6 | WATERLINE July 2025 The second new award introduced for 2025, the Industry Woman of the Year Award, made an exceptional debut, attracting a strong and diverse field of nominations from across the marina sector. While women currently comprise only 20– 30% of the industry’s workforce—often in administrative or support roles—this award cast a spotlight on those leading in frontline operations, shipyard management, construction, compliance, and executive positions. The calibre of nominees reflected the industry’s evolving landscape and the growing presence of women shaping its future. This important award recognises outstanding achievement, perseverance, leadership, and contribution by women who are actively transforming the marina industry into a more inclusive and progressive environment. The six finalists in the award’s inaugural year were each leaders in their own right: Mintira Sawangphong, Operations Supervisor at Ocean Marina Jomtien; Stephanie Trounce, WHS Property and Compliance Manager at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard; Kate Purdie CMP, CEO of Coral Sea Marina Resort; Nicky Vaux, Partner and Business Development Manager at Empire Marinas Group; Angela Melville, Service Manager at White Bay 6 Marine Park; and Woranart Wongwanich, Marina Director at Royal Phuket Marina. Mintira “Min” Sawangphong received a Highly Commended honour for her remarkable 33-year contribution to Ocean Marina Jomtien, where she plays a pivotal role in daily operations and liaising with Thai government authorities. The winner of the 2025 Industry Woman of the Year Award, Stephanie Trounce, was recognised for her outstanding leadership in safety and compliance at one of Australia’s busiest marine facilities. Her ability to apply high-level WHS knowledge to the complex demands of a shipyard environment has set a new benchmark for operational excellence. It was a standout night for Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), which claimed the Marina of the Year Award (over 140 boats), Boatyard of the Year (over 20 boats) and Dry Stack Facility Award. Celebrating 25 years of trailblazing excellence, GCCM has transformed former farming paddocks into a world-class marina and shipyard, playing a pivotal role in the development of the Coomera marine precinct. The marina boasts 200 berths, a 300-vessel dry stack and a shipyard incorporating 50,000 sqm of hardstand, multiple vessels lifting options up to 300 tonne, sandblasting bays, keel pits and undercover sheds. Underscoring its commitment to sustainability and service, the marina is Gold Anchor, Superyacht Ready and Clean Marina accredited and delivers premium customer amenities. Owner Trent Gay, said “While my family had built the business from the ground up following the purchase of the site in 1996, the award is important recognition of our team, who continue to deliver for customers day in, day out.” The flagship Marina of the Year categories were more competitive than ever. With two strong, yet vastly different finalists, including 2023 winner, Marina Mirage. The recently redeveloped Jones Bay Superyacht Marina in Pyrmont, Sydney, emerged victorious as the Marina of the Year under 140 boats. Managed by Scope Marine’s Nairn Johnson CMM and Scott Cotton CMM, the new state of the art facility accommodates vessels ranging from 20 to over 100 metres, offering advanced features such as 500-amp shore power and innovative in-berth black water pump-out—hallmarks of a truly world-class superyacht destination. MARINA OF THE YEAR AWARDS Stephanie Trounce, Angela Melville, Mintira Sawangphong, Kate Purdie, Nicky Vaux Trent Gay and the GCCM team Bruce Birtwistle CMP, General Manager Bellingham Marine with Nairn Johnson CMM
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