THE Caravan & Camping Industries Association of South Australia has a
new chief executive officer.
David Duncan replaces long-serving member Stuart Livingstone who has moved
to head one of Australia's leading chain of caravan parks, Top Tourist.
Mr Duncan moves to his new role from RVM Australia ‒ now operating under
the Caravan Industry Association of Australia banner ‒ where he had served
as CEO for the past two and a half years.
CCIASA president Peter White said Mr Duncan had an impressive track record
in the caravan industry.
"At RVM Australia he created the RV Manufacturing Accreditation Program
and gave the association a much sharper and more credible advocacy role,"
he said.
"This is a move back home for David, who has commuted between Melbourne
and Adelaide for the past few years.
"We are glad to have him working for South Australia’s industry."
Mr Duncan told Caravanning News that it was an exciting time in the
industry.
"This is my third year of being in it and I thoroughly enjoy it," he said.
"I believe it is going to be a powerhouse industry nationally and through
the states in the next five or 10 years."
On the question of increasing imports of foreign-build RVs, Mr Duncan did
not believe the caravanning industry could be "protectionist".
"But I do think imports should be compliant with Australian
standards and if that does happen there's nothing anybody can complain
about," he said. "It creates competition and a level playing field."
Mr Duncan welcomed the merging of the CRVA and RVM Australia and thought
one of the things the new national body could focus on might be caravan
registrations, which was a major topic at the moment.
Asked whether he had any priorities in his new role, he explained that he
first wanted to understand the business in South Australia.
"I have no preconceived ideas but as soon as I can get on top of
everything I will be putting forward my thoughts. Watch this space," he
added.
Mr Duncan has held senior executive roles in numerous non-profit
organisations including the Facility Management Association of Australia,
the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, the Property
Council of Australia and the Housing Industry Association of Australia.
Qualified in business administration and urban and regional planning, and
a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he has
established numerous successful initiatives including industry education
and accreditation programs.
Meanwhile, Mr White said he wanted to thank Mr Livingstone for his 15
years of service and dedication to the CCIASA.
"It is my opinion that the relationship between the CCIASA and Stuart has
been of mutual benefit and has resulted in some great outcomes," he said.
"Stuart has shown leadership and initiative, growing the association to
what it has become today."
Mr White was "proud" that Mr Livingstone had developed skills during his
time with the association.
"He has progressed from being a young man from Barbeques Galore to CEO of
the association, and consequently has been sought by another high profile
organisation," he said.
"It is a great personal outcome and I sincerely wish him the very best as
he takes up the next chapter in his life."
