DECEMBER 2021

'Strictly Caravanning' theme

Excellence celebrated at prestigious event

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THE Victorian caravan industry celebrated excellence at the most prestigious night in its annual calendar.

More than 370 members, Hall of Fame inductees, life members and guests attended the Victorian Caravan Industry Hall of Fame and Business Awards gala event.

The theme for the evening was Strictly Caravanning.

It marled the industry coming back together after challenging times brought about by the COVID pandemic.

The evening celebrated members and their staff who had professionally and personally contributed significantly to the growth, success and professionalism of Victoria's caravan industry along with excellence, innovation and achievement in the past year.

"This event would not operate to the highest standard we have set without our amazing partners," Caravanning Industry Victoria chief executive Rob Lucas said.

"We are very grateful for their support and thank each one of them."

He said the awards evening again demonstrated the "outstanding calibre" of member businesses and their people.

"The way in which they pulled together in such challenging circumstances in the past 18 months is testament to how they worked together as a team," he said.

Members Ray Foley and Wayne O'Brien were inducted into the industry's Victoria Hall of Fame in recognition of their significant achievements within their own businesses and contributions to the Victorian caravan industry.

The Caravan Industry Victoria Media Award was renamed the Caravan Industry Victoria Col Parrot Media Award in honour of his service to and impact on the caravan industry in the media over his lifetime.

This year's award was presented to David Mann for his support to members and the association in countless ways.

He said: "I'm not often speechless ... it's an honour to have this award named after me."

President of Caravan Industry Victoria Nat Schiavello from NCE received the Charlie Tebb Service to Industry award which recognises the achievements of leaders within the association and industry.

"I set a goal and was able to step up to become president of the association and from there work hard to make our industry better," he said.

"I am here because of my team."

Awards:

• George Pantazopoulos Young Achiever Award: Michael Valentino, Crusader Caravans.
• Charlie Tebb Service to Industry Award: Nat Schiavello, NCE.
• Col Parrot Media Award: David Mann, Mann Productions.
• Excellence in Caravan and RV Manufacturing: Crusader Caravans.
• Excellence in Dealer/Retailer: RV Superstore.
• Excellence in Service and Repairer: Our Van RV.
• Employee of the Year (service and repair): Vernon Bruce, Purple Line.
• Employee of the Year (retail): Judith Allison, Carac.
• Manager of the Year: Bobi Petrusevski.

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