When we attend the CMCA Rally each year we think we know what to expect, but the 38th edition of the event was full of welcome surprises for our team. From the people we spoke with to the location we explored to the team we spent the week with—it all came together for what was a successful and memorable week in NSW’s central tablelands. This year’s event was also blessed with (mostly) perfect weather, though a few awnings may have received a beating on Thursday. It gave us a chance to get around the grounds, speak to our customers and get involved in the CMCA’s program with activities like line dancing and disc bowls (KT Insurance team for 2026?).
group of people standing on grass playing a game like lawn bowls with discs
The rally is an invaluable chance for us to connect with our customers face-to-face, to help them understand our products, discuss any business updates that may affect them, and collect feedback about what they want and need. It’s also a time to simply chat, share stories, and learn more about how and why our customers live the way they do. Every KT team member returns with a deeper appreciation for the community we serve and the freedom our customers value on the open road.
Four of our claims team members travelled from Melbourne to set up and participate during the first half of the week. They attended the annual general meeting, presented on our product and recent underwriting changes, and answered some important questions from members. When you spend much of your time on the road, understanding exactly what you are and aren’t covered for provides confidence and ensures there are no grey areas come claim time.
people at a stall chatting
Being able to meet and receive feedback from customers who have had claims with us in the past is one of the most reassuring experiences for our Melbourne team. They take these insights back to the wider group and use them to refine processes and improve the customer experience, ensuring our service continues to be one our customers can rely on when they need it most.
While receiving feedback on past claims helps us learn and reflect, the rally also provides time for us to help with real-time claims. A lot of our customers and CMCA members will know Con, our head of claims and all around good bloke at KT Insurance and he returned to Melbourne with a story that impressed upon the rest of the team the knowledge that we make a real difference with the service we provide.
The very first day our team attended the rally, a customer of ours had a medical emergency and ended up in hospital unable to continue travelling. His wife, who was unable to drive the larger vehicle was at a loss as to what to do next and how they would get home, come the end of the rally. Con sat down with her and explained our medical emergency assistance benefit and that we would cover the cost of towing the motorhome back home, a hire car in the interim and transportation costs for both her and her husband back to Ballarat. Over the phone, this feels good, but in person, you can see stress and worry change to gratification and relief in real time. It's why Con does what he does and why we do what we do. We hope our customer and her husband get home safely and make a swift recovery so they can hit the road again.
man doing speech in front of crown in a shed
On Wednesday, our sales and service team arrived from Maroochydore and quickly settled into the showground, taking part in the CMCA staples — line dancing and disc bowls — with enthusiasm (and varying degrees of skill). They were invited to tour some of our customers’ motorhomes and other assets, offering insight into the nomadic lifestyle our community embraces and giving customers a chance to proudly show off their vehicles.
We met so many wonderful people throughout the week, like Rally first-timer Ernie, who greeted us with a friendly wave whenever we crossed paths and stopped by to chat with his brother, who also shared his beautifully kept vintage car, something he’s clearly very proud of.
woman sitting in a green vintage car
Then there was Joseph, who we met at the disc bowls. His special interest group (matching shirts and all) meets several times a year for competitions. We even managed to toss a few discs ourselves, learning it’s surprisingly easy to get competitive once you start watching the pros in action!
Outside the hustle and bustle of the rally, the team explored the charming town of Orange. The hospitality we experienced and the local venues we visited gave us the perfect chance to unwind between busy shifts on site. If you ever find yourself in Orange, we can highly recommend the Hotel Canobolas ($20 steak nights!) and the Hey Rosey Wine Bar in the centre of town, both of which were favourites among the team.
tree on a sidewalk in front of a sunrise
Overall, we enjoyed our week at the rally and cannot wait for the 39th edition in Bundaberg in 2026. We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and hearing the stories and adventures they've embarked on in the year since. It's also a little closer to home for our Maroochydore team, so a road trip will certainly be on the cards.
Protecting your lifestyle from Orange to Bundaberg
And everywhere in between