On the subject of failed privatisation (Snowy Hydro posting today), has anyone had any adverse experiences with the NSW Reflections Holiday Parks "Experience".
They have closed the office at the gates to Mookerawa waters park in central western NSW Monday to Thursday.
Some "young fellas" damaged the boom gates as they could not get in. That will continue to happen with busted boom gates that are NOW unattended, which in turn stymied myself and another fellow wishing to enter on a day the office and shop were shut. I can understand cutbacks in winter but in summer when Burrendong is booming with fish biting in one of the best inland water locations in country NSW (that is when the cotton water thieves don't run it down to 1 and 2% capacity in drought times).
One also questions how it can be a "resort" at "resort" prices when the dam is an empty mud hole?
They charge $30 to camp on rocks, mud and shale and $44 for a powered site nowhere near a waters edge?
I am going on the attack tonight after some facts gathering about the ridiculous cost cutting at Mookerawa and contacting my local member, a Nats representative. So, if anyone has any adverse experiences with Reflections, please reply on this thread.
A former politician, Wendy Machin (Nats) is the chairperson of the Reflections Board.
They have left themselves open to ridicule as they appear to be in breach of their own charter and also their 2030 Strategic Plan I just saved as a PDF document to pick to pieces later tonight.
The way I see it, they are in breach of their mission statement on two counts, profit reinvestment and for the community to enjoy :
Who we are
Operating as a social enterprise and profit for purpose business, Reflections manages 37 holiday parks and 43 community reserves on NSW Crown land. Any profit is reinvested in the more than 9,000 hectares of land that we manage on behalf of the people of New South Wales.
We are the only group of holiday parks that offer amazing day-visit destinations and maintain public recreation reserves for communities to enjoy. As many of our parks are off the beaten track in gorgeous rural settings or wild coastal areas, we understand the importance of sustainable regional communities and support local economies across NSW.
Like so many things in society now, we are all treated poorly with so many services that are all geared towards profit and not about being polite, or considerate of others. The metropolitan phone number for Reflections is a complete waste of time also, their staff have little or no idea of costs or conditions for annual passes etc. Like so many organisations one suspects they use call centre staff who have little interest or knowledge to attend to our needs or enquiries.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Thursday 2nd of November 2023 11:34:33 AM
Like everything these days, nothing works, buy two items for a dollar each, out comes the calculator.
Don't help with correct change, or you may sued for causing stress!
Too right with that.
I have given up offering correct change or a 20c top up to $19.20 with a $20 note etc.
One has learned not to "play tricks" with anyone of the younger cashiers.
A lot of them also say at the end of a transaction in a droll tone "have a nice day", when in fact they couldn't give a rats if you stepped outside and was hit by a Mack truck.
Did some more research on Reflections, they are top heavy with executive staff and board members get $5,000 per meeting and the chair receives $10,000 on a meeting by meeting basis. They also fund several Reconciliation projects but cannot provide some part time wages for one individual in a struggling economic village to have a job for 4 days a week.
Pretty much a sign of the times these days I think, the same happens with some of the larger run holiday parks and with Govt they fund their pet projects but couldn't give a rats about any grey nomads or travelling families.
Business only cares about the profits. Not the customer and most certainly about their staff.
They have found out that customer satisfaction does not matter. No wonder they have to put up signs about being "nice to staff"
It's pointless trying to get an answer because the staff don't have the training or the knowledge to answer you coherently (if they understand your question at all).
No wonder people are becoming more and more frustrated and getting upset and feel powerless.
Businesses are only interested in employing as few untrained staff as they can.
Soon we will have the same issues as they are having in the states. But all they will do is close their doors and operate only as an online business. Then they can operate however they like and reply to complaints with a form letter written by AI saying complaint denied. This is probably what they planned and they can do their virtue signaling as well. (i.e. What else could we do?
We had to close our doors to protect our poor staff from the abuse of our customers)
Oh for the days when business actually trained their staff and they were proud of the jobs they did.
