June 2018
 

Awards presented at CIAA National Conference

QUARTET HONOURED FOR SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA'S CARAVANNING INDUSTRY

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FOUR people have been honoured for their significant contributions to the caravanning industry. The quartet received awards at the Caravanning Industry Association of Australia's National Conference held recently on the Gold Coast.

Eric Hayman Award
Ron Cregan

This award for excellence is associaton's most prestigious gong and is now in its 28th year.

It applauds extremely influential and hardworking industry leaders who have made a positive impact over the years.

Ron Cregan, pictured with Grant Wilckens and Jim Hayman, was revealed as the recipient for 2017.

He set up his first business building aluminium caravan annexes in the 1980s and has been involved in the industry ever since.

In 1999 Ron and his wife Gloria successfully tendered to build cabins/houses for the 2000 Olympics and later, in 2000, they bought the Nelligen campground.

After renovations it was transformed into the family friendly BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park and went on to win numerous awards.

Ron is a life member of CCIA New South Wales, served on the board from the 1990s to 2016, is a previous vice president of the association and is the immediate past chairman of the Show Committee.

He has represented CCIA NSW within CRVA and is a past chairman of BIG4 Holiday Parks.

Richard Davis Award
Brad Slater

This award for outstanding contributions to the peak national body was introduced in 2016 in dedication to the late Richard Davis OAM.

Brad (seen right in photo with Mr Wilckens) has worked in the industry for over 30 years within caravan dealerships, repairers, aftermarket and suppliers.

In the early 90s he worked at Complete Caravan & Camping before joining Camec in the mid 90s and later became a consultant to Dometic.

He initially joined that organisation on a full-time basis as general manager (sales).

He was then promoted to the dual role of vice president of Sales Asia Pacific.

In 2016, Brad was appointed to the role of managing director of Dometic Australia and New Zealand.

He has been an incredible supporter of the work undertaken by the national body and has selflessly provided both guidance and pastoral care for members of the industry.

He has spent many days on the road pushing the story of collective success, opening the doors for new contacts for the industry body and providing mentorship for CIAA chief executive Stuart Lamont.

Brad has also been a mouthpiece in the market in support for the national body and the activities it undertakes.

Future Leader Award
Margaret Shannon

Margaret comes from a very strong hospitality and tourism background, holding a Bachelor of Tourism and Marketing.

Over the course of 15 years she has worked her way up from front-line hotel operations into managerial roles.

During her time in the holiday park industry, Margaret has honed her skills and become intricately involved in the operations, marketing and business strategy of the parks she manages.

Chairman's Awards
Gary Kratzmann and Donna Cocking

Gary and Donna received these awards from chairman Grant Wilckens for their contributions to the caravan and camping industry.

Gary (pictured) has been in the industry for over 30 years and had one of the largest and most successful dealerships in Queensland.

He was instrumental in helping to shape the growth and direction of the caravan industry during this time.

For many years he was a member of the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland Board until his resignation in December 2017.

He is extremely passionate about the industry and continues to champion the caravan and camping lifestyle.

Donna has over 20 years of experience as owner/operator of a family tourism business.

She has held numerous committee and board positions including state director WA for Top Tourist Parks and past president of Caravan Industry Association WA.

Donna was also a National Board member for the Caravan Industry Association of Australia for over two years, included being vice chair and sitting on the executive of the national board.

Her daughter Laura accepted the award on her behalf.