MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
09 May 2025
Publishers note
At my somewhat crusty old age, it takes quite a bit to surprise me. Yet this week, I found myself genuinely taken aback by what I witnessed at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards.
The evening—expertly orchestrated by CEO Suzanne Davies, President Andrew Chapman, and Chairman of the GMI and long-time MIA member Bruce Birtwistle—was a celebration of true industry excellence.
I have no doubt the judges faced an incredibly difficult task in selecting winners. The calibre of the entrants was nothing short of outstanding. Every participant should be proud—not just for putting their products and services forward, but for being recognised as finalists or, indeed, winners on the night.
I can still clearly recall the early days (a long time ago), sitting in the office, listening to those speaking about an idea to form a dedicated association to serve the marina industry. That idea ultimately became what we now know as the Marina Industries Association (MIA). What I never could have imagined, however, was the profound and positive international impact it would come to have. The evening’s program even included, among many other categories, an International Marina of the Year Award.
The awards weren't just about recognising marinas themselves—they also highlighted the remarkable talent behind them. We saw honours such as the Emerging Talent Award and the Industry Woman of the Year Award, shining a light on the people shaping the future of the sector.
Some businesses have been so consistently successful—not only this year, but in previous years as well—that they have earned a place in the prestigious “Hall of Fame.”
Every attendee could be considered a winner, but none more so than Gold Coast City Marina, who may need to book excess baggage to carry home their impressive haul of trophies and framed certificates to the G.C.
Congratulations to MIA, and to all Marina Industry entrants, runners-up, and winners.
I do hope you enjoy this week’s news.
Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.
Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
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