Awards for young and old

An entrepreneurial IT specialist and ‘larger than life’ TV producer have been formally recognised at the Caravan Industry Association of Australia National Conference held recently in Melbourne.

Brad Illich beat five other finalists to be awarded the 2015 CaravanCampingSales Future Leaders Award, which encourages young achievers in the caravan industry.

From humble beginnings running an IT business from the spare office space at his parent’s caravan park, Illich created online management tool NewBook and the system is now used by 320 accommodation business in Australia as well as overseas.

Illich, who received a $15,000 study grant among other prizes, said he was “excited and appreciative” to receive the Award against tough competition.

"It has been a culmination of years of work beginning back in 2000 when I started my small IT business, to now being applauded by hundreds of colleagues and customers at the gala dinner,” he said.

“It was a truly emotional experience, very rewarding and I can't wait to see where we can take the industry to in the future."

Also recognised at the National Conference was Col Parro^t, who was this year’s winner of the Eric Hayman Award for Excellence.

Although he’s been involved with the caravan industry since 1975, Parro^t is best known as the driving force behind caravan-focussed TV travel shows Discover DownUnder and What’s Up DownUnder.

Combined, he has produced around 230 episodes promoting the caravanning and holiday park industry  in Australia.

Parro^t said he was "pretty blown away" to receive the annual award.

"Eric Hayman was a friend of mine, and all the past winners have done so much, I never thought I'd be privileged enough to stand amongst them," he said.

First awarded in 1990 the Eric Hayman Award recognises individuals, companies or events that have made an outstanding contribution to the caravanning and camping industry in Australia.

Previous winners include Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman, SA Parks president Richard Davis, CCIA NSW President Bob Browne, Jayco CEO Gerry Ryan and Caravanning Queensland’s Gerry Newton.