New Caravan Industry Award Honours Both Passed and Living Legends

The inaugural Richard Davis Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Peak National Body was presented to Ron Chapman, Chief Executive Officer of Caravanning Queensland, at the 2016 Caravan Industry Association of Australia National Conference Gala Dinner

The award is named in honour of industry legend Richard Hasse Davis OAM, who passed suddenly last year.  His continuous service (40 years with SA Parks and over 20 years with the National body) and perseverance towards the establishment and administration of accreditation in the caravan park industry has left a legacy transposed into a program that now transcends sectors and is an important pillar of Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

It was fitting that the inaugural award was presented by Richard’s widow, Margaret Davis, to one of Richard’s close friends and colleagues – Ron Chapman.  Ron was around at the beginning of what is now known as Caravan Industry Association of Australia and acted in the position as Secretary through its formative years.

Throughout the development of the National Body Ron has been supportive both financially through the parks and trades Associations of Queensland and logistically through various initiatives.  His efforts include the development of international relations with overseas organisations, the hosting of study tours, the representation of industry on national forums, and the passing on of history to ensure the legacy of the past is firmly entrenched in the decisions of today.

On the caravan industry night of nights, the inaugural Richard Davis Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Peak National Body was presented among other industry awards including the prestigious Eric Hayman Award for Excellence and the CaravanCampingSales Future Leaders Award.