip off.
By 2017 The baby boomers will PEEK. HULLO.
Het Jim & Lambie

I've been roaming outback southern Qld & northern NSW part time for the last 4 years. I haven't been ripped of once. In fact I think I've come across some fantastic deals, would have loved to stayed longer in some places.

I camping next week for $4 per night, donkey showers, flush toilets, fires allowed, dogs allowed, running creek.

I'm camping on the banks of the Clarence River next month, $20/night/site.

There is deals out there if you want to look around, & keep your ears open.

Any struggling outback small business owner, who read this post, would have a right to be outraged.

Jim, if you believe vanners are so ripped off, why are you buying a van?

Cheers Pete

Dougwe · Chief one feather

brickies wrote:
Doug Chemist warehouse Wool**** and Pilkington streets Townsville had the same experience

Not them. Either way. The only problem I have with the one you mention is PARKING or lack there of. I have only got a couple of things there but found them friendly. Maybe different with meds perhaps but I will not know.

Woody n Sue · Guru

I was tought that if you haven't anything good to say don't say anything

Hey Jim · Guru

Dougwe 's Right on the Nose.

EXMOUTH WA. 2014 We walk in leave our prescriptions theres a one hour wait, That's ok we say off we go and spend in other shops and have lunch. We were packed leaving to return home to the east. stopping at Carnarvon for the night.

One hour twenty minutes later still the place is loaded with people pasting through. Not only were our scripts not filled. they just kept serving the locals as they walked in a served them under ours and others noses filling their scripts in the store.

We and two other couples did as we did and gave them a mouth full. we and others took back their and our scripts and left.

One guy said out aloud. What this town needs is competition with a second chemist our let.

Exmouths Small Business is so bad even the council owned shops have closed. Full Stop.

And they want Tourisim. Bugger me.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Um, I had a shower today Jim, infact two of them. No way could I be "on the nose" and I nows that disbelief smile

Hey Jim · Guru

wasn_me wrote:
Hey Jim wrote:
Hi all,
Been thinking again. If small towns want more GN's to stopover for. Be it overnight, through .........2-3days. Why not give a few discount incentives .IGA do fuel coupons for groceries.( Coffee shops. Some buy Two hoties Tea & coffee + cake & get soming off a loaf of every day bread) Quoat ( Brumbies). We would stay longer and explore more if the accommodation/ CV was not a rip off.
By 2017 The baby boomers will PEEK. HULLO.
Het Jim & Lambie
I've been roaming outback southern Qld & northern NSW part time for the last 4 years. I haven't been ripped of once. In fact I think I've come across some fantastic deals, would have loved to stayed longer in some places.
I camping next week for $4 per night, donkey showers, flush toilets, fires allowed, dogs allowed, running creek.
I'm camping on the banks of the Clarence River next month, $20/night/site.
There is deals out there if you want to look around, & keep your ears open.
Any struggling outback small business owner, who read this post, would have a right to be outraged.
Jim, if you believe vanners are so ripped off, why are you buying a van?
Cheers Pete

Hi PETE,

YOU ASK. WHY ARE YOU BUYING A VAN?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

THE REASON PETE OLD BOY. ............ SIMPLY MY SOLE MATE OF 30 YEARS.................IS FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE.............AND STILL WANTS TO SEE THE PARTS OF AUSTRALIA

NOT YET VISITED. WITH SOME DEGREE OF COMFORT.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPLY PETE OLD BOY.

PS: Please make sure brain is enguaged, before putting mouth into gear.

aussietraveller · Guru

I love small country towns where the locals seem much more friendly and maybe I have been extremely lucky as I have never experienced discrimination in small country town stores and generally caravan parks it these small towns are much cheaper than cities and east coast.
I also love a chat and by talking to locals you can learn a lot about the local area and country life, chatting to people in stores whilst waiting to be served can be very pleasant but if you try it in a major city store you are often looked at like you are some sort of deviant.

Finally lets try to respect each other a bit more, it would be a very dull forum if we all thought the same.

Webmaster · Guru

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