BDO South Australia honoured with Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence

BDO South Australia has received the caravan and camping industry’s highest honour, the prestigious Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, recognising more than 20 years of leadership in research, data and analytics that has helped shape the sector’ future.

Led by Rudy Pieck, Angus Strachan, Sean Augustin and Talis Evans, the BDO South Australia team has become a driving force behind the industry’s evolution in data capability and evidence-based decision making.

Its work dates back to 2004 with the development of the Accommodation Pricing Tool. When the Federal Government ceased collecting Australian Bureau of Statistics data for the sector in 2010, the national caravan industry body turned to BDO South Australia to fill the gap. Since then, the team has played a central role in building the industry’s research and analytical framework.

BDO South Australia’s insights have informed everything from caravan holiday park performance and RV sales to land lease communities, vehicle registrations, consumer behaviour and broader tourism and economic trends. The impact has extended well beyond industry associations, helping park operators, manufacturers, industry stakeholders and governments better understand the scale and economic value of the sector nationwide.

The team’s contribution has been particularly critical during periods of disruption. Through bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing fuel and economic pressures, BDO South Australia has delivered modelling, forecasting and real-time analysis that helped decision makers respond quickly to emerging challenges facing regional communities.

Much of this work has been undertaken beyond normal commercial expectations, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Australia’s caravan and camping industry.

Angus accepted the award on behalf of the BDO South Australia team at the Caravan Industry National Conference Gala Dinner last Friday (15 May). READ MORE about our 2026 Caravan Industry Award winners.

In awarding the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, the industry recognised BDO South Australia’s enduring leadership, national impact and significant contribution to advancing the sector.