Cleve Showgrounds RV Park won the silver best community stay award at the national 2023 Grey Nomad awards announced in March.
Cleve Show Society president Lyndon Crosby said the most pleasing aspect of the awards was the finalists were decided by the mature age visitors who stayed there.
“We are very happy – a lot of that is from the representations from the people that use our park,” he said.
“Particularly because of the comments that come through from the people that come through our town and stay there.
“We still get a lot of comments from people we speak to when visiting.”
The Cleve RV Park was upgraded by Cleve District Council with an Australian Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program grant in October 2021.
The council then built a camp kitchen, upgraded amenities, tree planting, and traffic and parking surfaces.
The larger block of toilets closest to the show pavilions are in the process of being upgraded as part of that now.
The show society retains the income from the RV Park and meets running costs.
Award finalists in each category were judged by tourism leaders from across the country who offered valuable insights and detailed feedback to each entrant, ensuring nominees had practical tips to improve their tourism offering to future benefit their business, community and visitors.
They described Cleve Showgrounds RV Park as “nestled in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula, this RV Park is managed by the community-driven Cleve AH&F Show Society”.
Judges said it was “a haven for travellers seeking the perfect blend of community, comfort, and natural beauty”.
“Conveniently located along Cleve’s main street, travellers are encouraged to explore the historic town and surrounding areas at their own pace.”
Berri Riverside Holiday Park won the gold best community stay award at the national Grey Nomad final, while Mikkira Station Koala Sanctuary, south of Port Lincoln, won the bronze award under the freedom stay category.
