Rules

There are some general rules we need everyone to follow while using our property. This is for the general comfort of all our guests.

Number 1 Rule – Clean up after yourself

We do not have caretakers to clean up after campers. Please be considerate of Nicole and Grant (they still work full time).

DO NOT BUILD CAMPFIRES WITH CREEK ROCKS
TAKE ALL RUBBISH WITH YOU
DO NOT LEAVE GENERAL WASTE IN BINS

PLEASE DONATE
Banks Creek Retreat DOES NOT charge for camping but we need donations to keep making improvements to the facilities and to maintain what we have. If you can’t help out around the place with physical labour… please consider helping us out with a donation.

Your camping group

This is a private facility for Emergency Service and ADF families. You are not allowed to camp here if you do not belong to one of these groups:

Police, Fire, Ambulance, Paramedic, Corrections, Army, Navy, Airforce, SES or affiliated service groups.

  • You MUST have an Emergency Service or ADF member in your group (Current or retired). They are responsible for the behaviour of the group. We will ask you details of your service to make sure you are not just a general member of the public.
  • We encourage our members to bring ONLY family and/or close friends.
  • Dogs are allowed. They must be on a leash or tethered at ALL times.
  • Please report any group who is not service related or guests of the property owners.

Interacting with others

  • Leave political views and prejudices at home. All are welcome here. Some of us are damaged and come with our own prejudices and experiences… BUT… We will not tolerate any form of harassment based on race, sex, religion, sexual preference, political belief or philosophical belief. Everyone is EQUAL at Banks Creek Retreat. If you make another persons stay here uncomfortable, we will ask you to leave and not return. There is one exception to the above… We do encourage friendly banter between the services…  because we know that YOU belong to the best service… and all other services are inferior…
  • Please be considerate of each other. We want this place to feel safe and welcoming to all of you. A community becomes strong if we remember this.
  • There is no rank at Banks Creek Retreat. This is a place where people meet people. Leave work politics at work.
  • What happens at Banks Creek Retreat… stays at Banks Creek Retreat. Respect everyone’s privacy and do not discuss our conversations once you leave.
  • Banks Creek Retreat is a safe and supportive community. We may not always agree with each other, but remember we have all served and deserve respect.
  • Do not photograph other guests or share photos of others on social media without their permission. Feel free to post photos of yourself and share them on our Facebook site. We like to see people enjoying themselves on our property.
  • Do not disclose personal details of others. We often hear and share personal stories at Banks Creek Retreat. People need to feel safe that it is OK to do that here. We will never disclose personal details of our members and expect everyone to do the same. Some people come here to get away from the public eye… To rest… relax… and recover.

General camping rules

  • Leave your campsite in a better condition when you leave. All work on the property is conducted by volunteers… and my wife and I… Feel free to clean up the area around your campsite.
    • Pick up any large rocks and place them by trees – it helps us with the mowing. Large rocks = broken mower
    • Do a stick pick up and remove dead branches to start your fire before using any cut up firewood.
    • Pull out weeds and dead vines…  remove Lantana and burn it…
    • There will always be jobs around the property that can be done, talk to us or one of the regulars and we’ll let you know how you can help.
  • Please take out, what you bring in. There are no rubbish facilities out here, so please do not litter. Ensure you clean up your campsite before leaving.
  • DO NOT leave general waste in any of our bins. The wheelie bins are provided to collect recyclables. Only recyclable bottles and cans should be placed in our bins. Please use the can crushers in the shipping containers before placing in bins as our recycle point takes crushed cans… this saves on space.. We do not have council rubbish removal which means we have to personally take all rubbish to the local refuse.
  • Ensure all fires are contained and monitored carefully. ONLY use the fire bins provided. DO NOT leave fires burning unattended. DO NOT create fire pits with creek rocks.
  • Keep your furry friends close to your campsite. Don’t let them wander into other campsites unexpectedly. ALL dogs must remain on a leash or tethered AT ALL TIMES.
  • Respect the environment and do not harm the wildlife. This is another reason all dogs must be kept on a leash or tethered.
  • Keep music at a reasonable level. Use common sense based upon the number of campers on site.
  • Dirt bikes are not allowed
  • Firearms are not allowed