Reflections generates $126M in economic benefit to regional NSW: FY24 Year In Review

Holidays generated $126 million in economic benefit to regional New South Wales in FY2024 across the 40 holiday parks, camp grounds and unique accommodation it manages on Crown land in NSW.

Reflections Holidays is a Crown Land manager which is singular in its industry because it reinvests profit back into the parks and 45 community reserves in its care. The largest holiday group in NSW, it is also the only one in Australia that is a certified social enterprise.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper congratulated the group on its 2024 annual results and its contributions to regional tourism and management of Crown reserves.

“Over 2.1 million guests enjoyed Reflections Holidays parks in the past year, including pristine coastal parks stretching from Eden in the south to Brunswick Heads in the North, and scenic inland parks at locations such as Keepit and Copeton dams,” Mr Kamper said.

“Reflections Holidays is appointed by the NSW Government to sustainably manage holiday parks on Crown land across our state to support regional economies and jobs while providing wonderful places for affordable, nature-based holidays.”

Key highlights of Reflections’ Year In Review 2024 released today include:

• Reflections welcomed 2.1 million guests to its parks in FY2024, including guests staying overnight and visiting daytrippers
• It added 41 new roofed accommodation products across its portfolio, an increase of 6% on FY23
• Reflections generated $126M in economic benefit to regional NSW and contributed $6M to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to support community assets
• It partnered with national sporting organisations such as Newcastle Knights and iconic surfing organisation Surfest and launched the inaugural Reflections Cadet Cup to nurture surfing talent in NSW
• It partnered with Landcare Australia to help protect community nature reserves on Crown land
• Reflections and OzFish, the nation’s only fishing charity, formed a partnership and launched the inaugural Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series at three inland Reflections holiday parks, with a focus on educating anglers to better protect our waterways

Reflections CEO Nick Baker said FY24 had been a rewarding year as the organisation undertook a major rebrand which focuses on “reimagining camping” by bringing experiences and events to its holiday parks and showcases its belief that life’s better outside.

“Reflections considers it a privilege to manage our holiday parks and more than 25,000 acres of community reserve and we also feel its our responsibility to remind our guests, and visitors, that connecting with nature is really important to our wellbeing, as individuals and as a collective community,” Mr Baker said.

“We operate on 12 First Nations and many of our parks are the social hub of their community, acting as a post office and general store and meeting point. Our staff are passionate about what they do and offering the best experience to our guests, and also care deeply about those in their community. In fact, this year, they collectively raised more than $70,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and supported many other community organisations.”

Mr Baker said Reflections parks had worked hard to lessen their environmental footprint, including rolling out solar panels and installing smart metres to monitor and reduce water use. Operating with a quadruple bottom line which measures its success on social, environmental, cultural and financial outcomes, Reflections had also sought to partner with like-minded social enterprises, including Northern Rivers-based Beacon Laundry, which exists to create jobs and career pathways for those locked out of employment opportunities.

With many travellers seeking economical accommodation closer to home as cost-of-living pressures continue to squeeze household budgets, Mr Baker said Reflections was committed to offering holiday options to suit all budgets.

“We pride ourselves on having a full suite of accommodation for travellers, whether they are staying with kids, dogs, friends or on their own. Reflections has unpowered and powered camp sites and budget accommodation for families, but if you’re looking to treat yourself you’ll find chic tiny homes, glamping tents and premium cabins in all of our parks.”

Read the full Reflections FY24 report here.