South Australia and Northern Territory Industry Heros Recognised at National Caravan Industry Conference

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) National Conference is being held on the Gold Coast this week, bringing together industry leaders from across the country to celebrate the people, businesses and families helping shape the future of caravan and camping in Australia.

The annual conference is one of the biggest events on the industry calendar and provides an opportunity to recognise the long standing contributions, innovation and leadership that continue to strengthen the sector nationally.

This year, a number of South Australian and Northern Territory businesses and individuals were recognised through the CIAA Industry Heroes program.

Trailblazers

Brendan Heenan AM was recognised as a Trailblazer for his significant contribution to regional and remote tourism through decades of leadership within the caravan and camping industry. As previous owner of BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park, Brendan has served on national boards, led the NT Caravan Parks Association and was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021.

South Australian industry leader Dave Benson was also recognised as a Trailblazer for his contribution to the caravan industry since 1983. Dave established Dave Benson Caravans in 1994 and later Explorer Caravans as a family business. He has also served extensively within the industry, including 10 years on the South Australian board, five as President, and as inaugural Secretary of the National Board.

Alan Rowett was recognised as a Trailblazer for more than 40 years of service on the South Australian Parks board, including serving as Treasurer since 1994, while also contributing nationally through BIG4 Holiday Parks. Through Marion Holiday Park, Alan has played an important role in driving innovation and sharing industry expertise.

Dynasty Recognition

The Edwards Family was recognised in the Dynasty category. Founded by Ian Edwards in the mid-1990s and now led by Group CEO Stephen Edwards, the Edwards Group has grown from a single family business into one of South Australia’s largest private operators of holiday parks and residential villages, playing a major role in the state’s tourism and accommodation sectors.

Decades of Dedication

Brownhill Creek Tourist Park was recognised in the Decades of Dedication category, acknowledging its long-standing contribution to South Australia’s outdoor holiday tradition. The park has been associated with recreation and camping since the early 1900s and formally operated as a tourist park from 1954.

Enduring Excellence

Several South Australian businesses were also recognised in the Enduring Excellence category.

Allin Towbars was recognised for eight decades of contribution to the Australian towing and outdoor lifestyle industry since commencing in Adelaide in 1946. The family-owned business continues to support the touring, towing and four-wheel-drive community through innovation, products and service.

REDARC was recognised for more than 45 years of innovation and advanced manufacturing expertise. Founded in South Australia in 1979, REDARC has grown from a local manufacturer into a globally recognised leader in automotive, industrial, defence and space electronics.

Noel’s Caravans was recognised for more than 50 years of contribution to the South Australian caravan industry, building a respected dealership known for its dedication to the industry, community and customer service.

Caravan and Camping SANT congratulates all South Australian and Northern Territory businesses, families and individuals recognised through the CIAA Industry Heroes program. These awards highlight the strength of the caravan and camping industry and the strong relationships that exist across caravan and RV sales, manufacturing, parks, tourism, towing, repairs, service and education.

It’s an industry built on long standing businesses, family connections, innovation and people who genuinely support one another. Together, these sectors play an important role in keeping Australians travelling and supporting regional tourism.

Through campaigns like Follow Your Wanderer, Caravan and Camping SANT continues to encourage more Australians to discover the freedom, connection and flexibility that caravan and camping brings to regional travel.

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