Not wrong. On one of my rare forays to a pub these days (long term health issues being the factor). I went to the bar, cash in hand. Had to wait while the two bar staff had a (lengthy) conversation about something to do with a cool room. I waited, waited, waited, then when finally served at the thank you point of the deal - nothing. Then, ordered two meals, same thing, 3 behind the counter, two having a personal conversation waited, waited, waited, finally the 3rd one, a woman again, finished her "task" and served me. Again, you would think you were standing there in prison greens and had just escaped. The problem is, go anywhere else and one is probably likely to cop the same. The droll, mumbling ranger type at Reflections last week said to me "We advertised it a lot" (the office closure) and then "people will get used to it". Great, thanks, I feel much better now - not. Read this morning about the banks and Telstra putting workers off at the same time as pouring 7 million into virtue signalling for the recent vote. They were also on the wrong team. Talk to a Telstra technician on the job about their job orders list or satisfaction. If you do, get ready, because there is a spray coming. msg, it is a sign of the times, customer service went out the window within a lot of large corporations (and some small!!) a long time ago.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Thursday 2nd of November 2023 11:36:28 AM
-- Edited by Webmaster on Thursday 2nd of November 2023 11:37:36 AM
Thanks Radar. It appears that Reflections have dropped the ball in more than one way. Their website is also awful, doesn't work half the time. I also tried to submit a message giving them a spray on "Contact us" and that message format doesn't work either. Think this is a prime example of Govt privatisation gone wrong and also chronic when they put retired politicians in charge with very high remuneration levels. They are the wrong people to put in charge at all times.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Thursday 2nd of November 2023 11:38:19 AM
Also some pretty heavy negative comments for Reflections at Glenbawn dam on social media a mate tells me.
Appears as though Reflections have dropped the ball at a lot of locations.
Back to giving Reflections a spray. A mate traveled two hours to go fishing at Glenbawn dam last weekend. His $125 country Reflections Annual pass failed to work on the gates at Glenbawn so he could not get in. He was ropable, swinging mad, when stuck at the boom gate and no office or persons to assist. There is also a lot of negative feedback on social media re Reflections at Glenbawn. Seems as though they are not making it there as well as Mookerawa. I wonder if the chairperson that receives $10,000 per board meeting to mismanage all of these facilities even cares? They might care soon, I wrote a heavily worded complaint last night to Minister Penny Sharpe, Minister Tara Moriarty, the premiers office and to my local member, Nats, Dugald Saunders. It will be interesting what sort of response I will receive from each. If any. Also be interesting to see if anything is ever done about the Mookerawa debacle and the (summer) office hours ever restored. It is one thing to raise a valid issue in this day and an age, and another thing for anyone to actually care? We are all treated shabbily by large corporations, supermarkets, banks etc and former political bludgers in "the jobs for the boys" racket, or in the case of the Chairperson of Reflections - "girls". Some of what I wrote to each last night was :
I am writing to lodge a formal complaint for the disgraceful manner Reflections Holiday Parks are managing NSW state owned assets. I believe they are not meeting the expectations of visitors and are in breach of the very mission statements they claim on their website.
They maintain to offer amazing day-visit destinations and maintain public recreation reserves for communities to enjoy. A bit hard to back that up when visitors cannot gain park entry?
Also we understand the importance of sustainable regional communities and support local economies across NSW. A bit hard to back that statement up when they close the Mookerawa Office from Monday to Thursday is hardly supporting regional communities.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Thursday 2nd of November 2023 11:39:48 AM
A couple of weeks ago I was surprised when I couldn't even take a look at Lake Burrendong without paying the $15 entrance charge, given that the entrance gate is some kms from the lake. Someone I know distantly had reported on FB free camping there not long before my attempted visit, but I can only assume he meant an unpowered site, as I can't see there is any free camping at the lake. The reviews on Wikicamps were less than encouraging for camping, and I wanted to take a look for myself, as I'm not familiar with this region. I debated the paying $15 but decided against.
I'm not comfortable with all access to a public facility being privatised this way. In some sense it's no different to those NSW national parks with a day use charge, although at least you could drive in and take a look, and the money would be going into the parks system.
Is the camping at Mookerawa Waters really as bad as rmoor says?
A mate rang me last night and we are headed out to Mookerawa today when the wind dies down to chase some Yellabelly. There is camping at Mookerawa, the powered sites are tiered near the Sir Robert Askin plaque (he was born in the area) and are grassed but a very long way from the amenities block, which is very old and pretty basic. They are also a long way from the water with only steep shale ground access, a complete rip off for $44. There are a few grassed $30 unpowered sites around the place, the waters edge is OK, but dusty and rocky. One of my favourite spots is Stringybark spur (should have kept quiet about that!), but is tight to manoeuvre and dunno if my little Roadstar will get in there OK? Rocky too. Compared to sites I have been to recently, Tumut, Beechworth and Glenrowan, then Mookerawa and Burrendong are severely over priced in comparison in my opinion. It will be interesting to see if we can get in again today at Mookerawa as it is an unmanned office there today. We are both $125 bush annual passes so it will be interesting if the gates work this time. Yes, $15 for a drive around Burrendong is too rich, but so typical of Govt sponsored assets these days. Reflections is effectively a "non profit" organisation set up by the NSW state govt to manage such sites around the state.
