Western Plains Travel founder Dale Lawrence yesterday expected the imminent appointment an administrator who would “oversee the orderly wind-up of the business and management of client monies”.

Only then could an alternative authorised agent step in, but Mr Lawrence insisted that as a member of the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) his clients’ “monies and finalised travel bookings” were “safe and secure”.

Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell yesterday reported receiving phone calls from Western Plains Travel clients concerned they had done in their money and holidays.

She predicted that some clients may still be unaware of the business’s closure.

“They need to know, I believe, where they stand if they’ve paid for a trip and where their financial situation stands,” she said.

“I’m concerned people have been saving for a long time particularly and don’t (want them to) miss out on that opportunity.

“I’m available to assist them any way I can and to work with the travel agent who may be appointed to clear up this mess.”

The TCF confirmed it was yet to receive any claims from the Dubbo agency’s clients.

A senior TCF officer said they could assist clients, but time constraints may require the client to re-pay for their holiday and then claim the money. In a notice posted to the shop front of Western Plains Travel, Mr Lawrence advised customers the business had ceased to operate from February 10.

That notice stated that Western Plains Travel had appointed administrators, although Mr Lawrence yesterday told the Daily Liberal that was still in process and that he would advise the media and the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce of the outcome.

Although the business has ceased trading, Mr Lawrence attempted to calm client fears in the notice.

“Western Plains Travel will work in co-operation with the administrator in relation to the appointment of an alternative authorised agent who will assist you in finalising both your outstanding flight and holiday bookings ...” he said.

Western Plains Travel, like all licensed agencies, was a member of the TCF.

TCF legal and policy advisor Garry Dellar had some reassurance for clients - they may be “inconvenienced” but not in the long term out of pocket.

“We run a compensation scheme for the consumer who has paid a licensed agent and doesn’t get their travel arrangements - they are covered by us,” he said.

“When an agent closes down, the files are transferred to another licensed agent.

“If they’re up against a date, it may be quicker for the consumer to pay again and claim on us - but we can turn a claim around pretty quickly.”

TCF also monitors the financial positions of travel agencies and it renewed Western Plains Travel on the basis of the financial accounts received for 2009/2010, Mr Dellar said.