OFFGRID DOWNUNDER MDC Offroad Caravans and Camper Trailers

“It comes from the heart. It’s just one of those things where we try and build relationships with people and help them on their way. And it's hard to do if you don't have any love or care for your product. And that's just the thing, all our staff genuinely love what they do.

I really enjoy talking to our customers and getting to know them and helping them on their journey with what they want."

Wayne Chevis, Newcastle Branch Manager and Assistant National Sales Manager for MDC Camper Trailers and Offroad Caravans.

Welcome to the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER podcast and video series. We are really excited to be chatting with Wayne Chevis. And I know you’re not supposed to have favourites… but Wayne is definitely a very popular and well-loved character at MDC!

Wayne didn’t have your typical Aussie upbringing, he grew up in Kakadu National Park, and shares how his childhood experiences shaped his adventurous spirit and career path into the camping industry. He ‘ran away’ at 18 and worked as a chef in the Navy, and unfolds how he eventually found himself at MDC, where he has risen to a significant role in the company over the past four years.

The conversation highlights Wayne's passion for the caravan industry and the importance of the customer experience at MDC. He emphasises the strong sense of family within the company and the commitment to quality and customer satisfaction – and the strong character traits that he learned in the military, which he has carried with him in his adult life. The podcast also touches on Wayne's experiences travelling around Australia three times, including his favourite memorable camping locations including the Kimberley, and El Questro on the Gibb River Road.
Wayne discusses his personal connection to the MDC brand, team, his involvement in product development and sales team management, and even reveals his tattoo symbolizing his dedication and passion to the brand! If you’ve ever met Wayne at his Newcastle showroom or at one of our shows around the country, you will be struck by his maturity, passion for the industry, and love for helping people to get out there in the right MDC caravan or camper trailer, and to really enjoy this country and embrace the same sense of adventure.

We really hope you enjoy this episode and ask that if you did, please like, share and comment below to help more people see our content and to meet characters as fun and as engaging as Wayne!

See you out there on the tracks somewhere.

Melissa J Scott
 MDC Community Manager
 www.marketdirect.com.au
Many thanks to:
Wayne Chevis, Newcastle Branch Manager and Assistant National Sales Manager for MDC Camper Trailers and Offroad Caravans
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_camper_trailers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjoehlkYGZ2VqW7vLfMujg
#caravan #camping #caravanandcamping #MDC #MDCUSA #4WD #travelaustralia #caravanningaustralia #caravanlife #offroad #australia #offgriddownunder #mdcowners #waynechevis 
Link to our website page: https://www.marketdirect.com.au/mdc-podcast-ep05/

From a corporate career in insurance, to a real life struggle with mental health and his teen age son’s life-threatening medical diagnosis, to ultra-marathon running, raising over $1M for Type 1 Diabetes, and then becoming one of Australia’s biggest and most successful music promoters with the world-famous Birdsville Big Red Bash… Greg Donovan would have to be one of the most interesting and yet humble people I’ve ever met!
Greg is the founder, creator and ‘Head Honcho’ of The Big Red Bash, originating in 2013 with John Williamson singing and playing on top of the Big Red sand dune, as a side gig to their ultra-marathon fund raising event, the Big Red Run. It’s such an honour to have Greg as our guest this week on the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER show, where he shares a lot of the little known behind-the-scenes stories, and gives some insight into what drove him to create the music festival. 
Famously known as the world’s remotest music festival on the planet, the Big Red Bash at Birdsville, and it’s counterpart, Mundi Mundi Bash held out of Broken Hill, sees thousands of people from around Australia, and the world, head into the desert every year for these iconic events. 
What you might not know is that the Big Red Bash is entirely funded by Greg and his wife Raylene, and it ran at a significant loss in its first year. Greg never intended to be a music promoter. He was an ultra-marathon runner and more interested in his Big Red Run Simpson Desert 250km event, but when he saw that people were showing more interest in the music event that went alongside it, he and Raylene personally backed the concert in 2014, that attracted 1,000 peopleand ran at a significant loss. (They budgeted for 1,500 attendees to break even.)
To make matters even worse, Greg returned to his day job in Sydney (which he’d held for 20 years in insurance) and was made redundant! Fortunately he was given a golden hand shake $300K redundancy pay, but instead of paying himself back for the loss they’d incurred, he invested it all into getting Jimmy Barnes and other major music acts to attend the 2015 Bash, to attract a bigger audience, and the 2015 Big Red Bash operated with a modest profit that saw 3,000 people heading out to the Simpson Desert! (Which I’m proud to say I was one of them!)
Fast forward to today, some ten years later, and the Big Red Bash has evolved into the world's most remote music festival, drawing over 11,000 visitors to the red centre in 2023. It's a celebration of Australian music, culture, and the great outdoors, where campers from all walks of life come together for an unforgettable experience under the desert stars. 
So, whether you're rolling up in your MDC camper or caravan or pitching a tent under the desert sky, the Big Red Bash promises an adventure like no other. I’m really excited about this interview with Greg Donovan, he is such a visionary and inspiration to all who hear his story. I’d love you to discover why it's become a highlight on the calendar for so many MDC campers and adventurers alike.
Personally, this one will be my fourth Big Red Bash, and I’ve been to Mundi Mundi once. If it’s something you enjoy the first time, it’s something that you never tire of.
Tune in to our episode and enjoy. Greg’s story is just incredible. And if you’d like to join us in the MDC Paddock, get in touch and we can forward you the link. Until next time, happy trails and keep exploring this amazing country!
Melissa J Scott
 MDC Community Manager
 www.marketdirect.com.au
 