Sorry you were disappointed with your visit, but get used to it, I have received a NIL response so far from the 4 emails to ministers etc and I think that is all I will get. Ticked the box also where is says "would you like a response".
-- Edited by Webmaster on Thursday 2nd of November 2023 11:40:50 AM
Access only to rural parks and dams, not coastal or near metropolitan.
Interesting visit yesterday, my gate pass worked well which was a relief.
Two yellabelly 41 cm and 36 and a decent sized reddie.
It is a shame Reflections have stuffed the joint up because it is just such a brilliant place to be on that large expanse of water in the old gold hills with the water like glass and the fish biting.
Had an interesting chat to the locals, they are livid. Seems there have been a lot of letters written and a residents meeting.
It is about $2,500 for a permanent site out at Mookerawa, there are some great units there spread all over the place. One would wonder how with those fees and visitor fees the place couldn't make a quid.
Particularly when it is $275 a night for the cabins overlooking the main water area?
Also now, lost shop sales, fishing tackle, supplies, ice creams, drinks, worms etc.
On the subject of worms, local bloke told us a delivery of worms arrived on Monday, 100 punnets, as the office was shut, they did find them until Friday!!!
All dead, at retail $15 per punnet that is a pretty big profit opportunity lost. A lot of flak over that one I believe.
They also put two local staff off, told them they were redundant, no jobs for them.
Now they have replaced them in those jobs - with backpackers.
Well done Reflections - great for the poor local economy.
I have got a reply from our local member Dugald Saunders, he has got in touch with the minister for lands and property, Stephen "Kamper", I guess his assistants are Rod Holder and Rod Bell???? Minister Tara Moriarty has passed the complaint onto the same minister.
We will see what comes of it.
Sacking the clowns on the board would be a good start, apparently the residents meeting was inline with what would have gone down at today's Qantas meeting
Also run by overpaid clowns.
I received a text from a mate tonight of an image of a Facebook post.
It reads :
"Reflections Holiday Parks - You have cars lined up at the gate trying to get in tonight?????? You got to sort this out. Not only tonight every day this has happened since these new changes have come into effect. What happened to the night code ?? You got to get this sorted out better than this. People want to enjoy Mookerawa".
I would say the Orange NSW crowd and others in for the weekend camping and site holders are all stuck at the gates in a long line.
Bet they are a little group of happy campers - not.
Reflections needs to hand all of these facilities over to private operators who take some pride in these facilities.
It works at Windemere Dam I believe with private operators with a 10 year lease and a 5 year option.
These taxpayer owned facilities have to be taken out of the hands of politicians and overpaid goons in offices in Sydney.
They are hopeless.
As a follow up to Reflections Holiday Parks, I received a response from our local member, Dugald Saunders who passed it on to the Hon Stephen Kamper, the respective minister in NSW, of whom has not as yet responded.
I also do not expect a response from him either, as he is a labor minister, and they have little to no interest in people from rural areas.
Did however finally receive a response form the Regional Manager - Inland Parks from Reflections. Albeit when I checked is locate in an urban seaside location - of course.
It was your usual condescending, spineless, couldn't care less sort of response you give because you have to give some sort of response. In essence it just said - bad luck.
I responded to his email and said his response was typically weak and inadequate. I then asked his permission to have his email reproduced in local print media and local media.
No response yet.
My closing observation to him was that locally - Reflections are about as popular as Optus.
All this may sound a bit harsh, but it pales in comparison to the disgraceful manner in which Reflections handle our state owned assets that are like everything else, city centric and the bush knows what it can do.
Geez I am gonna have some fun with this (below).
I know I am banging on about Reflections Holiday Parks but the more negative publicity one can drum up about Reflections, hopefully people will give their greedy parks a wide berth.
I ran into the editor of the local newspaper today and gave him the run down on the dastardly things Reflections have done at Mookerawa waters.
There was a big locked out line of campers, boats etc Friday week ago. No doubt a big contingent from Orange NSW lined up on Friday night for their weekend entry to the waters and the gates failed - again.
