Talent to the top

What attracted you to the role at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard?

GCCM is the most awarded marina and shipyard in Australia and is iconic in the Asia-Pacific region.

I have known Trenton Gay for many years and have visited GCCM numerous times and have always felt the opportunities to deliver the vision were numerous and exciting so when Trenton called me and suggested I come by and have a chat about building further on the achievements at GCCM ahead of the commencement of stage 2 in the Coomera precinct, I thought it would be a good fit.

It is a great opportunity to use the skills and network I have developed over 38 years in the marina industry. GCCM is very forward-looking in relation to innovation and corporate responsibility and that’s an exciting place to be for anybody.

South-east Queensland has such a high concentration of moored crafts so the activity can be frenetic at times and that’s without the vessels travelling from interstate and our neighbours in the Pacific, to the Coomera Marine Precinct for service and refit.

What does the Chief Operating Officer role entail?

As COO of GCCM I am responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Shipyard, Marina and Dry store.

I am very fortunate to have a highly experienced Team at GCCM who pride themselves on surpassing our customers’ expectations. With our experienced lift crews carefully lifting vessels for our 90 businesses around the hardstand to perform their magic it can be a very exciting time.

Dealing with Australia’s most experienced marine businesses and trades is a pleasure. I am always looking for new innovations to roll out on the shipyard so that we can improve the customers’ experiences during service or refit. We are very pleased with the ‘Closing The Loop on Waste’ environmental initiative that GCCM has embraced to ensure that we absolutely minimise waste to landfill.

I am enjoying involvement with this program as it is truly amazing what our shipyard waste stream can be used for other than landfill.

What attributes/skills/expertise will you apply to the role?

The future success of GCCM is very much a team effort so I am fortunate to be able to use my leadership and communication skills to work with our Team to meet and surpass our customers’ needs. The Marine and Marina networks throughout the Asia Pacific region are close-knit and very supportive of our shared customers.

During my 38 years in the industry, I’ve visited hundreds of marinas both in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region. This has given me an insight into what our customers want and their changing expectations as technology and innovation has extended their abilities to cruise further with larger and more specialised vessels.

I have undertaken my marina management accreditations through the MIA in the early 2000s and was accredited as the 115^th Certified Marina Manager, building a great network during that process and equally I have benefitted greatly from giving my time to educate the up-and-coming managers.

What are the main challenges and opportunities for the Australian marina industry, and more locally, Queensland?

The Australian Marina Industry is well positioned to carry on the successes of the past two years influenced by the lack of International travel with significant investment in south-east Queensland ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.

The forward orders for larger vessels built in Australia are unprecedented and all of those new vessels need berths and eventually maintenance. The boats are getting larger and more sophisticated so the opportunities and demands of the marinas and shipyards are increasing dramatically. We hear of new marinas that are being planned and rebuilds of old marinas to meet the market of the larger white boats requiring berths.

It really is an exciting time to be involved in the Marine and Marina industries. It truly is a great career for all to consider when starting out or resetting career goals. The opportunities to join the marina industry are plentiful Internationally and Australian-trained professionals are held in good stead.

Will you retain the position of President of MIA?

The position of President of the MIA is an annually elected position. I have held the position for a few years now and certainly put significant effort into the programs and opportunities for the members both marinas and suppliers.

Having sat on the MIA Board for nearly 20 years, I’m very proud of what we have achieved as a group of volunteers through downturns in the economy, COVID and natural disasters. The MIA has grown significantly on the back of a united industry and programs that are delivered to the members.

The Marinas 22 conference held on the Gold Coast in May was our most successful conference ever and the feedback was very supportive. I am happy to continue to serve the membership of the MIA and believe that I still have more to offer the Board as we move on with the new initiatives of the Mymarina guide, Marine Jobs and the Superyacht ready component that will soon be launched within the gold anchor program.

What are you looking forward to achieving in 2022–3?

I’m looking forward to meeting our loyal and new customers at GCCM with innovative projects that we can participate in the innovation and sustainability that will drive the future of boating.

The EV and hydrogen projects are particularly exciting but, equally, we will be embracing projects and opportunities in 2023 that we haven’t even discussed at this time. Innovation is moving so fast. Exciting days ahead at GCCM!

 gccm.com.au