March 2025 WATERLINE | 27 FEATURE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY KELLIE MCMILLAN, Waterline Co-ordinator, has been contracting to the MIA since 2019, commencing with a small project on database administration and Gold Anchor customer surveys. After relocating to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Kellie took on role of Waterline Co-ordinator starting with the Marinas22 Conference wrap up edition. Kellie has been instrumental in evolving and growing the Waterline magazine and is driven in delivering timely, relevant and educational content to industry. In addition to co-ordinating the Waterline magazine, Kellie is an independent Gold Anchor assessor and Marina of the Year Awards judge. Her commitment to high standards and attention to detail make her a valuable contributor in all aspects of her role with the MIA. Some of you may have met Kellie at Marinas24 and will no doubt hear more from her as she works alongside Silvia in coordinating Marinas26. With a family of keen sailors, Kellie’s greatest accomplishment, and first offshore passage, was sailing from Sydney Harbour to Lord Howe Island. If not on the water, you will find Kellie on the softball diamond, often travelling to Masters tournaments around the country. Her on field highlight was being nominated for the 2024 Queensland All Stars Team. What is your background, your industry experience and what does your role with NM Insurance involve? I’ve always lived in Adelaide and have been in the Marine Insurance Industry for 35 years. Having joined NM Insurance in 2007, my role with the company has been very diverse. As Business Development Manager I support and work with insurance brokers partners in SA, NT & WA, and provide assistance to our dealer market (SA & NT) on insurance queries. I have been on the BIA SA State Council for nine years and enjoy the interaction with industry people about all things marine from a local perspective to interstate. What inspired you to become involved in the marine/insurance industry? My dad always had fishing boats, and my uncle had ski boats so growing up I was lucky to go fishing and waterskiing whenever we had the opportunity. I was very fortunate to “fall” into the marine insurance industry after finishing Year 12 and having a passion for boats certainly helped. What have been some of your greatest successes in the marine/ insurance industry? Starting NM Insurance in South Australia from a “blank canvas” and building the marine portfolio and a network of brokers and dealers to sell your insurance was a great achievement. It is pleasing to see the company is celebrating its’ 20-year birthday this year. From your exposure to our generally male dominated industry, tell us honestly about your experience as a woman. Do you think you are treated differently? When I first started in the marine industry in Adelaide there were very few women, and most were partners of the business owner helping run the business. I made friendships with these ladies as I would see them regularly and at Industry Events which helped breakdown any barriers. I also became involved with a voluntary on water marine group which was challenging as I was the only “young female” at the time. I don’t believe I have been treated any differently, however sometimes I did have to work extra hard to build relationships. Lucky for me I have knowledge about boats so that was an advantage. What advice would you give other women working in the marine industry? My advice to women in our industry would be to believe in your abilities and assert yourself, find a mentor, continue being educated and trained, and build a strong network with other professionals What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? We have a holiday home on Yorke Peninsula, and I love going over there for beach walks, fishing and relaxing with my family. I also enjoy watching my son play football (Aussie Rules) and cricket on weekends. Q & A WITH TRISH FLAHERTY WESTERN REGION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER SA, NT & WA, NM INSURANCE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1