caravan

 

 

February 2018
 

 


presentation

Mr Smith (left) presenting an ACC RVSTAY sign to
 Andrew Cayzer at Trangie Caravan Park

Tributes flow as stalwart steps down

Former ACC chairman Tom Smith retires from board

Have your say

FORMER Australian Caravan Club chairman and director Tom Smith has retired from the club's board after nine years of dedicated service.

But he will continue being responsible for the club's policy, advocacy and town support portfolio, the RVSTAY scheme and the national muster.

ACC chairman Craig Humphrey said the club owed a debt of gratitude to Mr Smith for his extraordinary and untiring service.

"On behalf of the board and all members of the ACC, I wish to formally thank Tom and his wife Sandra for their commitment to our club," he said.

"Tom had a vision to make the ACC be noticed and to be the 'go to' place for RVers.

"His vision and efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and present standing of our club within the Australian RV industry."

Mr Humphrey said that while chairman, Mr Smith had spearheaded successful initiatives.

These included developing the Policy, Advocacy and Town Support Committee and the RVSTAY Scheme, which now included prominent RVSTAY and RVSAVE signs to profile the club and its supporters.


Tom and policy team protected the
interests of all RVers

"Over the past 12 months, Tom and his policy team have presented several RV Industry workshops. He has represented our club at conferences and made submissions to all levels of government and to RV industry representatives to protect the interests of RVers," he said.

"His contribution and dedication to the RV lifestyle on behalf of all RVers is immeasurable. I am sure Tom's legacies within the club and outside will continue to grow over the coming years."

ACC members Geoff and Carol Halson said Mr Smith was always keen to seek the opinion of grass roots members on issues.

"While we knew we were only two of many club members, Tom had the ability to make us feel special," they explained.

"He would often telephone and in a friendly manner seek our opinion on issues within the ACC.

"This has resulted in us having a valuable and ongoing personal friendship with Tom and Sandra."

Former chairman Lionel Mussell recounted his first meeting with Mr Smith.

"I first 'met' Tom over the phone when I was chairman of the ACC and he was a member of the Tamworth Caravan Club," he recalled.

"He was querying how an existing caravan club could join the ACC.

"I was so impressed by his phone call that I did some sleuthing and found that he was well respected in NSW agricultural circles and had done quite a bit of lobbying.

"That was just what we needed for the ACC and I 'sold' him to the board.

"Fortunately the board accepted my judgment and we invited him to become a director - a decision that has proved to be of great benefit to the club.

"Tom did a sterling five years as chairman and his counsel will be missed at board meetings," Mr Mussell added.

Club webmaster and former treasurer and director Rob Tudor, who also served with Mr Smith on the board and under his chairmanship, paid tribute to his diplomatic abilities.

"Tom was a very knowledgeable and cooperative board member, and as chairman an expert at leading the board to consensus.

"His experience with the National Farmers’ Federation took the club to a new level of lobbying capability.

"I always enjoyed my time working with Tom on the club board and count him as a friend."

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