Jayco founder Gerry Ryan has been awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. This recognises his long-standing contribution to Australian manufacturing, tourism and sport.
The honour was announced on 26 January as part of the national Australia Day awards. It acknowledges Mr Ryan’s decades of involvement in business and sports governance. In addition, it recognises his role in building one of Australia’s most recognisable caravan manufacturing brands.
Mr Ryan founded Jayco in Victoria in the 1970s. The company has since grown into Australia’s largest manufacturer of caravans and recreational vehicles. Its products are now widely used by travellers in caravan parks and campgrounds across the country.
Jayco’s long-running manufacturing presence in Victoria has made the brand a familiar part of caravan parks and touring routes across Australia.
Beyond manufacturing, Mr Ryan is also well known for his involvement in professional sport. He has been a long-term owner of the Melbourne Storm NRL club. Furthermore, he has supported multiple sporting codes at both grassroots and elite levels.
The Australia Day honour does not indicate any operational or product changes at Jayco. Manufacturing and supply arrangements remain unchanged.
The recognition highlights the continued importance of Australian-based manufacturing within the caravan and camping sector. Domestic travel remains a key part of Australia’s tourism landscape.
