About
The Consumer Household Equipment Rental Providers Association Inc., or CHERPA, is the peak body representing the interests of Australia’s household goods rental industry. Our membership comprises a broad range of industry professionals, with the intent of providing rental operators a persuasive voice to government, consumer groups, and other key stakeholders.
Membership of CHERPA comes with a range of benefits, not least of which is to help customers recognise each member company as a reliable and trustworthy provider of household rentals. A CHERPA membership demonstrates adherance to our code of practice, which sets high professional and ethical standards for all members. For our members’ clients, membership establishes their integrity and commitment to professionalism, promoting confidence in an industry that in past has suffered from a lack of regulation and an unscrupulous aspect to many of its operations.
We invite all representatives of the Australian household goods rental industry to become members of CHERPA. Membership is created through a simple eligibility application, and a highly affordable annual fee, a cost we believe provides a return on its investment many times over.
For current members, now is the time to spread the word and try to increase the membership of CHERPA – remember, the greater our numbers, the greater our voice!
Key Committee Members
Steven King – President
Steven King is a director of OzeRentals Pty Ltd, a Tasmanian-based rental franchise operation that has since expanded its franchises interstate. A serial entrepreneur, Steve has also operated a micro-lending business, as well as a small manufacturer of domestic and commercial cleaning products. Prior to his business ventures, Steve worked as a whitegoods service technician for over twenty years, and still occasionally gets calls requesting him to fix a stove or washing machine. A family man and father of five, Steve is also an alderman of the Glenorchy City Council.
Ian Stewart – Vice President
Ian Stewart is the owner and founder of 1st Choice Rentals, a proud family-operated business which commenced in 1995 and operates nationwide, also trading under the brand name “Home Appliance Rentals”. Ian was formally the State Credit Manager in NSW for Rentlo (division of Philips) and has also been State Credit Manager for Boral and others. Ian is the father of 2 children and is actively involved in supporting worthwhile causes such as community groups, medical research, and local netball. Ian works tirelessly on behalf of the Appliance Rental Industry and is a founding member of CHERPA.
Suzanne Adams – Secretary
Suzanne Adams is a director of BJ Hire Appliance Rentals, a Melbourne-based consumer leasing company. Suzanne has been running this business for over 25 years and has lead them through the vigorous process of being compliant with ASIC and Consumer Affairs. A family-orientated businesswoman, Suzanne is also a mother of five (dog is included in this count).