General News
16 September, 2025
Local business awarded
Maryborough’s Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park has been recognised for their green efforts, taking home another award late last month.
The Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria (CRPVic) Awards night recognised excellence in Victoria’s tourist and residential parks alongside the businesses that support them.
Among that exclusive list were Maryborough’s own Dirk and Terri Arnold, owners of Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park, who won the Elizabeth White Green Park Award for their environmental focus.
They previously won this state-level award in 2023 but have only continued their environmental focus in the years since.
CRPVic CEO Scott Parker said the couple’s sustainable upgrades spoke for themselves.
“This award recognises a caravan park that has made a significant contribution to positive environmental practices and Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park have truly set the standard,” he said.
Since taking over the park in 2020 the couple have added over 230 solar panels across three solar systems, solar batteries, heat pump hot water services, reverse cycle split systems, and many more upgrades with others planned.
Ms Arnold said the awards night was the “mind blowing” culmination of a years work.
“To get the accolades for achieving all that makes you so proud,” she said.
It’s a sentiment Mr Arnold echoed, appreciating the recognition from his peers in the industry.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said.
Although the upgrades cost tens of thousands of dollars, supported through government rebates, the couple said it’s been worth it.
According to Mr Arnold, the upgrades save them 50 percent on their energy bill in the winter and up to 75 percent in the summer.
“It’s all trying to streamline everything to make it more affordable and energy efficient,” he said.
It’s an outcome Ms Arnold hopes the community will be inspired by.
“The more people advertise what they do, get awarded for what they do, and know they can save money by spending money, then they are going to reach for those goals as well,” she said.
The pair invite locals to follow in their footsteps, through upgrades or changes in their behaviour, and welcome any questions people may have.