Vale Kevin O’Brien

Over the weekend we lost one of the real gentlemen of the caravanning industry in Kevin O’Brien.  He was 80 years old.

Kevin was a great caravanning entrepreneur identifying the need for a specialised caravan repair business back in 1963 – Classic Caravan Repair Centre.

He later went on in 1972 to restructure and launch a separate wholesale business – Camec which subsequently was purchased by Fleetwood in 2000.

Kevin gave back tremendously to the caravanning industry, sharing his knowledge freely, and serving on both the Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Victoria (CTIAV) Board as well as being a founding Director of what is now known as Caravan Industry Association of Australia.  He was President of both organisations during his time on each Board.

Kevin was awarded the Eric Hayman Award for Excellence (the industry’s highest individual honour) in 1995, and was awarded both life membership by CTIAV as well as being inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Our condolences go to his wife Tanith, his children James, Gabby and Georgina and their families.

*article supplied by Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

Buying a caravan, having it serviced or purchasing related goods are legitimate reasons to travel within Victoria, says Rob Lucas, CIA VIC CEO, under the state’s COVID-19 Directions.

The industry body sought clarification on ‘Restricted Activity Directions’ and how it impacts buyers engaging with the caravan and camping industry, receiving confirmation from the Health and Economic Departments this week.

Victoria customers can also access home delivery services offered by caravan and camping industry members in keeping with social distancing restrictions.

Advantage Caravan Repairs. Servicing your van is, rightfully, deemed a necessary and acceptable reason to travel in Victoria.

YOUR SAFETY, A COMBINED RESPONSIBILITY

You’ll still need to practise social distancing while visiting dealer showrooms and service centres, entering only if numbers permit and following the outlet’s mandatory signage, per Victoria’s COVID-19 Directions.

This, combined with state-sanctioned cleaning protocols, will help to minimise your risk when visiting your local caravan dealership and camping service centre.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) is calling on State Governments to review sweeping orders in some states forcing caravan park closures that will see self-contained cabin accommodation ideally suited for the management of the spread of COVID-19 sit empty.

Stuart Lamont, CEO of Caravan Industry Association of Australia, said that caravan parks located in most rural and regional centres provide valuable and appropriate accommodation options for essential workers and yet these are being unnecessarily shut down, costing jobs and livelihoods.

“There are very clear instructions from various Governments looking to stop the rapid rise of COVID-19 and to protect the public from community transmission.  This is something as an industry we are committed to, and can put measures in place to address this,” Mr Lamont said.

“We support the need for swift action, but in the haste, public policy has not accounted for the unique and diverse accommodation options available within caravan parks.”

Caravan parks in many cases make most of their revenue from cabin accommodation.  Cabins are as self-contained as accommodation comes; they have ensuites, kitchens and independent air-conditioning systems.

In many cases they resemble homes rather than studios which are commonplace amongst other forms of accommodation, with multiple living spaces, and that is why they are the accommodation of choice for many contracted workers undertaking important work in regional communities.

“Unlike hotels and motels which in some jurisdictions have been allowed to continue operating, there are no shared hallways or elevators. Caravan parks are generally spacious gated communities within nature, where you can park directly alongside your cabin – they are ideal for self-isolation,” Mr Lamont said.

Australia’s tourism industry has been crippled by the summer bushfires, and COVID-19 has dealt the industry an even more devastating blow.

The majority of caravan park businesses are owned by Australian families, and this directive will see many of these businesses close, putting so many regional Australians out of jobs – unnecessarily.

“While we understand that many industries are suffering due to necessary restrictions, this decision has been made without a proper understanding of what a caravan or holiday park actually is.”

“Along with cabins, these parks also provide a safe space for motorhomes and caravans which have on-board bathroom and cooking facilities, and without the need for common amenities.  There are estimated nearly 80,000 caravanners on the road across Australia right now and through closing caravan parks these people will be forced to find public places to park their vans and unreasonably travel from place to place, with no way of knowing where they’ve come from, where they’re going or who they’ve been in contact with.This is completely contrary to the health objectives that Governments are trying to achieve.”

