The NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park has been recognised with the Workplace Excellence Award at the Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria (CRPVic) Awards, held in Geelong last month.
The awards ceremony took place at GMHBA Stadium as part of a two-day industry conference that drew more than 200 caravan park owners, managers, and staff from across Victoria.
The annual event acknowledges excellence in tourist and residential parks, as well as the businesses that support them.
Park manager Sue Parry said the award was a welcome recognition of the team’s ongoing efforts. “It was amazing and our team have loved it,” Parry told the Ballarat Times.
“To be pegged against your fellow parkees – there’s a lot in Victoria – it’s amazing and for my team it is huge. To be up there with all the other park managers that got nominated. It’s just that satisfaction that all our hard work and all the hours we do in parks is actually noticed.”
The Workplace Excellence Award is presented to a caravan park that demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive working environment. According to CRPVic CEO Scott Parker, the NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park stood out to the judging panel.
“The management team fosters a high-performing, values-driven workplace culture that prioritises staff well-being, guest satisfaction and continuous growth,” Parker said.
He noted that the park’s initiatives extend beyond internal operations, with efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for visitors.
“By empowering team members and embracing diversity, they’ve built an environment of trust, collaboration, and innovation,” Parker said.
“Initiatives such as sensory-friendly facilities for neurodiverse children and inclusive recreational spaces highlight their commitment to accessibility and inclusion.”
For operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, the award highlights how workplace culture can contribute to both staff retention and guest experience. By prioritising well-being, communication, and inclusion, parks can strengthen employee satisfaction while enhancing service delivery.
Parker added that the NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park provided “a shining example of how a positive workplace culture can drive both guest experiences and industry leadership.”
