By CASEY NEILL
THIS month marks 40 years since Gerry Ryan started what would become Australia’s largest recreational vehicles manufacturer.
Jayco today employs 1000 people in Dandenong South – a long way from the eight people Gerry had making one camper trailer a day in 1975.
But it wasn’t just for this effort that he was awarded the Corporate Citizen of the Year honour at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.
The judges said Gerry was a well-known corporate figure in Greater Dandenong.
“As well as being a strong corporate sponsor of local sporting groups such as the Dandenong Jayco Rangers, Gerry uses his skills and influence to provide opportunities for others to grow through work and training and is a passionate patron of the arts, sports and the wider local community,” they said.
Gerry told the Journal the award was very special and he was honoured to be chosen.
“I’ve always been a fan of Dandenong,” he said.
“I bought my first house in Dandenong and I’ve been in Dandenong for 40 years with my business.”
He said Jayco not only employed local people but supported local suppliers wherever possible and backed the Dandenong Rangers Women’s National Basketball League team.
Gerry was the Visy Care Centre’s founding chairman “many years ago, back in the ’90s”. The Dandenong centre provides services and activities for 12 to 25-year-olds.
He said it was the responsibility of all businesses to give back to the community.
“The community is where our employees come from, our suppliers and our customers,” he said.
Gerry’s company Global Creatures has staged Walking with Dinosaurs, King Kong and Strictly Ballroom the Musical.
He put up $150,000 to build the first animatronic dinosaur prototype in the Springvale Scout Hall.
Gerry owns Australia’s first world circuit cycling team Orica-Green Edge.
He’s developing industrial properties around Dandenong, plans to revamp his winery in Nagambie and his next move is into Willie Wonka territory.
“I’m going into chocolates next. We’re going to build a chocolate factory at Mitchelton Winery as a tourist attraction. That’s starting in May,” he said.
In 2011 Gerry was included in the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll, a nod reserved for individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to manufacturing excellence in Victoria.
“It’s all about having good people, and people that share the same vision and passion as you do,” he said.
“I’ve very proud to say I’m committed to Dandenong. Over the past 40 years it’s meant a lot to me.”
