With many parts of the country – and many businesses – still ‘doing it tough’, the positive economic contribution that grey nomads continue to make is finally getting some recognition.
It is obvious that many caravan parks, tourism attractions, rural stores and fuel outlets depend heavily on the ‘grey dollar’ to keep them profitable … but our influence goes well beyond that.
Bigger companies – such as caravan makers, tyre sellers, bull bar manufacturers – all depend to a greater or lesser extent on the custom we provide … and even more so in trying economic times.
It is perhaps positive once in a while to highlight the benefits we indirectly deliver and the difference we can and do make to people’s lives.
Bundaberg-based aluminum boat builders Sea Jay are a classic example. The family owned and operated business started in 1989, and father-and-son team Col and Troy Glass are happy to credit grey nomads as a major reason they were able to weather the economic storm.
“The grey nomads who were looking for a tinnie to put on the top of their caravan really became our saving grace,” Col told the Bundaberg NewsMail. “Things were tight for a while … from small operators to the really big boat companies … but we were able to survive because there was still that passion to get on the water, but more at that entry level,”
Judging by the number of grey nomads with a tinnie or a kayak perched atop their vehicle, Col’s faith in our passion for the water is certainly not misplaced.
It’s backed up by more substantive evidence and the love affair only seems to be getting stronger.
Marine Queensland CEO Don Jones said last month’s Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show was a proven success for many of its members.
“At previous Tinnie and Tackle shows you could see people were there just to look and dream,” he said. “This time round was certainly a different story. Things were generally more buoyant.”
Great to hear, Don. Great to hear.
And it’s also great to receive some recognition for the positive effect we have on others as we get out there and make our dreams come true.
