Park puts helping people first, profits second

FROM facing closure more than a decade ago to now operating partly as a refuge for those in need, the Ballan Caravan Park is a testimony to what a community can achieve.

Unlike most other caravan parks, the facility operates basically in two parts – as a commercial tourist park, but also as an emergency accommodation option for people who need help.

That model developed from a decision by the former Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to close the park in 2012 because it did not meet its permanent land-use policy requirements.

A closure would have forced more than 20 permanent residents out, but led by current Moorabool Shire Council mayor Paul Tatchell, the community banded together to virtually rebuild the park and keep it open.

It is now run by a management committee and is entirely self-funded.

The overhaul provided low-cost housing options, including a site for temporary caravans to meet DSE land-use policy requirements as well as emergency housing for people in case of fire or other disaster.

But it has developed further, into a facility offering accommodation for those in other kinds of trouble.

The committee’s vice-chair, Kristin Cahill, said the park’s only income was derived through the usual tourist trade, seasonal workers and occasional bookings.

But he said there were 10 cabins currently occupied by people facing homelessness, with mental health issues or on Centrelink payments.

“They’re the people who fall through the cracks,” Mr Cahill said, adding that five people who do have jobs but cannot afford open market accommodation were also staying at the park.

Mr Cahill agreed that a caravan park offering accommodation to people in need was uncommon because most were operated commercially.

“I don’t think it’s the norm,” he said.

The park offers powered and unpowered sites, along with the cabins, for a total of about 35 sites.

Mr Cahill said Cr Tatchell was the driving force behind avoiding a closure.

“Paul’s got a really good heart, and he realised that if this got closed…all these people would have nowhere to live,” he said.

“If they didn’t have us they’d be out on the street or in their car.”

Mr Cahill said the park’s facilities were basic and not like bigger, commercial-only operations.

“But it’s got…clean amenities, it’s close to everything else, and it’s good value,” he said, adding that the park was fully booked for the recent AFL grand final weekend.

The park is in Jopling Street, Ballan, and its internet presence can be found at facebook.com/happy1campers.

Information is also available at welcometomoorabool.com/ballan-caravan-park.