44 | WATERLINE December 2025 MEMBERS Over recent months, the MIA has been travelling across the country to meet with members and MIA sponsors in key coastal regions. Stretching from Southeast Queensland to Melbourne, Sydney Harbour to South Sydney, and across Tasmania, the meetings have reinforced the value of coming together to share knowledge, solve regional challenges, and build lasting industry connections. SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND, AUGUST Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron The first stop was the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS), a two-time Nautilus Marine Insurance Club of the Year, and 5 Gold Anchor, Clean Marina & Fish Friendly accredited facility. The gathering brought together MIA Directors, members and sponsors for an engaging afternoon hosted by RQYS CEO Karen Baldwin, who also chairs the Marinas26 organising committee. Marina Manager Glen Scott kicked off the session with a guided walking tour, showcasing the impressive operational standards and quality amenities that set RQYS apart. Around 40 attendees shared updates on major developments. Maritime Safety Queensland concluded the session with a practical briefing on safety and compliance, tailored to the region's key concerns. VICTORIA, OCTOBER Although numbers were limited for a formal meeting, MIA Operations Manager Chris Stone used the Melbourne Boat Show as an opportunity to connect with members across the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. Commencing at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron — Clean Marina and Fish Friendly accredited — Chris met with Marina Manager Albe Bosman and CEO Andrew Cooper to discuss sustainability initiatives and recent facility enhancements. Next was d’Albora Boatyard Martha Cove, where General Manager Paul Vernon showed Chris the advanced boat stacker system, highlighting the team’s strong operational standards and clear pride in their work. Continuing north, Chris visited the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Marina & Boatyard Manager Max Leonard shared progress on the club’s slipway upgrade project and proudly introduced their new Crib Point Engineering straddle carrier. Chris’ day wrapped up at Crib Point Engineering, Westernport — a family-run business with more than 50 years of maritime manufacturing expertise. On the factory floor, Empire Marinas’ latest straddle carrier under construction offered a standout example of Australian engineering capability. MIA HITS THE ROAD REGIONAL MEETINGS ACROSS AUSTRALIA By Silvia Jura, Administration & Communications Coordinator MIA MIA Board of Directors and Karen Baldwin, CEO RQYS Chris Stone, MIA and Paul Vernon, d’Albora Boatyard Martha Cove Chris Stone, MIA and Albe Bosman, Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron Max Leonard, Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1