New facilities at the Kimba Recreation Reserve will be a boon for travellers – encouraging overnight stays and helping to support the local economy. The National Radioactive Waste Management Facility Community Benefits Programme contributed $174,739 for the amenities.
We interviewed Brenton ‘Red’ O’Donohue, as one of Kimba’s most vocal supporters. If Red’s not tidying up the camping area he’ll be found driving the school bus or spruiking the benefits of the town to anyone within earshot.
Has there been an up-tick in people camping at the reserve?
Yeah! A huge amount!
Since the start of March we’re looking at 30-plus caravans a night. It’s unreal and when the new facilities are finished there will be more.
Who is the most interesting group/person you’ve come across?
I reckon they are all interesting in their own way.
There was Laurie and Andrew - a couple of cave divers. They had the most interesting job and I loved hearing about their experiences.
There was a couple - Jack and Annie - who had both survived cancer three times. Each!
And there was another couple who were only going to stay in Kimba for one night and ended up staying 28! They were from Majorca. He had a bone marrow transplant from his brother and these usually have a 15% success rate and he survived it.
They loved Kimba and “the town changed their life”. It was bloody great to hear.
What activities do you recommend to visitors?
Obviously the Silo Art…especially at night time. It’s a postcard. And also the Roora Walking trail up to the sculptures. But there are a few things I’d like to see:
- an organised fire pit at the Rec Reserve
- a stretch limo that I can drive around and pick people up in…a nice white one
- motorised scooters and electric bikes that people can use to go on the walking trail or to cruise around town
I’d also like to get the train from the museum up and running so I can do tours around the town.
What is the funniest/strangest thing that you’ve heard or has happened around the campsite?
They are really good people but a lot of them are old so they’re not always humorous! The funniest thing (and I see it all the time) is the wife going crook at the husband when trying to reverse the caravan and they’re yelling!
We’re thrilled the facilities will get good use and that Red is keeping a close eye out for the community.
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