At the 2024 Dealer Awards event in Melbourne, Australia, former Jayco Australia Chairman Wilbur Bontrager presented Gerry Ryan, Jayco Australia founder and owner, with the Founders Award.
The award recognizes Jayco Australia’s 50 years in business and Ryan’s efforts to lead the manufacturer to success. Jayco dealers came together to honor Ryan with a large bronze Blue Jay.
Ryan founded Jayco Australia in 1975 with a team of eight working out of a small shed in Cranbourne. In 1975, the Jayco team built its first travel trailer and quickly expanded operations to Virginia Street, Springvale.
By the end of the year, Jayco Australia made 526 travel trailers.
To commemorate the milestone, Jayco Australia unveiled its 2025 models at the company’s Melbourne headquarters Jan. 31-Feb. 2. At the unveiling, Ryan spoke about his humble beginnings and passion for building RVs and arranged for a production facility tour.
To finish the weekend, Jayco Australia held an informal RV show with 40–50 new models on display.
