It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Industry Legend Max Elsley on the evening of June 9th, after a lengthy battle against illness.
Max was
a significant and long-time contributor to the caravan and camping industry,
both in his home state of NSW and at a National level.
He was a foundation Director of our National Association, which became Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
Max and
his wife, Hazel, owned and operated a number of successful caravan parks in
NSW, including:
He was
also well known in Queensland as one of the first interstate park operators to
individually promote his park at interstate caravan shows, something he did for
over 30 years, including the Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide events,
travelling to them in his standout Chev truck long before such vehicle types
became more common in this country.
He was
the inaugural Treasurer of our National Body as well as being Chairman of the
Committee of our first two National Conferences held in Canberra.
In his
home state, Max was CCIA NSW’s inaugural Life Member, bestowed by the
Association’s members in 2004 for his outstanding contributions and following
his extensive years of service on their Board of Directors for nearly 20 years
from 1984 to 2003.
This
included dedicating his time as Treasurer of his state body, where Max helped
to establish the strong financial base of the Association, which has allowed
them to face the various economic challenges over the past three decades.
Max was
also Chairman of the NSW Show Committee and was instrumental in securing
Rosehill Gardens Racecourse as the long-term venue for the Caravan Camping
Holiday Supershow.
In
every endeavour, Max always looked to do things better and his personal
approach and financial skills made him a true pioneer of the industry in NSW
and Australia-wide.
In
2001, Max won the Eric Hayman Award for Excellence, the industry’s highest and
most prestigious award, for his outstanding contribution to the Australian
caravan and camping industry.
During
our industry’s National Conference on the Gold Coast in early May this year,
Max flew up from Sydney to participate in the filming of a discussion of the
industry’s history with a number of other “oldies”, a project being
developed over the next twelve months.
Max turned 80 earlier in June.
An engaging man, a successful entrepreneur and a loyal friend, Max will be missed by so many. We extend our deepest condolences to Max’s family, especially his wife Hazel who was always by his side.
Service:
10am, Monday 21 June 2021
Garden Chapel
Castlebrook Memorial Park
712-746 Windsor Road
Rouse Hill
Afterwards share memories and refreshments in:
The Glasshouse
The Fiddler Hotel
Cnr of Commercial & Windsor Rd
Rouse Hill
In lieu of flowers a donation to RPA Kidney Centre – Renal Research would be greatly appreciated.
Live-streaming will be available. A link will be posted in due course on www.allandrewfunerals.com.au/upcoming-funerals/
To assist with space requirements and catering, please RSVP to 0418 470 400
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