The Mid North Coast regional group of Engineers Australia hit Gloucester for a family camping weekend and some engineering tours.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their adventure began at Drifta Camping and 4WD where ten members plus their families where entertained by John Sutton during a tour of the factory on Friday, March 9.
The engineers were interested in how Drifta utilised technology with the ply for the drawers cut out using a modern computer controlled router. This saves on waste and eliminates the safety hazards of other manual cutting machinery. The timber drawers use a nylon on nylon slider system which is maintenance free.
That night the group tested out their camping gear at the Gloucester Holiday Park.
Saturday morning (March 10) saw a couple of park-run enthusiasts enjoying the riverside fitness track and misty mountain views, with the others emerging at a more decent hour to enjoy the Gloucester Farmers Markets. They were entertained with live music by local musician Ty Soupidis and the free circus workshops put on by Circus Avalon who were visiting town ahead of its April shows. The market coffee was exceptional, and the bacon and egg on turkish bread with its secret chutney was to die for.
Up the mountains, the campers enjoyed a guided tour of the historic Mountain Maid Gold Mine in the Copeland Tops State Conservation Area.
The group took advantage of the National Parks and Wildlife Service guided tour of the heritage and gold mining precinct – the only way you can explore the restricted area without fear of disappearing down an abandoned mine shaft.
At the education centre there was the opportunity to try gold panning plus a film showing the mine in operation.
NPWS guide, Jen was able to share great stories and was happy to go at “engineering pace”, which can become very detailed when viewing old equipment.
Mid North Coast group of Engineers Australia spans from Taree to Nambucca Heads, with 240 odd engineers of various disciplines.
The group is happy to hear from anyone who wants to know more or who would like to join a tour.
Contact details are at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/About-Us/Divisions/Newcastle/Newcastle-Division-Mid-North-Coast, or Glenn Leman at lemo1972@gmail.com) or send a message on Facebook.