That acknowledgement has vindicated the effort and delighted the staff at the park.

The holiday park at Urunga Heads won the top award for excellence at the Caravan and Camping Industry Association & Manufactured Housing Industry Association’s ‘Annual Awards of Excellence’ in the Hunter Valley last week.

Their win came in the category of Best Holiday Park North Coast (100 sites or less) in a night that celebrated the best of the best in the caravan and camping industry across the State.

NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust CEO Steve Edmonds said the relationship of the trust with the local council and chamber of commerce has been a great success at Urunga and one that the trust continues to roll out in local communities.

“This award also demonstrates the ongoing commitment that the park’s managers, Shane and Debbie Dunlop and their team at Urunga Heads have towards providing the best possible experience for guests,” Mr Edmonds said.

“The team at Urunga Heads always go the extra mile to ensure park guests are taken care of so it’s no surprise that they have received this top industry accolade.

“The caravan and camping holiday is part of the Australian way of life and the team at Urunga Heads is to be congratulated for providing a first class holiday destination that families can enjoy for many years to come.”

The Urunga Heads park was also a finalist in the 2012 Corporate Trust Managers Award and received a Silver Gumnut Award in recognition of their commitment to sustainable business practices.

The Gumnut Awards is a progressive rating scheme for parks, which recognise demonstrated commitment to sustainable environmental and socially responsible management.

The Urunga Heads park was also nominated for the 2012 Awards of Excellence in the Best 3.5-4 Star North Coast Park.

Bellingen Shire mayor Mark Troy was chuffed by the park’s success.

“This is a fantastic achievement and serves to highlight just how fortunate we are to have a tourist operation of such a high standard right here in the Bellingen Shire.”

Park manager Shane said he was happy to receive the award as his wife Debbie and his staff have a lot of pride in the facility and consistently work hard to keep the amenity at its best.

“Our guests are always our priority,” Shane said.

“We have also been working in conjunction with the Urunga Chamber of Commerce to reinvigorate the foreshore reserve, removing an aged playground and opening the area up for public use which is enjoyed by hundreds of people on a weekly basis.

“New barbecue facilities, a brand new playground and exercise equipment for park guests and the public to enjoy have all been installed which are wildly popular.”

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce president Steve Allan said this award was recognition for the fantastic team behind Shane and Debbie.

“Chamber has worked closely with Urunga Heads to build on the beautiful, natural assets of the twin river estuary,” Steve said. “As the park is situated between the town centre and the famous Urunga Boardwalk, it really is our ‘City to Surf’ connection and I’m delighted to see this award for excellence being presented to such a prominent Urunga facility.

“The Urunga Heads Park is a true destination which attracts many return visitors; my

congratulations to the entire team!”

* North Coast Holiday Parks Urunga Heads has 21 cabins and 96 short-term caravan and camping sites. It is located in the heart of Urunga village, on the edge of the Urunga lagoon.