The Compass Dinner delivered a fitting finale to the 2025 Captains of Industry Roundtable – an evening that brought captains, owners and industry leaders together for honest conversation, reflection and connection after a full day of open dialogue.
Held at Ripples Waterfront, the inaugural Compass Dinner began against sweeping views of Darling Harbour and the Maritime Museum’s vessels – a calm contrast to a full day of robust industry discussion. As over 80 guests settled into the sunset-lit dining room, Hillary Buckman welcomed the room and acknowledged the shared effort behind the day. “It’s so lovely to end the day together, continuing those conversations over good food, great wine and even better company,” she said.
Hillary also acknowledged the collective effort behind the event’s success. “Events like this don’t just happen – they’re built on shared purpose and the generosity of those who believe in what we’re trying to achieve.” She thanked Ocean Media’s partners for helping to ensure these conversations continue and grow.
Instead of a traditional keynote, the evening featured an unscripted conversation between two remarkable Australians.
“I didn’t want a typical keynote,” Hillary said. “I wanted something personal – something that would spark conversation and connection.”
First to speak was Dr Daniel Nour, founder of Street Side Medics and 2022 Young Australian of the Year. He shared the mission behind the doctor-led mobile service providing free medical care to people experiencing homelessness. “In a wealthy society, homelessness is a visible indicator of disadvantage,” he said. “We meet people where they feel safe, on their terms.”
He was followed by Mike McDowell – explorer, expedition leader and founder of Quark Expeditions and Deep Ocean Expeditions. From polar voyages to deep-sea dives to the Titanic, Mike offered a perspective shaped by curiosity, risk and a lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries.
Together, their stories – one humanitarian, one exploratory – created a powerful contrast rooted in purpose and action.
After dinner, guests moved to the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard bar, where Pommery Royal Blue Sky champagne and whisky by the water kept conversations flowing late into the night. Captains and industry leaders continued to unpack ideas raised during the Roundtable – clear evidence of the appetite for ongoing connection and collaboration.
The evening ended with a charity auction of a Seiko Prospex “Save the Ocean” Limited Edition timepiece. Cameron Bray of The Superyacht People made the winning $10,000 bid, celebrated with a trademark bear hug from GCCM CEO and SeaKeeper Trustee, Trent Gay. Funds raised will support The International SeaKeepers Society and its scientific and educational programs across the South Pacific.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear the Compass Dinner had become more than an elegant end to the Roundtable – it’s now a key chapter in the Captains of Industry platform, built on leadership, generosity and shared purpose.
Read full recap here
With special thanks and appreciation to our event partners:
Signature Partners
Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard
Elite Partners
Benetti Yachts | The House of Yachting
Ocean Partners
Boating Industry Association (BIA)
Roman Liebich (Videography)
