New chiefs for RV bodies

Former politician Katie Hodson-Thomas is the new head of The Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia (CIAWA), whereas Robert Lucas has also just stepped in as the new boss at the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria (CTIAV).

Both took over the reins on July 1, with previous CTIAV chief Peter Wright stepping down after 10 years, while Hodson-Thomas takes over from Pat Strahan, who has retired after 15 years in the top job.

Hodson-Thomas represented the electorate of Carine for 12 years and has extensive experience in the tourism sector after being responsible for the shadow tourism portfolio during her last term of office.

More recently she was employed as Special Counsel - Government Relations and Policy for the Australian Hotels Association (WA) and Corporate Affairs Manager for the Tourism Council WA since retiring from State Parliament in 2008.

Hodson-Thomas said she was, "very excited about taking on the position of Chief Executive Officer for an industry association that represents businesses directly responsible for marketing and servicing the caravan and camping sector".

She said the caravan industry has undergone significant transformation and experienced considerable growth over the past five years and plays an important role in driving leisure tourism business in Western Australia.

"Over the past five years, we have seen more Western Australians taking to the roads in caravans to travel around the magnificent landmarks and scenery we have on offer and camping at parks and villages around the State."

She said intrastate as well as interstate travellers have increased, along with the number of international visitors to Western Australia.

New Victorian chief Robert Lucas has a background in industry and business services and education, and has worked in executive roles for major industry organisations and also run his own consultancy.

Originally from Melbourne, Lucas has lived and worked in Albury-Wodonga for the last 12 years, where he boosted the profile of the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce, established his own HR consulting and training practice and managed regional services for the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Industry Group.

Although retiring, Pat Strahan's expertise wont be completely lost to the caravan industry, as she will be involved in organising Western Australia's annual caravan and camping show.

Likewise, Peter Wright will help drive local RV shows, and has been appointed the event organiser of the inaugural Border RV & Camping Expo, which kicks off at the border town of Wodonga in late-August.