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2026 has certainly started with some challenges for our industry with severe bushfires in Victoria, boat fires in Sydney Harbour and cyclones in North Queensland!
In each case, the marinas were well prepared and responded as best they could to the circumstances they faced. It is a reminder that the MIA offers training to assist members in preparing and responding to emergencies, environmental incidents and extreme weather. We recommend that all marina employees complete this training to identify potential issues, respond, or support others responding. These training programs are affordable and can be taken online anytime, and some incorporate a scheduled online workshop session. More information on the courses is below and is always available on the MIA website.
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It is pleasing to commence the year with two new sponsor commitments. Pelagic Risk Services has increased its sponsorship level from Silver to Gold Sponsorship, and we are working with Pelagic on some useful resources that will be exclusively available to MIA members.
Leading cloud-based marina management system Harbour Assist has reinstated local representation for the region and its sponsorship commitment, but elevated it to the exclusive Silver Sponsorship.
We thank our sponsors for their ongoing support and ask members to consider businesses that are providing additional financial support to our industry during the procurement process. All our sponsors are listed on the MIA website and are identified in the Marina Supplier Directory.
We are enjoying our new office in Mona Vale and have settled in well. It is great to be located so close to a major marina precinct, and we have had many members visit us during their travels. If you are ever on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, please come and see us. There is enough space for you to pull up a desk and get a bit of work done between visits. Wed love to see you.
Now that we are settled, we will have an official MIA Office Opening on Wednesday, 25 February from about 3.30pm - 5.30pm. An invitation will be out soon, and we hope to see you here.
Our focus in the early part of the year will be firmly on Marinas26. This will be the biggest exhibition we have ever delivered, with all but two booths sold out now. We have launched an Innovators and Start-up Showcase opportunity (see below), so if you are, or know of a start-up that would benefit from the exposure, keep your eye out, or make contact with us at the office.
I wish you all the very best for a happy, safe and successful 2026.
Best wishes,
Suzanne.
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2025 Australian Health of The Marina Industry Survey Closing Soon!
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Thank you to all who completed the 2025 Health of the Marina Industry Survey. The survey will close in two weeks.
A report on the outcomes will be delivered at Marinas26, and all survey respondents will receive a complimentary copy of the full report and data.
We are frequently asked for data throughout the year, and it is always disappointing to have to advise that we can only share it with those who contributed. The report can be purchased, but the cost is close to AU$3,000.
If you havent completed it and would still like to do so, please contact the office, and we will ask the researchers to resend your unique link. We do not have access to the links, as this helps to preserve the confidentiality of your data, so it needs to come from the researchers at Michigan University.
NZ members should contact NZMOA.
Please look for the survey email from Dr Ed Mahoney, Michigan State University, at
edmahoneymsu@gmail.com
Thank you for your support of this important industry research. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@marinas.net.au
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A Strong Start to the Year as MIA Welcomes
Two New Sponsors
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We are pleased to commence the year with two new sponsor relationships, reflecting continued confidence in the MIA and the work we do to support the marina industry.
Marine specialist insurance broker Pelagic Risk Services has increased its support from Silver to Gold Sponsorship. Pelagic will also provide our members with exclusive access to an Insurance Services Portal, offering practical risk management resources, tools and discounted services tailored to marina operations. Pelagic works closely with our Insurance Partner, Nautilus Marine Insurance, and can assist with their dedicated marine and marina policies.
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We also welcome Harbour Assist, a leading cloud-based marina management system, which has reinstated local representation in the AsiaPacific region and upgraded its support to Silver Sponsorship of the MIA. Harbour Assist offers an integrated, cloud-based platform that brings together customer management, communications, asset management, invoicing and reporting in a single, easy-to-use system.
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We thank both Pelagic Risk Services and Harbour Assist for their ongoing support and look forward to working closely with them to deliver practical benefits and valuable resources for our members throughout the year.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Suzanne Davies at the MIA at ceo@marinas.net.au
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Kickstart 2026 with Smarter Staff Training
Start the year by giving your team the skills they need to succeed. MIAs complete online and virtual training package is now available for $800 + GST, giving access to all five MIA courses, a simple, cost-effective way to prepare your staff and give managers peace of mind.
