New managers take reins
• New Bridport Seaside Caravan Park managers Brian and Leese Cooksley.
By Daisy Baker
November 11, 2020
Some fresh faces have been welcomed into Bridport as the new caretakers of the Seaside Caravan Park.
Former Tasmanians Leesa and Brian Cooksley spent seven years living in New Zealand and the last two and a half years in Queensland.
Mrs Cooksley said they decided to return to Tasmania to be closer to family.
“Our daughter married a local boy and she has a two-year-old and another baby on the way so it was time to come home,” Mrs Cooksley said.
She said the opportunity to manage the park was a good fit for their lifestyle and the allure of the seaside town drew them in.
“It was [the chance to] live in beautiful Bridport and right on the sea. I’ve worked in this industry before so it offers both work and lifestyle combined.”
Mr Cooksley said he felt right at home in Bridport, having spent most of his life on the water between fishing and working in the marine industry in harbour towage for the last 10 years.
The Cooksleys took over on the long weekend and hit the ground running, with what proved to be a busy weekend as usual for the caravan park.
Mrs Cooksley said when they are in the swing of the park’s day-to-day operations, they would like to develop the kiosk.
Possible long-term ideas include having a deck chair cinema and other things that bring the community together.
Dorset Council general manager Tim Watson welcomed the Cooksleys and thanked outgoing caretakers Danny and Amanda Lee for their dedicated approach to managing the park.
“They did a great job and made a number of improvements, including the customer service and the park looks magnificent,” he said.
“We continue to receive very positive feedback.
“We wish them all the best.”