“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.  The River further offers deep water access, at all tides.

We opened in 2006, after six years of meticulous planning and construction, with our world class facilities and an unwavering commitment to service excellence.  That dedication has earned us global recognition and a repeat client record of which we are very proud.

“I’m also delighted to acknowledge our General Manager, Andrew Cannon, who joined Rivergate in our first year of operation, and his dedication to the business and that of all our team, speaks volumes about the family culture and commitment that define this business.”

Judy praised the faith and vision of trade partners, particularly the Wright and the Baddiley  families who were there from inception, and skilled professionals, such as Tommy Ericsson at AusShips. “Together we ensure we achieve excellence in everything we do.”

Judy acknowledged there were “miscalculations in the planning”, then tempered that with the explanation: “We underestimated the workspaces needed to support our partners and hugely underestimated the growth in the physical size of future superyachts.

“Hopefully these inadequacies will be rectified in the coming years.”

The 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games will bring more opportunities for growth as Australia takes the sporting stage. “As we all know our industry has evolved, and importantly so has Australia’s role within it – with our region continuing to grow in global yachting significance. The opportunities are here for all of us, especially with the 2032 Olympics on our doorstep, to become genuine centres of excellence for the global marine industry.”

Bob and Tom Hill shared their recollections of the development and evolution of the facility, and expressed their thanks to those gathered for staying the course and contributing to Rivergate’s success and global reputation it has earned.

Complemented by a selection of white, red and rose wines, the eight-course banquet began with Kingfish in lime oil, followed by a visually spectacular Spanner crab dip in the shell, Roast duck pancakes, Cod and cuttlefish wanton, Lamb ribs, Wagyu beef Hibachi grilled, a superb special Fried rice with the works, and dessert of Mango spring roll.

Following the meal, the Rivergate management team stood for applause and appreciation, and cut the 20th anniversary cake, which was consumed with gusto!

Jamie MacPhail, Managing Director of Pantaenius Australia who attended with Michaela Claes, Finance Operations Manager, said the evening was “a very special tribute to a unique facility run by a stellar team”.

He described Rivergate as “the premier Australian yard”.

For 20 years, we have recommended yachts and superyachts in our region with any issues or claims go to Rivergate, our preferred service partner. It’s a worldclass yard, ideally located on the east coast with deep water access.

“They can help with Custom clearance, refit, maintenance, service and itineraries. They provide fantastic service. Andrew, Stephen and Alex and the team have that famous ‘can do’ attitude and they make everything easy.

Jamie continued, “We have worked with them on Captains’ events in Auckland and the Pacific, and they just get the job done, making everything run smoothly. They are a family business, well organised and well run, and they have a worldwide network they can rely on.”

Winston Joyce-Clark, Captain of 60-metre Iron Blonde, said he was “proud to be an extremely loyal client of Rivergate”.

“The first time I visited was with (45-metre) Big Fish, and Andrew organised all the specialist trades. Then I returned on (59-metre) Seawolf, a 1956 converted tug, which cruised from Panama to Brisbane for a six-month period of refit work. Over the years, they have demonstrated world-class quality, service and expertise. We have only praise for Rivergate and the team – it’s an exceptional place.”

Jeremy Spear, President of AIMEX-Superyacht Australia noted that Rivergate was instrumental in attracting significant cruising yachts and international superyachts to our shores over the past two decades.

“In 2006, Judy and Bob were visionaries, taking a major risk and propelling the Australian superyacht industry forward by a quantum leap. They have made an astounding contribution to the industry and are testament to the premise ‘build it and they will come’.”

Today, Rivergate continues to lead the way and reap the rewards of participating in the very successful project recruitment initiatives enabled by Superyacht Australia, including both the Tahiti and Fiji rendezvous events.”

Fourth generation business owner Paul Baddiley has been at the helm of his family’s century-old business, Lex Baddiley Marine Engineering since moving to Rivergate in 2006.

He recalled his enthusiasm for the Rivergate concept back in 2005. “After 30 years at Norman Wright’s at Bulimba, we bought off the plan at Rivergate. Bob and Judy inspired our confidence. They do things properly and there was nothing like it at that stage. It was the best thing we ever did. Rivergate put Australia on the map as far as boat yards are concerned.”

Paul reflected on the highlights of two decades, saying “It’s the people who make it”.

“We get on with all the staff. Rivergate is family-oriented and it’s a great community. All the tenants are hard-working, happy to help – that’s become our trademark!”

The VIP Dinner was a fitting celebration, Paul said. “A great night with good company. It was good to catch up with old friends beyond work, have a proper chat and relax, and nice to meet new people connected to Rivergate. There was a really good feeling in the room, and amazing food to top it off!”

Shannon Wright, Director at Wright Marine, also a foundation tenant since 2006, remembered the giant leap he made at the time to secure a workshop.

“We worked hard to get the finance to establish our premises at Rivergate, but we persevered and it paid off. It’s the best place to be – on the hardstand with a marina at our back door.

“The tenants are all great to deal with. Among us all we can do everything, which is ideal for visiting vessels.”

The 20th anniversary VIP dinner was a chance to meet many of the people in the broader marine industry who support and promote Rivergate. “I enjoyed meeting people in the industry who I don’t come into contact with – people from different fields, charter, the government and organisations, and seeing those parts of the industry in a new light,” Shannon said.

Cameron Bray, Director at The Superyacht People, said the gathering was “A brilliant evening – and an honour to be invited”.

“What Judy and Tom said about ‘passion and people’ really resonated with me,” he shared.

They started with a passion project and focused on people, which is how they’ve got to where they are now. They’ve stayed true to that course, and it works!

“Very inspiring, particularly in this day and age when private equity firms are buying brands and often losing that personal connection.”

Hillary Buckman, Editor in Chief at Ocean Media – which commemorated 20 years in 2025 – said it was a privilege to the event on the eve of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“Having been there at its opening 20 years ago made the occasion especially meaningful,” she explained. “Seeing how the business has grown and the strong reputation it has earned both locally and internationally is a testament to the outstanding team behind it. Judy, Bob and Tom have provided exceptional leadership, supported by a dedicated Rivergate team whose passion, professionalism and commitment to the marine industry continue to set the standard. Congratulations to everyone involved, and here’s to the next 20 years!”

rivergate.com.au