Mr Chapman: dedication

Ron's dedication earns him an OAM

CARAVANNING Queensland chief executive Ron Chapman was recognised in the Australia Day honours for his tireless efforts and dedication to the caravan industry.

Mr Chapman received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Sunshine State's tourism industry.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont said the OAM was "well deserved".

"Ron has been involved in the industry since 1966 and in that time has demonstrated incredible dedication to the industry and its people," he said.

"There are very few people who have done as much for the Australian caravanning and camping industry as Ron, and we appreciate the recommendation from the Council of the Order of Australia in recognising Ron's contribution over many decades to the industry."

Mr Chapman began his industry career as advertising and PR manager for a Brisbane caravan manufacturer before becoming a national marketing manager with another manufacturer.

He later operated his own retail dealerships and ran caravan parks in Maryborough.

Mr Chapman has been chief executive of Caravanning Queensland for over 25 years, was manager of the Queensland Caravan and Camping Show for 36 years and has been on the organising committee of all held.

He has also been involved in national roles in addition to state duties and has led a number of industry groups on overseas study tours.

He was the second recipient of the industry's highest award, the Eric Hayman Award for Excellence (behind Eric Hayman himself), as well as being the inaugural recipient of the Richard Davis Award for Outstanding Contribution to the national body in 2016.

In 2018 a Living Legend luncheon was held in his honour at the National Conference to recognise his efforts to the industry.

In 2014, he was the inaugural recipient of the CTIA Queensland Ron Chapman Award for Outstanding Contribution and Commitment to the Caravan Industry.

In 2009 Mr Chapman was awarded Queensland Tourism's highest award, The Marie Watson-Blake Award for Services to Tourism by an individual.

More recently, he was made a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.