The official e-newsletter of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Australia Ltd
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APRIL / MAY 2014
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UPDATE
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I'm sure that members who attended the recent CRVA national conference in Hobart will agree that it was an event filled with great content and exhibits and an outstanding social program. Keynote speakers of the calibre of Dr Keith Suter, Gerry Ryan OAM and Brad Smith, to name a few, provided delegates with insightful and diverse messages that could be used in their own businesses.
Highlights at the conference included the presentations at the Gala Dinner of the prestigious Eric Hayman Award for Excellence to Bob Browne, General Counsel, CCIA (NSW) and the inaugural Bauer Media Future Leaders Award to Joshua Carnavas, Operations Manager, Brisbane Camperland. Congratulations to you both and all of the other nominees.
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Merger of RVM Australia & CRVA
With a conference theme of "From little things big things grow", CRVA CEO Stuart Lamont concluded his opening address with the announcement of the merger between CRVA and RVM Australia. Following many months of comprehensive review and consultation by the joint working party, comprising key representatives from both organisations, the relevant motions to merge were endorsed by their respective members at extraordinary general meetings in the week leading up to the CRVA conference.
Much activity is now under way by all concerned to ensure the new Caravan Industry Association of Australia is operational from July 2014.
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RV Manufacturers' Advisory Subcommittee
In readiness for commencement of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, nominations have been called for membership of a new RV Manufacturers' Advisory Subcommittee. This subcommittee will provide RV manufacturers with direct access to Caravan Industry Association of Australia's board and play a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of RV manufacturers are heard on matters affecting the sector.
I strongly urge interested manufacturing members to consider their involvement in the new subcommittee. Nominations are due by COB on Friday 9 May 2014.
Click here to submit your nomination and/or find out more.
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Caravan vehicle registration data
The latest Caravanning Vehicle Registration Data report (December 2013) is now available to members.
Prepared for CRVA by BDO Advisory (SA) under its research program, the report provides readers with an analysis of registration data for caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes on a state-by-state basis. Although the figures were provided by the various state registration authorities, as stated in the report they have not been subjected to audit or review and therefore the report's completeness, accuracy and reliability cannot be guaranteed. It is a work in progress document that will be refined through greater collaboration with the registration authorities in the production of future editions. To receive a copy of the report, click here.
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RV production reports point to trends
Our comprehensive monthly production statistics continue to provide members with an invaluable tool to measure important trends in the marketplace for the different types and sizes of RVs.
A notable trend is the major shift of production to large towables with large poptops increasing substantially, and this shift has been confirmed by feedback from manufacturers.
If you'd like to know more about these reports, call Gabrielle O'Brien on 03-9815 2015.
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Exciting times ahead
As you would imagine, a great deal of our focus at present is in preparing for the exciting new future our industry can look forward to when Caravan Industry Association of Australia comes into being. This is a landmark event for all of us, and it promises to give our industry a more significant status - and a more powerful voice - than it has enjoyed in the past. At a time when other manufacturing industries are struggling, and other recreational sectors are under constant threat from fluctuating exchange rates, there is no doubt that the caravan and camping industries are doing well. With our new national representation through the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, we can expect to do even better.
David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
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TECHNICAL
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Click here for the full technical alert.
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Implementation of new gas regulations
Further to our workshops and previous communication, members have been informed of the adoption status of the new gas regulations AS/NZS5601.1:2013 and AS/NZS5601.2 across the nation.
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Jurisdiction
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Adoption status
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Victoria
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31 March 2014
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New South Wales
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Reviewing
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ACT
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Adopted
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Queensland
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Expected 1 July 2014
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Northern Territory
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TBC
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South Australia
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Adopted
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Tasmania
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Adopted
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Western Australia
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Adopted
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Amendments shown as highlighted
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New gas labels for gas regulations
For AS/NZS5601.2 compliance, three new or amended gas code stickers are now available from our office.
Click here for an order form.
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RVMAP update
Following the roll-out of RVMAP exactly 12 months ago, we are now well into the next cycle of compliance inspections and audits involving our entire national membership. Pleasingly, members have clearly embraced the new accreditation program as evidenced through their greater involvement at technical meetings and enquiries to our technical advisors, significant take-up of the SAI/Global subscription initiative and rectification of matters identified during the first cycle resulting in fewer non-compliances identified overall. The current cycle is expected to be completed in June/July, at which time a further review will be undertaken and modifications to the program introduced as necessary, prior to commencement of the following round during July/August.
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Introducing the new vehicle plate
After many hours of research, development and in response to member feedback, the new RVM Australia vehicle plate has arrived.
This single plate (Item C-2) replaces the two individual plates (Items C-2A and C-2B) representing a substantial cost saving when compared to buying the set of two plates.
The new plate has an aluminum (silver) background with black fields which greatly improves legibility of the manufacturer's engraved text/stamping and covers all all relevant legal and RVMAP requirements. Click here to find out more about the new plate.
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NEW MEMBER PROFILE - ENVIRO-FOAM
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This month we introduce a new member, Enviro-Foam.
How long have you been in the industry, and what got you involved in it?
Enviro-foam has been manufacturing mattresses for over 20 years as a natural extension of its origins as a manufacturer of flexible polyurethane foam.
Tell us about your product.
Enviro-foam manufactures flexible polyurethane foam, innerspring mattresses to virtually any size, foam mattresses, foam cut to shape and upholstered if needed, sofas and sofa beds.
What were the major reasons for you joining RVM Australia?
Enviro-foam joined RVM Australia to promote its products to the industry. We are a specialist foam, bedding and sofa manufacturer and offer the industry the best value product for enhancing the RV consumer's product satisfaction. Considering that most people spend most of their time in their RV sleeping it just makes sense to provide the best possible product to provide a good night's sleep. There are many sleep systems in the top-end of the market but a pillow top pocket spring mattress is probably the most popular specification. These mattresses retail for up to $3000. Our double bed Pure Sleep pillow top pocket spring mattress, made to virtually any shape, sells to RV manufacturers for under $800 FIS capital cities. Mattresses can be made to three comfort levels soft, medium and firm. We even make a composite bed that can be soft on one side and firm on the other. We have a range of Fireguard mattresses and, of course, all of our beds are upholstered with Enviro-foam, world's best environmental practice in foam manufacturing. It really is a no-brainer to spend less that $800 to get a top of the range mattress, sized to your specification, that offers your customers a 5-star quality sleep experience.
What future do you see for the RV industry in Australia?
The RV industry is one of the very few manufacturing sectors in Australia that has the potential for substantial and continued growth. Its customer base includes the baby-boomer generation retiring with superannuation payouts and a thirst for adventure.
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INMOTION ARCHIVE
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CONTACT US
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RVM Australia Ltd
Suite 3, Level 1
21 Burwood Road
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Tel: 03 9815 2015 / Fax: 03 9815 2012
Website: www.rvmaustralia.com.au
Chief Executive Officer - David Duncan
Technical Advisor - Daniel Sahlberg
Technical Advisor - Anne Campbell
Manager - Finance & Admin - Gabrielle O'Brien
All information provided in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided for general informational purposes only. The information in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided to you "as is" by RVM Australia in good faith and has been derived from sources believed by RVM Australia to be reliable and accurate at the time of providing it. However, information can change rapidly and it is not possible to guarantee that all items will be accurate at all times. RVM Australia does not warrant that the information contained in the eNewsletter is accurate, complete, current or suitable for your intended use.
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