38 | WATERLINE July 2026 MIA MEMBERS SHINE AT THE 2026 AUSTRALIAN MARINE INDUSTRY AWARDS Following many insightful ASMEX 2026 conference sessions, the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards were held on 19 May at The Langham, Gold Coast. MIA members took home multiple awards and earned finalist recognition across several categories, reflecting the innovation and excellence that defines our industry. Marine Structures claimed the Superyacht Industry Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year Award for its Port Denarau Marina project in Fiji — delivering the country’s first mega yacht berth capable of accommodating vessels up to 115 metres using its Australian-engineered Super Elite Marina System. The judges also awarded Marine Structures a Highly Commended Certificate in the Commercial Project of the Year for the Coffs Harbour Marina redevelopment, recognising the project’s innovation and scale in transforming regional marina infrastructure. Coral Sea Marina Resort took home the inaugural Superyacht Facility of the Year — a new addition to this year’s awards program. As the only 5 Gold Anchor Platinum and Superyacht Ready marina on the Great Barrier Reef, and the largest superyacht berthing facility in the Whitsundays, Coral Sea Marina has continued to lead the way following major infrastructure upgrades completed in 2025. We also congratulate three members recognised as finalists. Bellingham Marine was a finalist in the Marine Innovation of the Year Award; M-Tech was shortlisted for Exporter of the Year; and Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard was a finalist in the Marketing Strategy of the Year — all strong acknowledgements of the capability and ambition within our membership. Three MIA members played a prominent role as Award Presenting Partners on the night. Paul Sorrell, General Manager of Main Beach Superyacht Marina, presented all three superyacht category awards. Jeanette Harris, Director of Property and Marina at Hamilton Island Marina, presented the Marine Marketing Strategy of the Year. And Steve Bay, Director of International Business at Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, had the honour of presenting the evening’s most prestigious accolade, the Marine Industry Champion of the Year. MIA congratulates all winners and particularly the 2026 Apprentice of the Year, Riviera’s Laura Hillman who was recognised for her strong technical development and genuine passion for the marine sector. Laura’s prize includes joining the Australian delegation in Amsterdam at METSTRADE later in the year. Congratulations to all MIA members who participated in the awards and especially to the winners and finalists. Your achievements reflect the strength of our industry and the high standards MIA members bring to everything they do. RIVERGATE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS SUPPORTING AUSTRALIA'S SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY SAVE THE DATES Rivergate Marina & Shipyard has celebrated 20 years of operating as one of Australia's leading superyacht refit, repair and maintenance facilities. Since its opening in 2006, Rivergate has grown into a recognised destination for visiting superyachts, commercial vessels and marine industry operators. Speaking at a recent industry gathering, Rivergate Co-owner and Director, Judy Brinsmead AM reflected on the vision behind the development. “We believed Australia would become a superyacht destination and not just a stopover,” she said. “Brisbane was a natural choice – ideally positioned at the midpoint of the eastern seaboard, with direct access to a major capital city, an international airport and the gateway to Australia’s finest cruising grounds, including the Great Barrier Reef. Brinsmead noted that while the original development underestimated the future growth in superyacht size and the amount of workspace required to support industry partners, the facility has continued to evolve alongside industry demand. Rivergate has played a significant role in the development of Australia's superyacht sector. Jeremy Spear, President of AIMEXSuperyacht Australia, said the facility had been instrumental in attracting international superyachts and cruising vessels to the region. For more information, visit rivergate.com.au TOP: John Hogan CMP, Marine Structures BOTTOM: Joscelyn O’Keefe (L), Amber Smithson (R), Coral Sea Marina Resort Photo credits: Superyacht Australia Sydney Boat Show Sydney Showground 30 July - 2 August 2026 Perth Boat Show Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre 4 - 6 September 2026 Melbourne Boat Show Docklands 15 - 18 October 2026 NZMOA Marina & Boatyard Conference Tauranga, New Zealand 23 - 25 September 2026 INDUSTRY NEWS
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