Avida scoops NSW industry awards

Big-selling Sydney motorhome, campervan and caravan builder Avida has received some of the biggest accolades at this year's Awards of Excellence conducted by the Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW.

Avida Motorhomes & Caravans was awarded the 2023 NSW Manufacturer of the Year, while Avida CEO Ben Binns took home the inaugural Max Elsley Award, at the prestigious annual awards event held at Crown Sydney Barangaroo.

Avida CEO Ben Binns said the Manufacturer of the Year award was testament to the professionalism and dedication of the Avida staff working at its Emu Plains head office and production facility.

“Avida employ and support hundreds of Australians at our 10-acre site in Western Sydney, and these types of awards are not possible without the dedication and commitment of our staff," he said.

“Our company vision is to create the vehicle that fulfils our customers' dream lifestyle and we continue to invest in the industry from our high tech machines like robot welding, through to our online training systems as we strive towards (being) world class.”

The Max Elsley Award is designed to recognise individuals who have exhibited exceptional commitment, achievement, and passion within the NSW RV industry. It was set up to honour the legacy of Max Elsley who passed away in 2021 after a lifetime of notable achievements including being a foundation Director of the National Association, which later became the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. Elsley together with his wife, Hazel, also owned and operated a number of successful caravan parks in NSW.

Members of the Elsley family were in attendance on the night to celebrate the presentation of the inaugural award to Mr Binns.

Among other category winners at this year's Awards of Excellence were Jayco Newcastle (NSW Trade Dealer/Manufacturer/Wholesaler of the Year), RMS (NSW Industry Provider of the Year), and Bold Trailer and Caravan Repair Centre (NSW RV Repairer of the Year).

Both Jervis Bay Holiday Park and the Reflections Holiday Park -- Jimmys Beach, picked up Holiday Park of the Year awards, while Connor Jones from Suncamper Motorhomes (Outstanding Contribution by a Young Achiever – Trade) and Sia Jafari from Cub Campers (Employee of the Year – Trade) were other individuals recognised on the night.