The dream of a carefree retirement, filled with leisurely travel and the freedom to explore, has become a nightmare for some Australian retirees following the collapse of Tango Caravans. This unfortunate event has left many, including a retired couple from Melbourne, facing the grim reality of returning to the workforce after losing their life savings.

Phil and Angela Serrurier, like many retirees, had envisioned their golden years as a time to enjoy the fruits of their lifelong labour. After Phil was diagnosed with a debilitating illness, the couple decided to invest in a motorhome to take a 'slow, peaceful drive' to Townsville, visiting family and finding solace in the tranquillity of caravan parks along the way. This journey sparked their love for the caravan lifestyle, and upon returning to Melbourne, they decided to use all their savings to purchase their first caravan from Tango Caravans.


The Serruriers, hailing from Kilmore in Melbourne's north, handed over $80,000 to Tango, expecting to receive their luxury motorhome within six months. The anticipation of embarking on the trip of a lifetime was palpable, but their excitement turned to despair when they learned through the media that Tango Caravans had gone into liquidation.


The collapse of Tango Caravans is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of retirees who often invest large sums of money into their dreams, only to have them dashed unexpectedly. The Serruriers' story is a cautionary tale, as they are just one of many families who have lost tens of thousands of dollars to the dealership, with little hope of recovering their funds.


The liquidation report by Pitcher Partners revealed that Tango Caravans Pty Ltd and its director, Sarah Horter, are under investigation by Victoria’s consumer watchdog. The report alleges that the company was insolvent by March 31, 2023, yet continued to trade well beyond that date, accruing a debt of over $3 million to unsecured creditors, mainly customers, and nearly $50,000 in unpaid wages and entitlements.

The emotional toll on the Serruriers has been immense. 'We are actually shattered,' Angela expressed. The constant reminders of their loss have been like a wound that refuses to heal. Despite seeking legal advice, they were informed that if the company's director has no assets, there is little chance of reclaiming their lost savings.

Phil's health issues add another layer of complexity to their predicament. After having to give up work due to illness, and now with Angela's recent heart attack, the couple's ability to earn and save has been severely compromised. The dream of travelling to Australia with their granddaughter has come to a 'screaming halt,' and the prospect of buying even a secondhand caravan seems distant.


The Serruriers' experience serves as a sobering reminder to all retirees to exercise caution when investing their savings, especially in ventures that seem too good to be true. It also highlights the importance of conducting thorough research and seeking independent financial advice before making significant financial commitments.

As we at the Seniors Discount Club reflect on this story, we urge our members to share their experiences and advice on safeguarding retirement savings. Have you faced similar challenges, or do you have tips on how to avoid such pitfalls? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow retirees navigating their financial security.
Remember, retirement should be a time of joy and fulfilment, not a return to the stress and strain of the workforce. Let's work together to ensure our retirement dreams don't turn into unexpected nightmares.