“There’s also a strange contradiction occurring with State Governments – we’ve seen a surge in demand from departments making cabin bookings for patients, staff and clients while the very same agencies are trying to shut us down,” said Stuart.

“Caravan Industry Association of Australia is appealing to Governments to provide clarification that self-contained accommodation within caravan parks be permissiblewithin current restrictions. For tens of dozens of tourism operators, this determination will be the difference between weathering this storm and being forced to close their business permanently.”

There are estimated to be 13,500 cabins in NSW parks, 7,500 cabins in VIC parks and 750 cabins in Tasmanian parks, all of which will be de-commissioned as a result of the new rules. These cabins alone could provide vital self-isolation accommodation to Australians during this unprecedented time.

“We absolutely support and agree that non-essential travel should not occur at this time, however for accommodating essential travellers, as well as providing appropriate and managed accommodation for those already on the road and unable to get home, caravan parks have the record keeping ability and social distancing practices to be a practical part of the solution, not accentuating the problem.”

“This is consistent with the Federal Government’s objective of keeping people in work wherever possible and the national cabinet’s determination to manage the health and economic fall out concurrently.”

The Victorian, New South Wales and Tasmanian Governments have directed caravan parks to close to all except permanent residents and those with no place of residence.

It is clear from the Prime Minister’s announcement last night that a staged lockdown is needed to manage the spread of COVID-19, and that a minority of Australians if left to their own devices are not following well publicised measures placing the health of fellow Australians at risk.

For now, business premises such as offices, factories, retail dealerships, and caravan parks are considered essential services and shall remain open.

It is advised that businesses with enclosed spaces such as meeting rooms, office space and the like observe the 4 sq metre guidelines, while also practicing social distancing measures within workplaces.  Further announcements last night mean that facilities with licenced areas, cafes, restaurants etc within them must close these facilities to the general public (except for takeaway purposes) until further notice.

We have already seen travel restrictions for people entering Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia, and we are awaiting statements from the Premiers in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales in the coming days.  This may also extend to businesses over and above that which was agreed by the National Cabinet and announced by the Prime Minister last night.

We estimate that there are currently 75,000 people in Australia today away from their normal place of residence or using an RV as their permanent home.  This is on top of the tens of thousands who call caravan parks home.  It is therefore vital that caravan parks remain an essential service, to give individual operators the ability to make their own decision on whether to open or otherwise.  This choice was taken away from some businesses in the broader Australian community last night (eg pubs, clubs, restaurants, entertainment precincts etc) in Stage One of planned shut-downs announced by the Prime Minister.

We strongly encourage that all businesses, but in particular caravan parks, maintain a register of all visitors (not just primary contact) for the purposes of contact tracing of necessary.  Caravan parks should also consider the closing or limiting access to common facilities such as amenity blocks, camp kitchens, swimming pools and the like.

We have heard from many businesses regarding the difficulties and interruption to business which these travel restrictions have caused and the potential future interruption which may occur, on the back of an already devastating summer and slow retail market.  We applaud the Government for their economic packages designed to assist industry businesses with their working capital but fear for some that this might not be enough.  We will continue to advocate for the industry during these very tough times.

It is also clear that we must deal with the current crisis as it develops as well as make preparations for a strong and early response to encourage Australians to go caravanning and camping when it is safe to do so.  The continued uncertainty around international travel and cruising presents a market opportunity for Australians which still consider caravanning and camping to be highly aspirational.  To this end, we are meeting weekly with our state association colleagues to make sure that knowledge is shared, communication and advice is consistent, and that we are prepared in a co-ordinated manner to heavily invest in market stimulus activity when the current health crisis eases.

We will provide further advice when this comes to hand.  In the meantime, please find a link to recent transcript of the Prime Minister’s press conferences containing advice.

The National Cabinet and now supported by the NSW Government’s Public Health Order directs that public events where there are, or are likely to be, 500 persons or more in attendance at any one time must not be held.

