General News
30 September, 2021
New caretakers ready to add a personal touch
MORTLAKE Caravan Park’s new caretakers Rick Stockdale and Kate Woodward are hoping to help attract more visitors to the town.
MORTLAKE Caravan Park’s new caretakers Rick Stockdale and Kate Woodward are hoping to help attract more visitors to the town.
The duo officially began their duties this week after having spent the past three years working in caravan parks from the gulf of Queensland to the Murray River.
“We’re feeling really good about being in Mortlake,” Mr Stockdale said.
“We were originally planning to travel around Australia in our own camper but with COVID-19 we thought there was no use sitting around.”
The pair jumped at the opportunity in Mortlake following the departure of former caretakers Shirley Angus and Richard Staples.
“We thought this was such a good, small park which gives us more experience as a stepping stone for whatever we do in the future,” Mr Stockdale said.
Ms Woodward said their emphasis on the caravan park would be on showing Mortlake was not just a drive-through destination, but a great place to visit.
“We want people to stay at Mortlake and get to know the town,” she said.
“It’s just a matter of making it an enjoyable experience, being flexible with customers and trying to meet people’s needs.”
She said providing a personal touch for visitors would be a step towards ensuring the success of the caravan park.
“We know Richard and Shirley had a good reputation and we need to make sure we continue that,” Mrs Woodward said.
“It is all about customer service, and we bend over backwards for customers.
“People like and appreciate the personal touch, which spreads news and people want to come, so that’s what we’ll bring.
“We want to continue that reputation while also making it even better.”
The pair was familiar with Mortlake as they are based at Yambuk and have travelled through on previous adventures.
Mr Stockdale was also previously a tour coach driver, and had accompanied school groups through on their field studies, and has fossicked at Mount Shadwell as an avid gem stone collector.
“I knew how much ancient history there was to this town with the volcanic stuff around here, so I knew a little about Mortlake,” he said.
Their first impressions pushed them towards applying for the full-time management position, after serving in a relief capacity, seeing a town and caravan park on the precipice of exciting new opportunities.
While the nation steadily moves towards the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise, the caravan park is undergoing $360,000 in works to install five new studio cabins.
“It’s a really good park, and now that Moyne Shire is doing the developments the park has potential to do quite well,” Mr Stockdale said.
“They are being very thorough about what they’re doing.
“They’re getting rid of the old infrastructure and starting from scratch, which is going to be a benefit now and for any ongoing works in the future.
“Having the cabins here, and having that accommodation for any workers coming through, is going to help bring money in to the town, which is great.”
Ms Woodward said locals had offered a warm welcome.
“It’s a great town,” she said.
“Everyone has been really friendly and very easy to get along with.”
Moyne Shire mayor Daniel Meade said Rick and Kate were a welcome addition to the shire.
“Our caravan park caretakers play an important role in boosting the tourism economy, supporting local businesses and welcoming visitors to the region,” he said.
“Rick and Kate have hit the ground running, taking over as caretakers just as restrictions ease for regional Victorians and in time for school holidays and our busy peak season.
“We look forward to working with Rick and Kate as they take the reins at Mortlake Caravan Park and welcome them to the Moyne Shire team.”
