New board members for Reflections Holidays

The NSW Government has appointed two new members and a new chairperson to the board of the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager, Reflections Holidays, effective from 1 May 2024.

Reflections manages holiday parks on Crown land adjoining pristine reserves in some of the state's most beautiful locations, offering affordable nature-based experiences including cabins, caravans and wilderness camping accommodation.

Reflections Holidays manages 40 parks in coastal and inland areas across NSW - such as Byron Bay Holiday Park on the north coast, Lake Keepit Holiday Park in the north-west, and Eden Holiday Park on the south coast - reinvesting its profits back into the reserves it manages.

After an extensive open recruitment process, Crown Lands has appointed Ms Julie Osborne as Chair of the Reflections Holidays board and Ms Sally Barnes and Mr Justin Hales as members of the six member board. Their terms will be for five-years from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2029.

The board is established under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 to govern the strategic direction and financial management of Reflections Holidays. The appointments are part of a board renewal process as terms of three existing members including the previous Chair come to an end.

Ms Osborne is an experienced company director and Chair and an existing member of the Reflections Holidays board. Her experience and affinity with the values of Reflections Holidays make her an excellent choice as the new Chair.

Ms Barnes brings a wealth of experience in public land and asset management through executive roles she has held with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Capital Authority in the ACT.

Mr Justin Hales, as the current CEO of Camplify, brings his passion and knowledge for the camping and caravan sector and digital innovation to the role of board member.

In financial year 2023, Reflections Holidays generated $111 million in economic value to regional NSW. With the assistance of a NSW Government $28 million capital loan, Reflections has completed upgrades of park accommodation at parks at Bermagui, Massey Green, Lennox Head, Ferry Reserve, Moonee Beach, Byron Bay, Jimmy's Beach, Shaws Bay, Scotts Head, Lake Keepit and Evans Head.

Crown Lands Deputy Secretary Mel Hawyes said the new members will equip the Reflections Holidays board to meet future opportunities and challenges.

"I thank the three outgoing board members, the former chair Wendy Machin, Chris Shaw and Matthew Toohey, for their work and congratulate and welcome the new members and chair to their positions," Ms Hawyes said.

"The board plays a vital role in ensuring Reflections Holidays parks on Crown land are well managed to deliver great experiences for guests, while supporting regional tourism and the local economies where they are located."

Reflections Holiday Board Chair Julie Osborne said she was delighted to be appointed to the Chair role after four years as a member of the Reflections Holidays board.

"This is a unique organisation with an exciting future and I'm looking forward to working with an experienced and talented team of board members," Ms Osborne said.

Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker paid tribute to the outgoing Chair, Ms Wendy Machin, who oversaw a period of strategic reinvigoration and growth.

"Wendy's vision, guidance and dedication have contributed to the growth and success of Reflections Holidays. Wendy has led the organisation through a period of transformation, and we are very grateful for her significant contribution over the past five years as Chair and 10 years as a member of the board," Mr Baker said.