Located near the administration office building, the sign was organised by the Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts (KVE) committee and funded by a Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) grant.
“The KVE committee applied for a grant to have a sign permanently erected at Ball Park Caravan Park,” KVE secretary Jan Thompson-Creamer said.
“The CHART program was a $3 million Australian Government program supporting community cultural, heritage and arts organisations in regional Australia as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“As a not-for-profit incorporated community organisation, we met the criteria for funding. Thanks to Corowa Signs and the Federation Council for their support.
“We also purchased a Square Register so participants can make contactless payments while at the event. This was thanks to surplus money from the grant as the sign’s cost was less than expected.”
Meanwhile, Jan said the committee are busily preparing for the 43rd Annual Swim-in and Military Vehicle Gathering next year from Monday, March 13 to Sunday, March 19.
“Our theme next year is Year of the Heavy Metal and Military Kit,” she said.
“To elaborate on the meaning of this theme, it is really an open book, anything considered heavier than a 3 tonner Blitz (or similar) and of any description, armour or soft skin, wheeled or tracked so long as it is an ex-military vehicle.
“The ‘Military Kit’ theme was added on after a participant made a suggestion along those lines. At a static show, participants would be able to set a display up where they are camped, such as a collection of militaria, replica camp, Forward Observation Post, First Aid Post and so on.
“This may not be practical for those not camped at Ball Park and also restricted space of campsite. However, what can be done is to dress vehicles in authentic kit as it might have been in service and maybe crews in applicable uniform for the vehicle and period.”
Jan said the much-loved parade would also return.
“We look forward to having a parade on Saturday, March 18 which will go down Sanger St and out to the showgrounds as we have done in past years,” she said.
“We will be looking for grants to assist us financially to hold a parade and provide promotional mementoes for our participants.
“If there are any businesses who would like to come on board, we would be grateful of their support. In the past we have had hats printed and they have had the Federation Council logo on the back as we have received support from the council.”
Any organisation or individual wishing to contribute, support or assist with the 83rd Annual Swim-in and Military Vehicle Gathering in 2023 can contact Jan Thompson on 0412 078096 or email jan.thompson1@optusnet.com.au.
The KVE committee has also just released their latest newsletter which covers the 42nd event in 2022. Visit corowaswim-in.org.
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