Many thanks to:
Greg Donovan, Birdsville Big Red Bash
Website: https://bigredbash.com.auContact: https://bigredbash.com.au/contact-us/
Link to our website page:
https://www.marketdirect.com.au/mdc-podcast-ep04/

OFFGRID DOWNUNDER – Vaughan Hindley, Owner and Found of MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers
“How it All Began”
We are so excited for this next guest on the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER podcast.  We are uncovering a small part of the Vaughan Hindley story - the mastermind, owner and founder behind MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers. Vaughan isn't one to seek the spotlight; he's all about the business and making things happen. But let me assure you, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in the caravan industry is quite an interesting tale and all that you think you might know about him… might be turned on its head once you watch this! 
Originally from Brisbane, Vaughan didn't have a privileged start to life. He and his wife Melinda were working hard as croupiers at the Brisbane casino, while running a sideline online business that soon took over their life. He explains “we started with $5,000 in 2005. And in 2023 we turned over north of 100 million a year, but we don't take money out of the business. Everything that we earn goes back in so we can grow it.”
What started as selling camping kettles and solar lights via eBay to remote areas, grew into ATV’s, go-karts, and minibikes, and grew into camper trailers and now one of the highest performing offroad caravan and camper trailer manufacturing companies in Australia. It has never just been about selling trailers and caravans; it is about catering to the adventure seekers and everyday family people and providing them with quality products that allow them to confidently travel and make lasting memories. And Vaughan, an avid camper and fisherman himself, is the driving force behind it all.
In this podcast episode, Vaughan shares the ups and downs of his journey. He's refreshingly honest about the challenges faced along the way, demonstrating true resilience and determination.
 What sets Vaughan apart is his recognition of the team effort behind MDC's success. It's not just about him; it's about the dedicated team, reliable suppliers, and loyal customers who've supported the company's growth.
Get ready for an inspiring narrative of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Please note this episode was shot in the MDC factory in mid-January (believe me, it was hot!) with the main doors open and therefore there is some wind disturbance. The quality of the content is so high however that we knew we had to share it with you.
Don't forget to share this episode with your friends. Let's celebrate Vaughan's achievements and the thriving spirit of entrepreneurship and acknowledge the role that MDC has played in better the caravanning industry within Australia and now the US. 
Enjoy!
 Melissa J Scott
 MDC Community Manager
 www.marketdirect.com.au
Many thanks to:
Vaughan Hindley, Business and Founder at MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_camper_trailers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjoehlkYGZ2VqW7vLfMujg 
#caravan #camping #caravanandcamping #MDC #MDCUSA #4WD #travelaustralia #caravanningaustralia #caravanlife #offroad #australia #offgriddownunder #mdcowners #vaughanhindley

