HONOUR ROLL
THE VICTORIAN RV INDUSTRY CELEBRATES
ITS FINEST DURING ITS NIGHT OF NIGHTS.
The Victorian Caravan
Industry Association has four
new inductees to its Hall of
Fame, following a glittering
ceremony at Melbourne Crown
Palladium in early July.
The annual Hall of Fame
Industry Awards and Gala
also celebrated the industry
association’s 65th anniversary.
Now in its fifth year, the awards
night recorded its largest
attendance so far, with more
than 550 people joining in the
celebrations.
Recognised as legends and
pioneers of the Victorian
caravan industry, inducted into
the Hall of Fame this year were:
John Davis; Ian Ritchie; Richard
Thickens; and Ken Tibbits.
“The association has a long
tradition of recognising people
who have contributed so much
to the industry, and our
prestigious Hall of Fame awards
recognise both past and present
pioneers of our industry," CIA Vic
CEO Rob Lucas said.
Later in the evening, the
winners of the association’s
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Business Awards were
announced for three separate
categories.
The Excellence in Caravan and
RV Manufacturing award went
to Nova Caravans.
The Excellence in Dealer/
Retailer of the Year award went
to Carac Caravan Accessories.
The Excellence in Service
and Repair award went to
Advantage Caravan Repairs.
The Business Award
nomination were assessed
by four independent judges
(including GoRV editor Max
Taylor).
“The awards recognise
members for their outstanding
business and personal
performance throughout the
past 12 months, and takes
into account a wide range
of criteria,” Mr Lucas said.
“Businesses are now using the
awards as an opportunity for
reflection and improvement.”
Three other special industry
awards were announced
on the night.
The George Pantazopoulos
Young Achiever award went to
Craig Greenaway from AL-KO
International.
The Charlie Tebb Service
to Industry award went to
Ian Grant from Ian Grant’s
Caravans.
And the Media award,
which recognises outstanding
promotion of the RV industry,
went to GoRV’s very own
James Manson.
Finally, the CIA Vic announced
three new life members of the
association: Bruce Astbury
of Jayco Corporation; Gary
Merlo of Gateway Caravans;
and Des Tebb of Tebbs
Canvas Products. Over many
years, decades in fact, each
has worked tirelessly for the
betterment of the Victorian
RV industry.
Gary Merlo (at podium) was made a
life member of the Victorian Caravan
Industry Association.