Member Area - ACA Honour Board
Southern Cross Award Recipients

The Southern Cross Award is made to a member of the camping industry, not necessarily an ACA or other association member who has rendered strong and significant service to camping over a long period of time (usually not less than ten years).

ACA Board Members will elect Southern Cross Award Recipients.

Southern Cross Award Recipients:

Bill Bowker (dec.)

“The Camping Association of Victoria is pleased to award Bill Bowker the inaugural Southern Cross Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to camping and outdoor education.

Bill was presented with his award at the 1998 Joint Conference and Don MacDowall recalled some of Bill’s contribution…”

To read the full newsletter article in the July 1999 Camping Connections please click here.

Don MacDowall Awarded 2000/2001

Don was a branch commissioner with Scouts- Venturers and worked closely with future ACA Life Member, Bill Oakley. Don was the first Executive Officer of the Camping Association of Victoria (CAV) a role in which he served from 1984-2000.

Jenny Beales Awarded 2003

Jenny Beales was employed by Don to look after member enquiries and book sales. Jenny was the ACA’s Business Manager from 2008-9, and was given her SC Award for stepping in at short notice to act as Interim CEO in the early 2000’s.

David Strickland 

Awarded 2017. David has been a staunch supporter of the national camps and outdoor sector for decades. He has been able to use his position in the Victorian government to promote the benefits of the outdoors and to drive a wide range of projects and research that directly benefits the sector.

Grant McCance

Awarded 2017. Grant has tirelessly supported the ACA, and been instrumental in developing and growing PFD Food Service's contribution and commitment to camps in particular.

Colin Kneebone (dec)

Awarded 2017. As well as mentoring literally hundreds of outdoor staff, Col was at the forefront of online outdoor resource development via the establishment of AdventurePro.