24 APRIL 2024 | ISSUE 546 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes PHOTO CREDIT Jake Roden
THE DISCOVERY PARK LAKE NAGAMBIE REMARKABLE RECOVERY Eighteen months after devastating floods wreaked havoc across regional Victoria, one of the Goulburn Valley's premier accommodation providers proudly celebrated its grand reopening. Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes, nestled on a scenic peninsula between the Goulburn River and Lake Nagambie, endured severe flooding in mid-October 2022. In mid-October 2022, the park was gearing up for its peak season when it was abruptly disrupted by the flooding which occurred. This unprecedented event posed one of the most significant challenges in the park's history. Discovery Park was completely submerged, impacting 56 cabins, 136 powered sites, and the holiday spots of 200 annual visitors. The aftermath led to a rigorous 12-month rebuilding process, during which Discovery Parks prioritized making the park more flood-resistant. This effort unfolded amidst challenges like building material shortages, trade delays, and additional weather setbacks, including another flood in January of the following year that necessitated a brief evacuation. Now, with over 50 elevated cabins designed to withstand major flood events, and comprehensive recovery efforts spanning returfing of grass campsites, a complete renovation of the onsite conference centre, and extensive repairs to park
facilities such as communal kitchens, pool, tennis court, bouncing pillow, and activity centre, the park has officially resumed operations.
for those within Vic Parks and independent standard residential land lease properties, including retirement and relocatable villages.
During the reopening ceremony, Discovery Parks Regional Operations Manager Sean Goggin expressed his enthusiasm for the park's revival and extended heartfelt gratitude to the community and suppliers. He remarked, "It's been a challenging 18 months for our team and the entire community. Tourism plays a crucial role in central Victoria's economy, driving us to reopen the park swiftly. Despite facing more floods in January, the incredible support from Murray Goulburn Water, the Strathbogie Shire Council, Go Nagambie, and numerous partners and suppliers has been instrumental in our recovery."
Among the dedicated park staff was Debra Cornwill-Whitford, who has been with the park since its acquisition. She has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the park, particularly during the intense recovery period of the past 18 months.
To commemorate this significant milestone, Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes organised a community open day, attracting over 500 visitors and guests. David Pratt, President of Vic Parks, attended the event, engaging with visitors about the park's future and providing valuable insights
The festivities began at 2 pm, offering visitors an afternoon filled with live music, delectable local food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, guided tours of the revamped park, and scenic river cruises aboard the Goulburn Explorer. Thanks to an exclusive $1 per night deal on all powered and unpowered sites throughout the property, the park was fully booked for the weekend. Sean Goggin expressed his excitement, stating, "We're thrilled to reopen and celebrate with our guests, partners, and the local community, who've been unwavering supporters throughout our recovery journey. Offering this special $1 per
night deal is our way of expressing gratitude, filling the park, and encouraging visitors to support local businesses, including shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants." Congratulations to everyone involved in paving the way for Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes' remarkable recovery.