Industry leaders awarded
Long-standing board member and leading RV boss recognised at peak body national conferenceA Tasmanian caravan dealer and Australia's only female caravan manufacturer CEO were among the winners at this year's Caravan Industry Association of Australia National Conference.
The annual Eric Hayman Award for Excellence was presented to Dennis Austin at an industry gala dinner attended by 450 people, at the 21st annual conference held on the Gold Coast last week.
Austin has been the owner of caravan dealer and camping accessory retailer Austin’s Caravans & Leisure Centre in Somerset, Tasmania, for more than 25 years and has been on the board of the peak industry body for the past 15 years.
He retired from day-to-day involvement in Austin’s Caravans about seven years ago to focus on industry matters and other business interests.
In his acceptance speech Austin paid tribute to his wife Marilyn who took over the running of the caravan business and whom he referred to as a caravanning widow.
"I couldn't have done what I did without the support of my wife," he said. "I wouldn't have dreamed in my wildest dreams that I would be up here. To me the most rewarding thing of all is the wonderful friendships, the special friendships we have with so many folks."
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said Austin has played a significant role in his attempts “to unite individual components of the industry together”.
“It is however his political work and tenacity which will leave a significant mark on the industry,” Lamont said.
The winner of the 2016 CaravanCampingSales Future Leaders Award, Gabby Montagnese has been Managing Director of New Age Caravans since its beginnings in 2009, and overseen rapid growth of the Epping, Victoria-based manufacturer to the point where it built around 1200 caravans in 2015.
Montagnese received a a $15,000 scholarship for professional development while the five other finalists in the category won an advertising package with CaravanCampingSales and a $1000 professional development scholarship.
This year’s National Conference attracted a record 615 registered delegates, and focused on the future of the industry including hosting an inaugural Future Leaders one day conference attracting 104 attendees.
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