Caravan heavyweights recognised

Two leading figures in Victoria’s caravan industry have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

John Spence, chairman of Prestige Jayco, received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), and David Mann, the 'radio voice' of the industry, became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

John Spence has built one of Victoria’s biggest caravan retailers over the past 30 years, but his award is for service to the community of Geelong.

A quiet achiever, he has sponsored many community groups, especially in children’s sport and in opposing family violence.

He also supports the Partnership for Violence Free Families and the Father Bob Maguire Foundation.

David Mann received his AM for service to the community of Victoria, particularly through charitable organisations, to business, and to the promotions and marketing sector.

Caravan Industry Association of Victoria CEO, Rob Lucas, said the caravan industry was fortunate to have the likes of Spence and David Mann among its community.

“It is a privilege to have members such as John who make such valuable contributions to their communities, and to have allies such as David to promote our cause,” Lucas said.

“John has been a highly regarded (CIA VIC) member for 30 years, and David has become Victoria’s voice of caravanning, not least through his ‘Mann About Town’ segments on 3AW.

“This year David connected CIA VIC with Entertainment Assist, which he chairs, and we are proud to support its work to promote mental health in the entertainment industry.”