This Is What Supporting Local Looks Like

When Nat and Kim Jaques-Sinclair took over Crystal Creek Caravan Park in February 2024, they weren’t chasing a business opportunity – they were chasing a different way of life.

After years working in the police force, about 45 minutes south of Crystal Creek, the couple were ready for a change. Something hands-on. Something outdoors. Something that gave back as much as it demanded.

The caravanning industry, it turned out, offered exactly that.

After two months searching for the right property, a family member pointed them towards Crystal Creek. One visit was all it took.

“It was exactly what we were looking for,” they say.

With no prior experience in the industry, they stepped into ownership and began shaping the park into something more than just a place to stay.

Building a Sanctuary

From the outset, their vision was clear: create a space that felt like a sanctuary – not just for themselves, but for every guest who passed through.

Hidden away and naturally peaceful, Crystal Creek already had the bones. Nat and Kim brought it to life.

They introduced thoughtful upgrades – a bar area, basketball courts, swing sets, and push bikes for guests to explore the surrounds. But more importantly, they built something less tangible: a sense of community.

“It’s calm, relaxing… just a beautiful place to be.”

That feeling has resonated. The park now sees a steady stream of returning guests, along with a growing community of travelling nomads who come back time and time again.

When the Floods Hit

In February 2025, that sense of community was put to the test.

Flooding swept through Crystal Creek and surrounding areas, cutting power across the region for ten days. Critical infrastructure was impacted, including the local petrol station – an essential service for accessing water and supporting the town’s operations.

Without fuel, the consequences would have been severe. Up to 700 people faced potential evacuation.

For Nat and Kim, this wasn’t a moment to step back.

Drawing on their backgrounds in policing and disaster response, they stepped in.

They worked with authorities to arrange generators for the petrol station, restoring a critical lifeline for the town. They coordinated alternative fuel deliveries via nearby rail, ensuring supply could continue despite the conditions.

At the same time, they turned their attention to the people around them, their guests, their neighbours, their community, knowing just how heavily everyone relied on power, stability, and access to essentials.

It wasn’t part of the job description. But it was instinct.

A Park Built for the Future

That experience reshaped their vision.

Frequent power outages had already been a challenge in Crystal Creek, but the floods highlighted just how vulnerable the community could be. Nat and Kim knew they wanted to be part of the solution.

When a friend flagged a council grant opportunity, they applied with a clear purpose: to future-proof the park – not just for themselves, but for everyone who might need it.

They were awarded $250,000.

The funding will transform Crystal Creek Caravan Park into a fully off-grid facility, powered by solar energy with battery storage to ensure consistent access to electricity and water, even during emergencies.

Construction is set to begin in May.

Once complete, the park will be able to operate independently of the grid – providing a reliable, safe space in times of crisis.

“We’ll always have power for the people who really need it.”

There are even plans to designate a large open area at the back of the park as a helicopter landing zone, allowing emergency services to deliver supplies and support if disaster strikes again.

At the Heart of the Community

Since the floods, Nat and Kim’s connection with the community has only deepened.

The park now stocks essentials like bread, milk, and homemade pies – small things that make a big difference when access is limited. Locals know they can rely on the park when it matters most.

They sponsor the Crystal Creek Community Hall, supporting volunteers with much-needed resources. The local school uses the park’s pool for free swimming lessons. And regular events – live music, food trucks, and campfire nights – bring both visitors and locals together.

It’s not just a business. It’s a gathering place.

And that’s exactly what they set out to create.

More Than a Destination

Crystal Creek Caravan Park may have started as a lifestyle change, but it has become something far greater.

It’s a place where travellers return, where locals connect, and where, when things got tough, two people stepped up without hesitation.

Not for recognition. Not for reward.

Just because their community needed them.