Caravan Industry Awards: Leaders and innovators celebrated at National Conference
The Caravan Industry Awards have once again honoured the leaders and innovators driving excellence across Australia’s caravan and camping sector.
Presented during the 2025 Caravan Industry National Conference Gala Dinner on Friday, 16 May, the awards recognised outstanding achievement and dedication within the industry.
The industry’s highest accolade, the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, was bestowed upon Theo Whitmont and Julie Pernecker.
Julie (pictured above) was honoured for her tireless dedication to addressing the insurance needs of Australia’s caravan holiday parks. Julie was present at the RACV Royal Pines Resort to accept the award, and her commitment was met with a well-deserved standing ovation.
Theo Whitmont was recognised posthumously for his extraordinary leadership, vision, and advocacy that have helped build and solidify the success of Australia’s caravan and camping industry. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the sector.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence winners.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia congratulates this year’s award winners, and thanks them for their valuable contributions to the caravan and camping sector.
Gerry Ryan OAM Award for Innovation
The team at Holiday Brands was presented with the Gerry Ryan OAM Award for Innovation, in recognition of its efforts to help caravan holiday parks increase direct bookings through cutting-edge marketing tools, including AI-driven systems for review management and guest communication.
Richard Davis OAM Award
The Richard Davis OAM Award for service to the peak national body was presented to former Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chair Grant Wilckens. During his time as Chair, Grant led the industry through a period of record growth, while also guiding it through unprecedented challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
thl – Future Leaders Award
The thl – Future Leaders Award was presented to Amanda Dempster of Holiday Brands and Stanthorpe Holiday Park, who was awarded a trophy and a $10,000 scholarship. The remaining Future Leaders finalists – Mitchell Gawthorn, Blake Gray, Jack Hillis, and Erin Stevenson – each received a $1,000 scholarship. READ MORE about the finalists for this award.
Ultimate Business Systems – RV Salesperson of the Year Award
The inaugural Ultimate Business Systems – RV Salesperson of the Year Award was presented to Jessica Herring of South Australia-based True North RV, recognising her exceptional customer service, product knowledge, and understanding of consumer law. READ MORE about the finalists for this award.
Christie Barbecues Community Engagement Award
The Christie Barbecues Community Engagement Award was presented to the team from NRMA Parks and Resorts and Roger Fuller of Yarrawonga Manufactured Housing (YMH), honouring their outstanding work in creating meaningful connections with the local communities in which they operate.
Chairperson’s Awards
Donna Cocking presented Chairperson’s Awards to David Pratt, Brendan Heenan, Lyndel Gray, and Tony Briant – each recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry’s advancement.
RVMAP People’s Choice Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by DLL
The industry’s People’s Choice Awards were also presented during the evening, with Australian Off Road taking Gold in the RVMAP People’s Choice Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by DLL. Silver went to Horizon Motorhomes, with Royal Flair collecting Bronze.
ReviewPro People’s Choice Caravan Park of the Year Award
Gold in the ReviewPro People’s Choice Caravan Park of the Year Award went to Ocean Beach Tourist Park. Silver was won by McLean Beach Holiday Park, with Bronze going to Imbil Camping Retreat. The award for Most Improved Park went to Coobowie Caravan Park.
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