communities
What leadership looks like when it starts early.
9th March 2026
Strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built by people who show up, earn trust and take responsibility, often long before anyone calls them a leader.
Leadership in the caravan park industry does not always arrive with a title. More often, it starts quietly. It begins in junior or casual roles, on the ground where the work actually happens. It shows up as reliability, curiosity, calm problem solving and a willingness to step up long before it comes with a title.
That idea sits at the heart of the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award. The award is part of the annual CPAQ Awards program delivered by Caravanning Queensland. It recognises team members under 30 who are already making a real difference within their holiday parks and showing strong potential for the future of the industry.
For people living in land lease communities, or considering onsite caravans, this matters. Strong parks depend on people who know the work, care about others and earn trust over time. Those qualities help build the kind of communities many residents value.
The award is named in honour of Simon Warner. Simon grew up working in his family’s caravan park and was widely respected for his strong work ethic and practical approach. He was known as someone who put his hand up, found solutions and looked after people.
In 2002, at just 22 years old, Simon tragically lost his life in a workplace accident. He was posthumously recognised as the inaugural Young Achiever. The award was later renamed to honour his legacy.
Today, the award continues to reflect the qualities Simon was known for. It is not about fast promotion or flashy achievements. It is about recognising leadership that is earned through everyday actions.
Looking across recent recipients of the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award, a clear pattern emerges.
None of these young people started in leadership roles. They began where the work is. Frontline, operational or junior positions. Over time, they learned how their parks actually run.
They earned trust by being useful, reliable and calm under pressure. They showed curiosity and a willingness to learn. Leadership followed behaviour, not ambition.
Some improved systems. Others supported teams or enhanced guest experiences. A few stepped up during difficult moments. In every case, leadership appeared well before it was formally recognised.
MHIA has been a long-standing sponsor of the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award because these qualities matter. Not just within parks, but across the communities they serve.
As a specialist insurer, we have always focused on understanding how caravan parks, land lease communities and holiday destinations actually operate. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, we focused on building trust by staying close to the community and responding to real needs.
Many MHIA customers live in onsite caravans or manufactured homes. Community matters. Long term relationships matter. Trust matters. Supporting an award that recognises earned leadership is a natural fit.
Nominations for the 2026 Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award are now open.
You might have a child, grandchild or family member working in a caravan or holiday park. You might know a young person who consistently goes above and beyond, even if they do not see themselves as a leader.
Sometimes, awareness is all it takes. A quiet conversation can help an emerging leader take the next step.
Over the past six years, recipients of the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award have shown the kind of leadership that strengthens parks and communities.
2020 – Cheyenne Sadler
Starting as a casual in food and beverage, Cheyenne quickly demonstrated initiative and strong business sense. She progressed into leadership roles and drove practical improvements that enhanced guest experience, including the park’s first mobile refreshment station.
2021 – Brooke Turner
Having grown up around Broadwater Tourist Park, Brooke helped with park activities from a young age. She later moved into senior guest services and acting management roles, earning trust through consistency, capability and care for guests and staff.
2022 – Tiarna-Lee Mackie
Beginning in guest services, Tiarna Lee stepped up during the pandemic. She managed high pressure situations, supported teams and strengthened operations, setting a benchmark for professionalism and resilience early in her career.
2023 – Brendan Lane
Brendan’s hands on leadership and commitment to continuous improvement saw him play a key role in major park projects. He combined practical problem solving with a strong understanding of how the park operates day to day.
2024 – Callum Woodrow
Known for his can-do attitude, Callum took on responsibilities well beyond his original maintenance role. He developed new skills, supported projects and became a trusted problem-solver within his park.
2025 – Matt McDonald
Stepping into a park management role early in his career, Matt demonstrated calm leadership during challenging circumstances. He delivered strong operational outcomes while supporting his team and strengthening industry relationships.
Awards like the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year do more than recognise individual effort. They make visible the everyday leadership that keeps parks running well and communities strong.
When leadership starts early, built on trust, responsibility and real experience, the future of the industry is in capable hands.