In compliance with the Government’s order, the 2020 NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow is cancelled.

CCIA NSW CEO Lyndel Gray said, “There are 300 exhibitors and over 50,000 people that were expected to attend the Supershow from the 28 April to the 3 May this year. This is the first time the Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow has been cancelled in its 50 plus years history,” said Lyndel Gray.

CCIA NSW will be refunding paid ticket holders to the event as well as exhibitors.

CCIA NSW advises that the NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow will next be held from the 13 to 18 April 2021 at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

The Canberra Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo from the 23-25 October 2020 and the Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo from 5-7 February 2021 are going ahead as planned.

Many of the affected areas should be in absolute peak season brimming with tourists, and yet whole regions remain closed with some caravan parks suggesting they may be over a month before re-opening.  To put this in context we may see up to 3.8 million nights at risk due to evacuations, lost bookings, and forward cancellations in the coming months.  The refunding of deposits alone in some cases will cripple businesses.  The financial and emotional toll is significant and will take many months or years to recover from.

Importantly once these affected areas re-open, the need for tourist visitation will be vital to assisting these properties start the long process of getting back on their feet.  This goes not only for those areas currently under threat but those for whom have already been affected this bushfire season dating back to September last year.

As your national association we have been liaising with Federal Government Ministers and agencies as well as other industry associations to make sure the issues impacting our industry businesses are highlighted in any recovery discussions.  We are also working closely with caravan state associations and park chains in affected regions who have already provided incredibly useful practical information for their member businesses throughout the crisis.

The one thing I love about our industry is the willingness to “help a mate” in time of crisis, and over the past week I have been receiving calls from concerned industry businesses (including our colleagues overseas) wanting to know how they can help.   To this end we have decided to put a call out to industry wishing to assist through a quarantined industry marketing fund which will be used to directly encourage future visitation to affected areas once it is safe for tourists to return.  A dedicated working group of skilled personnel will be formed to make sure that any funds received are put to best use where they are most needed.  Any ‘Help a Mate’ bushfire activity will be in addition to our ongoing and existing commitment to broader industry stimulus marketing which continues through this period showcasing the benefits of a caravanning and camping holiday.

The fund has already been kicked off via a generous donation by Dometic of $10,000 and from Vic Parks of $10,000.  Caravan Industry Victoria have also pledged money and people, and individual businesses have already got in on the act with Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park pledging the proceeds of their Australia Day activities towards the Fund.

If you wish to support your mates, and contribute something to help specifically drive visitation back to these crippled regions please email info@caravanindustry.com.au in the first instance.

In the meantime, we continue to hope for our industry businesses safety, and that of our industry employees and their families, as well as the volunteer services in the regions assisting in getting through what are unprecedented times.

Stuart Lamont
Chief Executive Officer

Caravan Industry Association of Australia

The Caravan Trade and Industry Association of Queensland’s (Caravanning Queensland) 2019 Industry Awards night was one for the history books, with awards a plenty, lifetime Membership and an announcement that will see the Association enter a new era in 2020.

Ron Chapman announced he will step down as CEO and Company Secretary, effective December 31, 2019, with General Manager Jason Plant to assume the role from January 1, 2020.

Dedicating 53 years to the industry in Queensland and nationally, Mr Plant said Ron’s involvement has been invaluable to the Trade and Park sectors including being Founding Member of Tourism Council Australian, Queensland Division and the Founding Chairman of the Associations’ Council.

“I am looking forward to this new chapter for Caravanning Queensland with 2020 proving to be another big year for the Association including the continuation of our second annual Sunshine Coast Show together with the three existing events, more Safety Checks and educational initiatives for both the industry and members of the public,” said Mr Plant.

“Ron will continue to be involved with the Association in a part-time role as Special Advisor in many facets but particularly concentrating on chronicling the Association’s and the Industry’s history.”

