The annual CRPVic Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by our member caravan park owners and operators, their dedicated employees, and valued industry suppliers.
It was a privilege to come together with caravan park members, associates, life members and industry legends to honour another incredible year of passion, innovation and dedication at the 2025 YMH CRPVic Awards Gala Dinner on 27 August.
We also recognised industry supplier Benji Distributor’s Paul Milward-Bason and Heather Scheuffele. In addition to being involved with the association and its member for more than 40 years, Paul was responsible for introducing the iconic dunny brush throwing competition.
After 32 years, Paul hosted his final competition at the 2025 CRPVic Conference. But while it may be his last, he is happy to pass the toilet brush on so this special conference favourite can continue for many years to come.
2025 Steve Bartlett President’s Award
Awarded to David Wynn from Wynndean Caravan Park, Ocean Grove. His parents John and Janice Wynn accepted the award on his behalf. Presented by CRPVic President Sam Cohen.
The Steve Bartlett President’s Award can be bestowed on one or more members who represent the “true spirit of the parkie”, recognising conduct through difficulty, support of others in their industry or community and/or support of the association over time.
David served on the association’s Committee of Management for several years and led its Geelong/Bellarine division for many more. He was a a source of quality advice to division members on matters primarily related to council negotiations.
During this time, David led negotiations with the CFA to gain better outcomes for members of his division who owned or managed caravan parks that had been established well before the CFA Caravan Park Fire Safety Guidelines were introduced.
This led to the development of CFA Training Days for park owners and managers which were well attended and much appreciated by park operators. These days built bridges between individual park businesses, the industry and the CFA.
After a break during the Covid years, the training day returned in 2024 and is again a regular member service, driven almost entirely by David, but to which the association is proud to lend its name.
Peter Crawford Caravan Park of the Year – Residential
Awarded to Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara. Presented by CRPVic Legal Counsel Steve Bartlett, the award was accepted by (from left) Christine White and Zee Blagojevic.
This award recognises the most outstanding residential park member and Lakeside Lara has truly set the bar high. The community is modern, welcoming and focused on creating an environment where residents feel supported, valued and engaged.
Participation and connection are actively encouraged, with initiatives like an intergenerational partnership with a local kindergarten, building friendships between residents and children that strengthen social ties and foster respect.
Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara is a shining example of how operational excellence, community values and innovative programs can come together to create a truly outstanding residential park.
CRPVic Caravan Park of the Year – Tourist and Mixed Use
Awarded to Wakiti Creek Resort. Presented by CRPVic President Sam Cohen to (from left) Nathan Ryan, David Harrison and Jody Wilson.
This prestigious award recognises the most outstanding tourist or mixed-use park based on the quality of its operations and overall performance.
Over the past 10 years, owner David Harrison and his dedicated management team led by Jody Wilson have transformed the park into a haven for affordable, family-friendly holidays, where kids come first.
Wakiti Creek Resort also continues to give back, sponsoring local sporting teams, supporting charities and reinvesting into park facilities and accommodation. The result is a welcoming, community-driven park that is as successful as it is family-focused.
David Pratt Unsung Hero Award
Awarded to Ben Johnson, K-Mac Powerheads. Presented by the 2024 winner, Roger Fuller.
This award recognises someone who goes above and beyond to positively contribute to a caravan park or industry supplier business and most importantly to the guests, residents, site tenants and customers they serve.
Ben’s contribution, both to our parks and to the wider community, reflects the true spirit of this award. His dedication, generosity and positive impact make him an incredibly deserving recipient of the 2025 David Pratt Unsung Hero Award.
Bob and Shirley Murray Community Partnership Award
Awarded to Acacia Caravan Park. Presented by Kevin Connolly, CRE Brokers to Matt and Kaylene Lynsley.
This award recognises the significant contribution a member caravan park has made to their local community going beyond business operations to strengthen the people, groups and initiatives that make their region thrive.
Matt and Kaylene Linsley have shown an extraordinary commitment to their local community through active partnerships, hands-on involvement and ongoing financial support.
They don’t just operate in their region, they are an important part of it. Their commitment to improving the lives of locals, guests and the broader community makes them truly deserving winners.
James Kelly Employee Achiever of the Year Award
Awarded to Wayne ‘Pud’ Trewin. Presented by Ben McInnes, MHIA
This award recognises a member park employee who has made an outstanding contribution to their employer or the industry.
Pud first started with the Portarlington Reserve Committee back in 1980 and since then he has done just about everything there is to do in a caravan park. His versatility and dedication have made him not just an employee but a cornerstone of the organisation.
It is an honour for us all to acknowledge Pud’s extraordinary 45 years’ service and to celebrate his legacy of dedication, resilience and contribution.
Elizabeth White Green Park Award
Awarded to Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park. Presented by Elizabeth White to Theresa and Dirk Arnold.
This award recognises a caravan park that has made a significant contribution to positive environmental practices and Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park have truly set the standard.
Under the leadership of Dirk and Theresa Arnold, the Maryborough park has undergone a series of sustainable upgrades, including the installation of solar batteries, smart air conditioning, external sunblock blinds and more. The results speak for themselves with glowing guest feedback and greater use of communal spaces like their upgraded camp kitchen.
Peter Buttigieg Innovation Award
Awarded to BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park. Presented by Tom Buttigieg and accepted by Jo Keown.
Their incredible undercover Play Space & Sound and Light Experience – Cetus – has redefined what innovation in a holiday park looks like. This weather-independent attraction ensures guests enjoy a unique and memorable experience all year round, perfectly tailored to the seasonal nature of Apollo Bay.
Cetus is not just an attraction; it’s a bold example of how parks can merge sustainability, innovation and guest delight.
Golightly Family Marketing Award
Awarded to Bimbi Park. Presented by Rob Deayton, Rogerson Kenny Business Accountants to Emmanuelle, Dimitri and Nathaniel Fontinas.
Instead of simply showcasing cabins and features, the Fotinas family began sharing the people, animals, stories and values that make Bimbi Park so unique. From Bob the giant koala statue to Gino the runaway cow, their humour and character-driven content has captured hearts, sparked conversations and built a strong, memorable brand.
The result? Deeper connections, stronger loyalty, new guests discovering the park for the first time, and old friends reminded of why escaping to the bush is always worth it.
Workplace Excellence Award
Awarded to NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park. Pictured are Park Manager Sue Parry and NRMA Operations Manager Daniel Payne.
This award recognises a caravan park that goes above and beyond to create a truly great place to work and Ballarat has set the standard. The management team fosters a high-performing, values-driven workplace culture that prioritises staff wellbeing, guest satisfaction and continuous growth.
Through open communication, strategic vision and genuine care for their people, NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park consistently exceeds expectations. A shining example of how a positive workplace culture can drive both guest experiences and industry leadership.
Rob Ensink, Jayco Associate Member of the Year
Awarded to K-Mac Powerheads. Presented by CRPVic CEO Scott Parker to (from left) Jesse Tilley, Ben McInnes and David Harris.
This award recognises outstanding business performance and support of the Association by an Associate (Industry Supplier) member and K-Mac truly embodies these values. With more than 60 years of experience, they’ve become the trusted leader in electrical powerhead solutions across Victoria and nationally.
Park owners consistently commend the team for their responsiveness, technical expertise, and genuine understanding of operational needs – trust built through decades of dependable partnership.
