This year commemorates the 60th anniversary of the first Australian lightweight fibreglass caravan.
And, it was all done in Forster.
The Sunliner caravan was designed by backyard inventor, one-time car dealer and passionate community worker, Bert Tickner.
After operating a Volkswagen dealership in Taree, Mr Tickner began selling fibreglass swimming pools in the late 1950s and dabbling in minor inventions.
His ambition was to develop a fibreglass caravan which was so light it was capable of towing the VW Beetle he once sold.
Mr Tickner designed three models ranging from the 13 foot Victory which sold for 695 pounds through to the 16 foot Sunliner Super selling for 1095 pounds.
At one stage Sunliner was Forster’s biggest employee.
Sadly for the community and Bert Tickner, the factory was forced to close due to rising costs and greater competition.
Mr Tickner, who retired to Forster from the Southern Tablelands in the 1940s, was passionate about his adopted town.
He was part of a group who developed the Forster golf course, taught youngsters to swim – despite being unable to swim himself.
Late next month a group of Sunliner enthusiasts will be holding a celebration ‘show and tell’ at John Wright Park, Tuncurry.
Co-organiser, Kim Bayne is keen to have as many of the once popular recreational vehicle on display.
The display of vintage Sunliners will be held on September 2 from 9.30am-12.30pm, while a barbecue will be held on Saturday night, Septemer 1.
Enthusiasts are also invited to join the group, who will be staying in the Great Lakes from August 31-September 2.
Get in touch with Kim on 0468 990 427 or email kimbayne@bigpond.com for more details.
