While many grey nomads are understandably distraught at having their dream lifestyles abruptly brought to a shuddering halt, so too are countless rural communities which have seen the steady flow of friendly tourists on which they have grown to rely suddenly dry up.
It is no secret that some towns are more grey nomad-friendly than others, and it is those that have made the most effort to accommodate long-term travellers that are feeling the pain most acutely.
In Queensland, Thallon had been enjoying a wonderful start to the year, and had gone from dust storms to beautiful green grass and flows in the Moonie River.
“We were so looking forward to welcoming everyone back for a green start of the grey nomad season and were devastated when the travel restrictions and lockdowns were announced,” said Leanne Brosnan from the Thallon Progress Association. “Our ‘Watering Hole’ Silos Mural is now only being admired by locals as the campground is closed, and William the Wombat is feeling lonely without his usual admirers!”
Undeterred the local community is taking a positive attitude and is using this time to improve some facilities in Thallon so future visitors can have an even better experience.
These include a new artistic attraction, ‘Colly’, which was painted by the Silo Artists, and the Progress Association is working with the council to introduce a grey nomad volunteer program.
It’s a similar story in equally traveller-friendly Rochester in Victoria where the steady flow of grateful grey nomads staying at the RV stop in the centre of town has ceased. It is almost two years since Rochester’s silo art was completed as the town sought to attract grey nomads.
That initiative was a huge success and was followed by the opening of the Sports Museum last October, and now by a new artwork. The mural depicts retired homicide detective Ron Iddles who was born in town.
“Rochester is looking forward to the Covid-19 restrictions relaxing and life returning to normal so we can once again welcome visitors to our town,” said Glenda Nichol, the President of the Rochester Business Network.
Any town mentioned by the Grey Nomads as being receptive and friendly is going on our top visit’ list. I did unfortunately read about some towns where the locals were rather rude to the Greys, so I’ll be driving past those. The genuine Aussie spirit is to help those in need. Especially the older folk who have contributed to building this country. I will always patronise those towns which have been forthcoming in helping. Making a list of Grey Nomad friendly towns will be a good start.
I am in total agreement
we were amazed that people were not only unwelcoming
But rude and angry that nomads were there
Even some refusing service to nomads
A list of non friendly towns would be a lot shorter don’t you think.. In days of old the swaggy would leave an indicator at the gate of a farm so that others that would approach the farm looking for work would be forwarned of the reception they are likley to encounter… How about a chalk board at the information bay in the town and the nomads can vote with a number 1—10 , or leave a comment . Let the town then decide their attitude towards the traveller. Those that feel that they have been abused or made feel unwelcome do not mention where or why, and this does not help when trying to understand the lodgic of the abuse.. When the regional travel in W.A. is permitted we will be out there ,and hopefully not mending too many fences, looking forward to the freedom of vanning and meeting fellow west aussies .