Time to Roam Magazine Issue 12 - December/January 2015 | Page 6

| upfront welcome Editor’s desk Regular readers may have already spotted something very different about this issue. For the first time we have a human being on our cover. We caught up with Jimmy Barnes recently -just days after he was released from hospital after spending some time being treated for a fairly debilitating back problem. While clearly still in some pain, “Barnsey” could not have been more generous with his time as he talked about his love of roaming Australia and showed off his two slick caravans. He was a true gentleman and we are honoured to have him as our first human cover model. He’s been one of Australia’s most successful musicians and it ‘s obvious that success has come from hard work, talent and a good dose of being genuinely courteous to others. As we come to the end of another year and get set for 2015, I’d like to thank our readers and advertisers for their support. The year ends on a positive note with Caravan Industry Association figures showing a healthy rise in registrations for new caravans and RVs in 2014. Association chief executive Stuart Lamont is absolutely right in suggesting our caravan, motorhome and camper builders offer a “beacon of hope” they can help replace some of the jobs lost by the shutdown of car manufacturing. This is an idea we have championed for some time. Nevertheless, Victoria Caravan Trades President Peter May has a had a bit of a go at us (see Letters page 14) for a story in our last issue suggesting renewed focus on Australia by importers would lead to lower prices and improved product. Our feature this issue (p32) on the luxury Five Star 5th Wheeler, manufactured mostly in China, but finished off in Lismore NSW, shows how rapidly the industry is evolving. Successful Australian manufacturers are increasingly part of a global supply chain, sourcing components from wherever they can most efficiently. Buying “Australian Made” is no longer a black or white choice. It’s a bit like buying a food product where the label on the back says, “made in Australia from local and imported ingredients”. Contrary to Mr May’s claims, we’d like to think we are doing a reasonable job at keeping you informed on subjects like this as well as many other issues not covered in other media. As always, we welcome feedback from all. From all of us here at Roam, thanks again for your support and best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season. Rod Bruem [email protected] Time to Roam Australia welcomes letters, photos and contributions from our readers on just about any subject that relates to caravanning and camping. [email protected] Subscribe: Subscription form on page 66 or via our website www.timetoroam.com.au or by phone [phone]. Time to Roam is published bi-monthly and distributed by Time to Roam Australia Pty Ltd PO Box