The yellabelly are on the bite at present there too and that news travels like wildfire.
Yet, the email I get from the Regional Manager says all is well, as they tend to do when in those non-caring, non customer focused managerial roles.
Mind you, it was THEY who sent me this personal invitation, so I am going to press the "apply here" button and put oneself forward for Reflections for some free rent.
I reckon yours truly would make a great Ambassador - hey, one can only tell the truth......
Hi Ron,
Are you a regular visitor to our parks, share our spirit of community, and want to be paid for going on great adventures?
We are looking for people who already love our parks to become a Reflections Ambassador, an exclusive group of guests who are invited to stay at our parks for free, champion the outdoors and create the conversations that inspire, encourage and motivate people to get outside and experience the wonder of our parks and NSW communities.
To be an Ambassador you will need to be able to share your experiences with others through either writing, photos, videos, art, audio recording, music, or some other great idea you might have (let us know if you have something creative!).
In return our Ambassadors will:
Be the first to stay in new accommodation (for free)
Get paid for their stories, photos, videos, art, music etc.
Help us decide what cool things we should do next
Get free holidays with Reflections
Does this sound like you? If so, apply by clicking the 'Apply Here!' button below.
Iluka, probably never again, had been trice before name change and enjoyed.
Mylestom, good experience, looking forward to going back.
Hawks Nest, never again, lovely area but the Caravan Park is very questionable at very high prices, untidy.
I reflect, very poor.
Radar, That is why we love bush camping.
Not a lot of caravan parks with the water view that bush camping offers, like alongside a river or the edge of a lake. Some are million $$$ views.
OK, there is a cost factor to get set up, but most parks we have had to visit, lack what used to be first-class customer service. Is it us the customer or are we asking for too much?
Of course, with van parks, there is the fact of encroaching on one's personal space. IE:- packed in like peaches in a can.
Iluka, probably never again, had been trice before name change and enjoyed.
Mylestom, good experience, looking forward to going back.
Hawks Nest, never again, lovely area but the Caravan Park is very questionable at very high prices, untidy.
I reflect, very poor.
Radar, That is why we love bush camping.
Not a lot of caravan parks with the water view that bush camping offers, like alongside a river or the edge of a lake. Some are million $$$ views.
OK, there is a cost factor to get set up, but most parks we have had to visit, lack what used to be first-class customer service. Is it us the customer or are we asking for too much?
Of course, with van parks, there is the fact of encroaching on one's personal space. IE:- packed in like peaches in a can.
Jay&Dee
Your points are more than valid.
I have a friend who prefers van parks, I prefer the rivers, lakes option and will do so when traveling on my own.
NOT WRONG about customer service, the flogging I have copped the last two days from Telstra and my Bank - Which Bank (CBA) have been nothing short of horrific.
Lost hours in the last two days dealing with those Telstra b^%$&^s.
It is like we, the customer, simply do not matter anymore?
Dropped into the bank today to put a yellow envelope cheque deposit in the cheque box and they have done away with it. The usual weak excuse from the poor teller, underpaid, over-worked and at the coal face to cop it from we (many) disgruntled customers. This from a bank that now closes at 1 p.m. every day. Be closed soon and we will be another town with no bank. NAB closed 2 months ago. I have accounts with both. Don't like to line up with the unwashed, have immunity issues.
The same with the Regional Manager of Reflections, he has dumped me, too many home truths keep appearing under his nose.
No response from the labor minister Kamper either, he ain't aptly named.......
I can easily give them all a new mantle...........
Iluka, probably never again, had been trice before name change and enjoyed.
Mylestom, good experience, looking forward to going back.
Hawks Nest, never again, lovely area but the Caravan Park is very questionable at very high prices, untidy.
I reflect, very poor.
Radar, That is why we love bush camping.
Not a lot of caravan parks with the water view that bush camping offers, like alongside a river or the edge of a lake. Some are million $$$ views.
OK, there is a cost factor to get set up, but most parks we have had to visit, lack what used to be first-class customer service. Is it us the customer or are we asking for too much?
Of course, with van parks, there is the fact of encroaching on one's personal space. IE:- packed in like peaches in a can.
Jay&Dee
JayDee hi.
We mostly camp and travel the other side of the Great Device but occasionally head out of Brisbane to catch up with family around Newcastle, on these trips we like to take time out at beach areas when we have used Reflections Caravan Parks.
The only a couple will see us again. Stuart Point and Mylestom were very good to deal with.
