Carac's Dandenong Caravan Accessories has been serving the caravanning community for over 50 years and run by our family for three generations.
From humble beginnings where caravan parts and accessories were an add-on to our automotive business, a boom in caravanning in the last three decades has seen this become the number one focus of our business. From our store in Dandenong South we can supply just about anything one might need for their next caravanning or camping adventure.
In 2017 we were thrilled to be awarded the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria (CIAV) Retailer of the year. This was a fitting recognition of our decades of hard work.
We aim to be the only place you trust with products, services and advice for you and your family’s next caravanning adventure.
Ashley James - General Manager
Ashley grew up as a typical larrikin kid, dreaming about Australian Rules Football, Holden cars, V8’s and motor racing. From a young age Ashley wanted nothing more than to work in the family business – Autobarn Dandenong. In 2000, having completed his Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting and Marketing he found employment with an accounting firm. Following this he worked in marketing with a chemical company. Soon after, and much to his delight, the opportunity presented itself to join the family business. From 2001 until 2014 Ashley successfully managed Autobarn Dandenong.
Ashley’s love of cars continued, however his perspective on life had changed somewhat with two beautiful young and adventurous boys by his side. Ashley found himself wondering what it would be like to own a caravan and hit the road with his family. Ashley’s interest in the caravan industry continued to grow and in 2014 he decided he would shift his focus from Autobarn to Carac. Since 2014, Ashley has worked, and continues to work tirelessly on bringing Carac into the modern era, and providing a structure and framework that will see it continue well into the future. When you talk to Ashley, or hear him speak about Carac, you can feel the sense of nostalgia and pride in the history that surrounds it. Ashley is extremely excited about the future of Carac, as well as the Caravan Industry as a whole.
Tammy James - Administration Manager
Tammy grew up on a sheep farm in the Western District of Victoria. It was there she learnt that hard work and commitment were the keys to success. In 1999, having completed her Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Economics, Management & Marketing, she found employment with an insurance company. Whilst there, she continued to work hard at her studies, and in 2001 gained her Fellowship with the Institute of Insurance & Finance.
After a short and successful career in Insurance, Tammy’s attention turned to motherhood. Caravanning soon became Tammy’s favourite style of family holiday, and the family became regulars at their favourite camping locations, Barwon Heads & Inverloch.
As their children grew and eventually went off to school, Tammy was able to give her husband - Ashley a helping hand with the family business. Tammy has been instrumental in the growth of the business, and takes pride in making sure Carac is the best it can be. Tammy has been involved in many projects over the years, however her greatest joy is the success and ongoing development of the Carac online store. If you have had the pleasure of dealing with Tammy, you will know that she is highly organised and prides herself on a level of customer service that goes above and beyond
Glenn Moyle - Store Manager
Glenn is our Store Manager and has been a Retail Manager for approximately 35 years of his working career, Glenn also has a background in Electronics which transformed into a passion for audio many years ago, this lead to the design and construction of many made to order audio components for those seeking a one off specialty product or item, some of the items designed and built were 2 channel class A and AB audio amplifiers, Direct line Pre Amplifiers, multi channel volume control systems for home theatre applications and various other one off items.
Glenn has been the Carac Store Manager and the Service Manager since 2018 and has been involved in the Caravan Service industry for approximately 10 years now.
Glenn’s background also includes low voltage electrical systems such as Solar, Batteries, Regulators and Inverters etc, so if you're thinking about upgrades or changes to your Caravan, Glenn will be more than happy to help you calculate your requirements, or just discuss the options.
Glenn has been a caravan owner and enthusiast for 3 decades and is happy to discuss all aspects of this recreational lifestyle, so if you would like some help or an opinion on an idea you might have or some advise on an upgrade, come into Carac and bend his ear.
Judith Allison - Purchasing Manager
Judith is our Purchasing Manager at Carac and has been with us since Feb 2016 starting out as a front of register team member. In 2017 Judith was promoted to the position of Purchasing Manager, where she continues to work today. Before coming to Carac, Judith had a nineteen year career in supermarket management. Giving her the skill set needed to perform her role so diligently at Carac.
Below is a summary of Judith's career before joining us at Carac.
Judith's career started as Night Manager with Payless Supabarn which she performed for 5 years before moving to Ritchies Supermarkets. Judith was with Ritchies for 19 years, during which time she had various management roles throughout the stores, 4 years as Night Manager in two different stores, then she was promoted to Assistant Store Manager which she performed for a further 5 years. Judith continued with Ritchies, however changed stores to further her career as Dairy/Freezer Manager which she performed for a further 10 years.
Jude has a great love of the outdoors, and looks forward to her camping trips away in her Jayco caravan with her two much loved dogs.
In 2021 we were so thrilled for Judith winning Employee of the Year in Retail at the Caravan Industry of Victoria's Hall of Fame & Business Awards. The award was fitting for the hard work and dedication Judith has shown in her role at Carac.
Judith has very much become part of the Carac family and we are very fortunate to have her on the team.