The Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW has celebrated a night of exceptional achievement at the prestigious 2023 Awards of Excellence.
The event, held at Crown Sydney Barangaroo, saw members gather to honour the outstanding contributions and achievements of businesses and individuals who exemplify the best of the industry.
Avida, a prominent leader in the recreational vehicle industry, celebrated a triumphant win, having been awarded two esteemed accolades – Avida Motorhomes & Caravans was awarded the Manufacturer of the Year and Ben Binns, CEO of Avida, was honoured with the inaugural Max Elsley Award.
The Manufacturer of the Year award is a prestigious award recognising Avida’s unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence in its operations.
In a statement acknowledging the collective efforts of diverse industry stakeholders, Avida CEO Ben Binns expressed profound gratitude, remarking, “Avida employ and support hundreds of Australians at our 10-acre site in Western Sydney NSW, and these types of awards are not possible without the dedication and commitment of our staff”.
Mr Binns continued, “Our company vision is to create the vehicle that fulfils our customers dream lifestyle and we continue to invest in the industry from our high tech machines like robot welding, through to our online training systems as we strive towards World Class.”
The recognition underscores Avida’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and its continuous contributions to the flourishing caravan and camping industry.
Avida’s pursuit of excellence in innovation and commitment to customer service has made them a standout in a competitive field and provides an inspiration to the industry.
The inaugural Max Elsley Award was received by CEO of Avida, Ben Binns. This is a new award to acknowledge an individual who has exhibited exceptional commitment, achievement, and passion, honouring Max’s legacy, and his many years of dedication to the industry was the inauguration of the Max Elsley Award for Commitment to a Stronger NSW Caravan & Camping Industry, sponsored by the Elsley family.
Lyndel Gray, CEO of CCIA NSW, remarked, ‘The caravan and camping sector in NSW generates more than $6.5 billion in economic activity annually, contributing to over 9,800 direct jobs and an additional 50,000 indirect jobs. It remains the backbone of numerous regional communities throughout the state.’
Gray continued, ‘The Caravan & Camping Industry Association extends heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s award winners, acknowledging the outstanding individuals and businesses dedicated to excellence, fortifying and supporting this thriving industry.’
Billy Falconer – Sales & Marketing Mgr, Bruce Binns – Founder, Ben Binns – CEO from Avida presented by G’Day Parks
Ben Binns – CEO from Avida accepting the inaugural Max Elsley award from the Elsley family. For: commitment to a Stronger NSW Industry.
About Avida
Avida is a family-owned business that commenced manufacturing in Australia in 1965, with the formation of Freeway Camper Company. From 1978 to 2013 Avida manufactured motorhomes, campervans & caravans under the name of Winnebago Industries, where we were famous for Winnebago motorhomes like Leisure Seeker, Birdsville, and Esperance. Today, Avida still remains in the hands of the original family, where we employ and support hundreds of Australians in Western Sydney NSW. Not only do we continue the tradition of the Avida Birdsville and Esperance, but we have also expanded our range of motorhomes and caravans.
About Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW
CCIA NSW is the caravan and camping peak industry body in NSW.
CCIA NSW has over 720 member businesses, including owners and operators of caravan and holiday parks; manufacturers, dealers and retailers of caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, camping equipment and accessories; and service industries.
About Max Elsley
The Max Elsley Award for Commitment to a Stronger NSW Industry is a new award created by the generosity of the Elsley family in memory of Max Elsley, the first Life Member of our Association.
Max, who passed away in 2021, was a significant and long-time contributor to the industry, having owned and operated several successful caravan parks in NSW with his wife Hazel, including Buckenderra Holiday Village, Woronora Caravan Park, La Mancha Cara Park in Berowra, and Merimbula Beach Holiday Park.
Life membership was awarded to Max by the Association’s members in 2004 for his outstanding commitment to the industry and following his service on our Board of Directors for nearly 20 years from 1984 to 2003.
In his name, the Max Elsley Award for Commitment to a Stronger NSW Industry recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding passion, commitment and achievement in the industry and someone who has been instrumental in helping to drive industry growth, success and development.
An engaging man and a successful entrepreneur, Max always looked to do things better and he was incredibly generous with his time.
The winner of the Max Elsley Award for Commitment to a Stronger NSW Industry receives a trophy, certificate and a donation of $1000.00 to a charity of their choice.
