It’s no joke – the Walcha Caravan Park will be operated by the Mills family from this Saturday, April 1. Luke Mills bought the business from Neil and Glenys Smith and has moved to Walcha with his sister, his wife and three young children.
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Former owners Neil and Glenys Smith are not going far, though. The couple will continue to live in Walcha during the warmer months, becoming the first tenants in the Eastgate Estate which they built next to the Caravan Park a few years ago.
“The caravan park has been an enjoyable experience since we purchased it seven years ago,” said Mr Smith.
“Meeting and greeting different people and the work, while constant, is never dull. “
As well as boosting the town’s population, Mr Mills brings experience to the business with many years of managing the Nowra Caravan Park under his belt. Maintaining the Walcha Caravan Park’s five-star reputation will be a top priority he says.
“It is very well maintained and quiet, and that is just the way I want to keep it,” Mr Mills said.
“I want to continue to run it the way Neil and Glenys have run it. If it ain’t broke don't fix it. You have to keep people safe and happy and comfortable. That’s my number one priority.”
Originally from Penrith in Sydney, Mr Mills did some labouring jobs before managing the Nowra Caravan Park. Prior to moving to Walcha, the family lived for four years on their 100 acre Clarence Valley property running a few pigs.
“I am hoping to sell that place and buy something here,” Mr Mills said.
“I was buying the caravan park in Uralla, and that fell through, and so I looked at this. What I like about this place is everyone is so friendly, I couldn’t ask for more. You don’t find many little towns like this.”
The Mills family are looking forward to their first Walcha winter and hopefully their first glimpse of snow.
“We’ve never seen snow, ” Mr Mills said.