In the second episode of OFFGRID DOWNUNDER, we chat with Steve Zammit, the Customer Advocate at MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers. Steve brings all his camping industry wisdom and know-how to MDC, as he explains his role and how it benefits customers and users of MDC caravans. Essentially, Steve is the ‘voice’ of our customers, ensuring that every MDC adventurer gets the royal treatment, safeguarding their rights and ease throughout their journey.
In this episode, Steve also shares his passion for protecting consumer rights, making sure that everyone who hops on board an MDC caravan enjoys a smooth ride from the initial buying process to the handover process and well into the future. He emphasizes the importance of fairness in sales, warranties, and aftercare, highlighting MDC's commitment to upholding Australian consumer laws and keeping customers smiling through the tight practice of meeting all industry regulations, in particular ISO 9001 and industry-lead RVMAPS.
On a lighter note, Steve also moonlights as the official "Mayor of the MDC Paddock," as the friendly face and champion for MDC & AUSRV Owners at events like the Big Red Bash in Birdsville, which he frequents every year. We share some great stories of the close-knit community that has grown from these events, where friendships are forged around campfires and experiences are selflessly shared amongst all who choose to get involved. And the nice thing is, it’s such an inclusive community that everybody is included.
Speaking from both of our personal experiences, the magic of the MDC & AUSRV Owners Group, (with over 20,000 members), is unique to MDC and a true jewel in our crown. The group serves as a bank of knowledge regarding tips, tricks, 24/7 support and heart-warming stories, inspired by a collective love for offroad exploration by the members and MDC team that are active within the group.
In Steve's world, every customer’s voice matters, including the valuable feedback that shapes our products and services. From innovative features inspired by customer suggestions to impromptu gatherings, Steve showcases how MDC listens, learns, and thrives because we listen carefully to our customers.
I’ve known Steve for many years and his commitment to the industry and the people he serves has strengthened with each year. With his vast knowledge and expertise in developing so many valuable resources for MDC from the online Masterclasses, Owner Manuals and personal phone support to all valued customers, is a testament to the man that he is.
Steve’s infectious enthusiasm is a nice reminder that MDC isn't just a caravan company – it truly is a family that everyone is invited to join and feel that sense of community that is missing in so many people’s lives these days. (It’s part of the reason why so many people are getting back into camping these days!) And with Steve leading the way as Customer Advocate at MDC, every adventure whether you are on one our tagalong tours, in the Big Red Bash convoy, or just out camping with friends, feels like coming home.
We hope you enjoy the episode and share it with your friends and camping community. And if you are interested in looking at an MDC caravan or camper trailer, please reach out to one of show rooms and come check them out!
Melissa J Scott
 MDC Community Manager
 www.marketdirect.com.au
Many thanks to:
Steve Zammit, MDC Customer Advocate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_camper_trailers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjoehlkYGZ2VqW7vLfMujg
Daniel Easton, MDC & AUSRV Owners Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1471523463164896 
 

Welcome to the very first episode of the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER podcast and video series, presented by MDC Caravans and Campers, and made especially for you!
If you’ve stumbled across this podcast or video, it’s because you have some kind of interest in the caravanning and camping world, and so do we! MDC is a very prominent Australian owned caravan company, and this podcast is focused on sharing behind-the-scenes stories, adventures and advice from our MDC Camping and Caravanning Community.

For our first episode, we are interviewing long-term MDC Owner’s friends Mandy and Rolly Heath, from YouTube channel ‘Memories Not Money’. I had the pleasure of meeting them last year when driving in convoy to the Big Red Bash in Birdsville, with the MDC & AUSRV Owners Group and MDC team. - And then travelling into Cape York in convoy with them.

Mandy and Rolly epitomise the warmth and generosity that characterises our community. As active members of the MDC & AUSRV Owners Group on Facebook, (which boasts an active membership of over 20,000 people) and is independently run by the exceptional Daniel Easton, they all embody the spirit of MDC and the camping industry.

Therefore, we thought it only fitting with the first episode of the podcast that we would feature some of our fantastic members and customers - people that love, breathe, and eat the lifestyle of caravanning and camping. I also interviewed Daniel Easton, the owner of the MDC & AUSRV Owners Group, and proud owner of his third caravan. (Mandy and Rolly are also about to upgrade to their third MDC caravan.)

In this podcast, you get to meet a lot of our members and hear their unique stories. Through their experiences and recommendations, they help us bring a better product to you guys, and I am so excited to introduce them to you. For authenticity's sake, this interview was recorded while sitting in a pub at Laura after having just come out of Cape York. We were feeling a little tired, but excited after our adventures, and this is a conversation all about the trip with some pretty powerful tips and insights from Mandy and Rolly about travelling safely around Australia.

Daniel’s interview comes to you from a little town called Bedourie, which is a couple of hundred kilometres outside of Birdsville, when we'd wrapped up the Big Red Bash and everyone was heading either home or to different locations.

We sincerely hope you enjoy the episode. Please like it, share, comment and tune in each week to meet more of our members, team and industry players. We are really happy to receive your feedback because this podcast is for you. We can't wait to hear what you think about it, and we really hope you enjoy the stories that we're going to be sharing with you in the future .

Melissa J Scott
MDC Community Manager
www.marketdirect.com.au

Many thanks to:
Mandy and Rolly Heath, Memories Not Money
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memoriesnotmoney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@memoriesnotmoney

Daniel Easton, MDC & AUSRV Owners Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1471523463164896 

#caravan #camping #caravanandcamping #MDC #MDCUSA #4WD #travelaustralia #caravanningaustralia #caravanlife #offroad #australia #offgriddownunder #mdcowners