September 2026 WATERLINE | 29 MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE This year's Intermediate Marina Management (IMM) course drew a record 30 delegates to Fremantle Sailing Club, the largest cohort in the course's history. Over four days, delegates split into two groups for more intimate concurrent sessions, then came back together for joint sessions that sparked robust discussion across the full cohort. The curriculum covered people leadership and culture, sustainability and environmental management, customer experience, safety and emergency management, finance foundations, marketing and communication, marina law, and the industry's future direction. Delegates left with a broader, more strategic view of marina management and operations, practical tools for their own facilities, and a stronger network of peers tackling similar challenges. The cohort reflected the diversity of our industry, eight representatives from the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) WA were joined by delegates from New Zealand, Phuket, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Operational, advocacy and industry development, asset management and senior leadership roles were all represented, making for rich conversation as different parts of the sector compared notes on shared challenges. Outside the classroom, delegates toured three sites: Fremantle Sailing Club, Aquarama Marina and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. On the final day, each group presented a facilities enhancement project to a review panel, drawing on the week's learning to develop a profit or value-enhancement proposal for their assigned facility. Networking was built into every part of the week, from a welcome dinner on Sunday evening to the Bellingham Sponsor Dinner on Tuesday, giving delegates plenty of opportunities to connect outside the classroom. Thanks go to this year's presenters for generously sharing their time and knowledge: • Chris Mather, Executive Director, Maritime DTMI • Steve Ottaway CMM, Boatyard Services Manager, Fremantle Sailing Club • Lorraine Yates CMP, General Manager, White Bay 6 Marine Park • Tim Smith, Principal, McInnes Wilson Lawyers • Bruce Birtwistle CMP, General Manager, Bellingham Marine • Phil Wardale CMM, Managing Director, Wardale Ltd It was a week that reflected the marina industry’s strong commitment to professional development, and to the connections that come with it. Looking ahead: Enrolments are now open for the 2027 IMM course on the Gold Coast, and the 2027 AMM course in Melbourne. For more information, contact: Lily Peel, MIA Industry Training & Development Coordinator education@marinas.net.au RECORD NUMBERS AT FREMANTLE IMM COURSE By Lily Peel, MIA Industry Training & Development Coordinator Royal Freshwater Bay Marina Aquarama Marina
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