Vale Ian Beadel

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Industry Forerunner and Legend – Ian Beadel.

Ian Beadel with wife Diana have been at the helm of the Hastings Point landmark resort (renamed North Star Holiday resort in 1993) since December 1980.

Ian was a highly respected and well-known businessman, mentor, stalwart of the caravan and camping industry, and friend to many across Australia and around the world. Ian’s vision, drive, and passion to provide his guests with an unparalleled standard of service and facilities at North Star set new benchmarks for the industry. He was always generous with his time, and happy to share his knowledge with staff, individuals, and the wider tourism industry.

“Ian (with his wife Diana) have been visionaries in our industry, constantly developing their property, to build a caravan park always with the customer in mind. Ahead of the curve, Ian was very giving of his time to others in the industry – a character large in life and in contribution. He will be sadly missed. “

Stuart Lamont – CEO, Caravan Industry Association of Australia

Together Ian and Diana have devoted their life’s work to North Star. Their incredible story began over 40 years ago when the couple gave up farming life to pursue their dream of owning a caravan park. After viewing countless sites from Cairns to Tasmania, they arrived at Hastings Point. Ian often referred to the park they came to inspect in 1981 as “little more than a swampy paddock”. It had a basic amenities block, no infrastructure or sewage, and just a couple of staff.

Today, North Star is the only 5-star rated holiday park in New South Wales and one of only two caravan parks in Australia with a 5-star rating in the nationally accredited Star Ratings program. The Beadels have continually upgraded and revitalised North Star, adding new facilities and attractions at every opportunity. North Star is also home to a Marine Environment Centre, one of Australia’s finest marine study centres, visited by around 4,000 students every year.

“Our philosophy has always been to provide an ‘experience’ that meets our visitors’ expectations and represents great value for money.”

Ian Beadel

Ian held the position of Chair of BIG4 Holiday Parks from 1996 to 2002. Ian had been a member of the National Caravan Industry Steering Committee (CRVA) since 1997, where he was responsible for the introduction of Caravan Industry Traineeships and their subsequent review every five years. He also founded the Australian Caravan Park Training School at North Star, which over the years trained thousands of prospective park managers and employees in the fundamentals of caravan park operations and management.

Ian will be sadly missed by the close-knit team at North Star, whom Ian always referred to as “family”.  His legacy will live on with Diana at the helm of the wonderful holiday playground that they so thoughtfully and tirelessly created over the past 40-plus years.