The Caravan Industry Association of Australia recognized businesses and individuals across the caravan and camping sector during the Caravan Industry National Conference Gala Dinner, where the 2026 Caravan Industry Awards were presented.
The event formed part of the national conference program and highlighted contributions in areas including innovation, safety, customer service, community engagement, and business leadership.
The industry’s highest honor, the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, was awarded to BDO South Australia in recognition of more than 15 years of work supporting the sector through research, data analysis, and industry reporting. The organization was acknowledged for helping improve the industry’s analytical capability and informing decision-making across the caravan and camping market.
The Richard Davis OAM Award was presented to Bill Thiel for his contribution to technical standards, gas regulation, compliance, and education initiatives. His work has included involvement with programs such as RVMAP and RV Gas Ready, both of which are focused on improving safety and compliance outcomes within the RV manufacturing and caravan sectors.
Innovation was also recognized during the awards presentation, with Jason Filippini receiving the Gerry Ryan AO Award for Innovation. The award acknowledged the development of a subterranean battery system designed to assist caravan holiday parks in reducing energy costs, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing infrastructure flexibility.
Energy management and sustainability measures continue to gain attention among park operators as rising operating costs and demand for resilient infrastructure remain key industry concerns.
Chairperson’s Awards were presented by Donna Cocking to Martin Banham, David McIvor, and Andreas Bischof for their contributions to the advancement of the industry.
The THL Industry Leadership Award (Under 40) was awarded to Erin Stevenson of Storable for her role in operational development and customer success at Newbook. According to the association, her work contributed to the company’s growth from a start-up operation into a hospitality management platform serving accommodation businesses across multiple markets.
The inaugural THL Rising Star Award was presented to Alannah Hein for her work with the SA Parks Association and Revenue Creatures. The award recognized emerging leadership and contributions toward industry collaboration. Runners-up included Matilda Coles and Matthew McDonald.
In the sales category, Wayne Chevis of Market Direct Group – MDC Campers and Caravans received the Ultimate Business Systems – RV Salesperson of the Year Award for customer service performance and staff sales training initiatives.
The Christie Barbecues Community Engagement Award was presented to Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland for its VanSafe Program, a road safety initiative intended to improve public awareness and strengthen engagement between the caravan industry and travelers.
People’s Choice Awards for caravan parks were also announced during the gala dinner. Gold was awarded to Mandalay Resort and Tourist Park, while Silver went to Stansbury Foreshore Caravan Park and Bronze to Ocean Beach Tourist Park. The Blue Award for Most Improved Park was presented to Tasman Holiday Parks – Kioloa Beach.
Manufacturer awards under the RVMAP People’s Choice category recognized Concept Group with Gold, Millard Caravans with Silver, and Hilltop Caravans with Bronze. In the motorized category, Gold was awarded to Avida Motorhomes.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and RV sectors, the awards reflected several broader industry trends, including growing investment in operational technology, energy management systems, safety compliance, and customer experience initiatives.
Recognition for software platforms, infrastructure innovation, and public safety programs also highlighted areas where operators and manufacturers continue to adapt to changing traveler expectations and regulatory requirements.