Another momentous occasion on the evening was the awarding of lifetime Membership to Aussie Traveller owner and Association Treasurer, Mike Freney. Mike and Aussie Traveller became members in 1990, followed by joining the Committee in 1997 and he was elected Co-Treasurer in 2004 – in 2005 he was elected Treasurer in his own right, a position he continues to hold 15 years later.

Mr Plant said as a member of Caravanning Queensland Mike has been an integral part of the Association’s forward progress.

“Mike is a hands-on Treasurer who diligently checks every account paid by the Association and has overseen our assets increase from under a million dollars to what it is today,” Mr Plant said.

“Mike is just the 14th person awarded lifetime membership in Caravanning Queensland’s 55-year history, a testament to his commitment to the Association, our members and the industry as a whole.”

The evening would not have been complete without the announcement of annual Industry Award Winners and a highlight was awarding Jackson Baker from Suncoast Caravan Service the winner of the Apprentice / Trainee of the Year.

Mr Plant said this award holds additional significance this year as it not only acknowledges the training of industry members and workers, but also follows the launch of two new Recreational Vehicle qualifications together with the construction of a new Caravan Industry Training Facility at the TAFE Queensland Acacia Ridge campus.

“We are thrilled to recognise the hard work of Jackson together with the other awardees in what was a wonderful evening celebrating all facets of the industry,” he said.

The full list of the 2019 Caravanning Queensland Industry Awards winners includes:

• Winner of LPG Gas Licensee of the Year – Jason George, RV Gas Services
• Winner Repair / Service / Pre-delivery Person of the Year – Leigh Jones, Australian Caravan Centre
• Winner Logistics Superstar of the Year – Neil Loudon, Australian Caravan Centre
• Winner Administration Superstar of the Year – Rachael Newton, All Brand Caravan Services
• Winner Salesperson of the Year Other Industry Product – Graeme Marsh, Camec
• Winner Manufacturing Superstar of the Year – Sam Caterer, Cruisemaster
• Winner Apprentice / Trainee of the Year – Jackson Baker, Suncoast Caravan Service
• Winner Salesperson of the Year Caravan RV Sales – Jarred Doyle, Green RV
• Winner Young Achiever of the Year – Jack Webb, Brisbane RVs

About Caravanning Queensland
Caravanning Queensland is the peak industry body for caravan dealers, manufacturers, camping suppliers, service providers and caravan park operators through two related associations. These are the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland and the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Inc.

Members to Benefit as RMS Cloud Extends 30 Year Partnership with VicParks

The Victorian Caravan Parks Association today announced that it has entered into a long-term partnership with RMS Cloud, the leading Property Management System for holiday parks, signing a new five-year corporate agreement that formalises an unbroken partnership stretching back to the late 1980s.

VicParks CEO Elizabeth White said the RMS Cloud partnership funding will help provide certainty and stability for the association that will assist in future growth of membership.

“VicParks is delighted to announce this upgraded Corporate Partnership with RMS, which further deepens the very strong relationship between our two businesses,” said Ms. White.

RMS Cloud incorporates the latest advances in technology within a fully integrated cloud-based system, which has been developed to easily handle the complexities of property management.

“The RMS products assist our park members to grow their businesses and plan for the future in a dynamic commercial environment. VicParks welcomes RMS as a Corporate Partner.” Ms. White continues.

RMS Cloud Company founder, Mr. Peter Buttigieg said RMS Cloud is, as always, proud to support VicParks and the Victorian caravan and camping industry.

“RMS has been backing VicParks and local holiday parks since our business started in the 80s, a time when most operators were still using pens and paper to take reservations,” said Mr. Buttigieg.

“Obviously many things have changed since those days, technology in particular, but our support for holiday park operators has never wavered and we remain extremely passionate about the industry.” Mr. Buttigieg continues.

For further comment, please contact Elizabeth White, CEO, Victorian Caravan Parks Association on 03 9372 3420 or at admin@vicparks.com.au.

