Council’s Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park recently won Best South Coast Holiday Park at the Caravan and Camping Industry Awards.

Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park received the prestigious Award of Excellence for the 3.5 to 4 star (more than 100 sites) category at the industry’s gala dinner at the Hunter Valley’s Crowne Plaza.

Council’s Holiday Park co-ordinator, Marianne Hazell, said the award was the ultimate industry recognition that a holiday park can receive.

“The award is also fantastic recognition for our relatively new park managers, Gordon and Leesa Tolman, who took over management of the park last November,’’ she said. 

“They are both very keen and have come in with a fresh set of eyes, and plenty of great new ideas.”

Mrs Hazell said the parks were part of an aim to promote the entire municipality.

She said this included co-ordinating packages with other businesses, restaurants and attraction providers. 

‘‘It’s promoting the region, not just bringing people into our parks,’’ she said.

‘‘We want to bring people down for a holiday, not just a transit stop. 

‘‘We have some fantastic attractions, some great restaurants, we have this beautiful area.

‘‘We know we need to continue to make improvements to our parks, but this is great recognition for the work we have put into this park, and also the work of management.’’

Mr Tolman said they were  ‘‘excited, flattered, and humbled’’ by the award.

“When we took over the park almost 12 months ago, we did so with not much experience and we had big shoes to fill.

“We are really proud of the excellent staff we have here. 

‘‘The award is a credit to each staff member, and also to everyone who has pitched in and helped us along the way.”

“It’s been a whirlwind of a year.’’

Mrs Hazell said the park’s wide range of accommodation options has always been its unique selling point.

“It has everything from unpowered, powered and ensuited caravan and camping sites, through to surf shacks, safari tents, family cabins, and honeymoon and deluxe spa cabins.

“It also has great facilities and services—a kangaroo jumper, two resort style pools, a friendship farm, community gardens, peddle carts, on-site kiosk, and of course—the beach and river.”