The Caravan and Camping Industry continues to be a significant contributor to Victoria’s economy. Caravan Industry Association Victoria (CIA VIC) CEO Rob Lucas, along with the Hon. Ben Carroll, Minister for Industry and Employment launched the CIA VIC Jobs, Career & Training Strategy to strengthen the Victorian Caravan and Camping Industry’s ability to attract and retain a motivated, innovative and rewarded workforce.

The Jobs, Career and Training Strategy was developed directly from feedback provided by the Association’s members at the 2017 CIA VIC Members Industry Summit to address concerns about attracting, retaining and training staff and the direct impact this was having on their businesses plus the likely long-term impacts on industry growth in the state.

The Council of the Association considered these issues and endorsed the development of a strategy to assist its members and the industry.  NEM Australia were engaged to develop a methodology that engaged with government departments/agencies, key educational and employment agencies to deliver a relevant and practical strategy for the industry.

Eight Strategies, each with three strategic initiatives, will drive the industry towards its visions of being:

• An aspirational, rewarding (financial, secure and culturally supportive) well-marketed industry with a highly effective and efficient recruiting process.
• An industry with rewarding career pathways and respected culture at all levels of employment.
• An industry with a clear job-creation and induction pathway for people into the industry that supports future business, leadership, professional & skill development to drive and adapt to industry, consumer and environmental changes; and
• An industry with leadership that drives collaboration and innovation from within and outside the industry to adapt to changing consumer and environmental trends.

The eight strategies revolve around Industry Job and Career Promotion, Job-Seeker Engagement, Career Pathway, Management and Culture Skills, Industry Induction, Training and Development, Industry Leadership and also Innovation and Change Management.

These eight strategies have been developed to drive careers in the caravan industry which Victoria has confirmed its domination of Australia’s $4.5 billion caravan industry in 2017, accounting for almost half of the industry’s total economic contribution and almost two-thirds of its manufacturing jobs.

The Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo shone a spotlight on the Sunshine Coast from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1, as thousands poured through the gates of Nambour Showgrounds to attend Caravanning Queensland’s first-ever Sunshine Coast event, delivering a positive impact to the region’s economy.

Almost 11,500 expo-goers were in attendance, with many looking to upgrade their already adventurous lifestyles or take up a new hobby. First-timers gained invaluable advice and knowledge from more than 90 exhibitors and vendors as well as industry professionals, while perusing the 360+ recreational vehicles on display.

With the Sunshine Coast already boasting 35,000 registered caravan owners, General Manager of Caravanning Queensland, Jason Plant, says that number is now likely to increase post-Expo.

“The Expo was a huge success and is testament to the growth of the industry as well as a nod to the popularity of the Sunshine State and specifically the Sunshine Coast, as a go-to travel destination,” he said.

“This was the first ever official industry owned and operated regional event. Local Caravanning Queensland member businesses in particular were very thankful we held the event on the Sunshine Coast as it was a chance for them to provide the best insights into the region’s popular caravanning lifestyle and recruit new carafans.”

The event also presented a fantastic opportunity for local Rotaries and other not-for-profit community groups to reach locals and travellers alike by providing catering and other services and, with no fees or overheads to participate in the event all proceeds made, directly benefited their homebased initiatives.

President of The Rotary Club of Woombye-Palmwoods, Jan Lawton, says the club’s involvement at the Expo allowed them to assist fellow clubs who were in desperate need.

“We are extremely thankful to have been involved with the Expo as we were able to donate $5,000 of our proceeds to a Rotary Club in Stanthorpe to help their community recover after the recent bushfires.

“With this donation, the club will attend to Stanthorpe’s dire needs by purchasing essential water supply and providing families with aid in other areas such as farming, while they recuperate,” said Miss Lawton.

With the last day of the Expo falling on Father’s Day, Dads in attendance were able to enjoy the Father’s Day Reversing Competition, which put Dad’s towing and reversing skills to the test, with the skilled winner walking away with a Go Sun Grill + Sport Package valued at $1,268.00.

For those #Carafans who missed out on the Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo, Caravanning Queensland are already gearing up to deliver a showstopping event at the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Show being held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3.