Whats included:
Fully Online
(self-paced, anytime member price $170 + GST per course)
WHS Best Practices
Environmental Best Practices
Extreme Weather Preparedness
Online + Virtual Sessions
(online component + live Zoom session member price $205 + GST per course)
Emergency Preparedness 26 March /23 July/ 29 October 2026
Oil Spill Response 26 February /18 June/ 17 September 2026
Delivered by industry leaders, virtual sessions combine practical insight with real-world application.
Why choose this package?
Train your whole team at a reduced cost
Flexible, self-paced learning
Consistent, industry-aligned training
Confidence that your staff have the right knowledge to succeed in the marina industry
Email Lily at education@marinas.net.au to enrol your staff today and start 2026 with a stronger, smarter team.
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2026 MIA Education Calendar
Book Your Spot Early!
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Demand is High for 2026 Courses Lock in Your Place Now!
Technical Courses:
Straddle Carrier Operations & Maintenance
Sydney, NSW | White Bay 6 Marine Park, 1819 April, Presented by Angela Melville
Coomera, QLD | Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, 23 May, Presented by Ben Schooley CMM
Fremantle, WA | Fremantle Sailing Club, 12 August, Presented by Steve Ottaway CMM
Negative Forklift Course (New in 2026)
Sydney, NSW | White Bay 6 Marina Park | 1415 March
QLD | Location TBC | 1314 June
Perth, WA | Location TBC | 34 August
Expressions of interest are open for additional locations! Email Lily at education@marinas.net.au
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Face-to-Face Courses:
Dockmaster 2-Day Course
2324 June 2026
Bridge the gap between Dock Hand and Intermediate Marina Management courses, boost your leadership skills, and deepen operational knowledge.
Management Courses:
Intermediate Marina Management (IMM)
Fremantle Sailing Club | 2630 July 2026 (Almost full!)
Dubai | 2427 November 2026
Advanced Marina Management (AMM)
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron | 30 Aug4 Sep 2026
Dubai | 2327 November 2026
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Marinas26 Sets the Stage for
The Next Generation of Marina Innovations
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Were excited to launch the Innovators & Start-Up Showcase at the Marinas26 International Conference & Trade Exhibition. This is your chance to present your start-up or new product directly to industry leaders, get real-time feedback, and connect with the decision-makers shaping the global marina industry.
Selected participants will receive:
Delegates will vote for their favourite innovation, with the winner announced at the Marinas26 Gala Dinner on 26 May 2026.
If your start-up was founded since June 2024, or your innovation was launched since 1 June 2024, you can apply. Were especially interested in solutions that improve sustainability, safety, operations, or customer experience.
With only five Pods available, this is a highly exclusive opportunity. If you qualify or know a business that could benefit, we encourage you to apply. Places are strictly limited and offered on a cost-recovery basis of AU$1,260.00 + GST.
Applications are open now, and successful innovators will be notified by 10 April 2026.
Marinas26 takes place at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 2427 May 2026, starting with the Welcome Function on 24 May and concluding with a Study Tour on 27 May.
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Dont Miss Early Bird Registration for
The AsiaPacifics Marina Event of The Year
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Early bird registration for Marinas26 is still open! Join us for the AsiaPacifics premier marina industry gathering, 2427 May 2026 at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, starting with the Welcome Function on Sunday 24 May. Immerse yourself in three days of innovation, insider insights, and networking with the people shaping the future of the marina sector.
Take your experience further with one of our exclusive Study Tours on 27 May, offering behind-the-scenes visits to world-class marinas on the Gold Coast or in The Whitsundays.
Stay where the action is by booking on-site accommodation at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Rooms are limited, and more than half are already gonesecure your spot now using the official booking link below.
Need support to attend? Use the Business Case document to build a compelling case for your organisations approval to join Marinas26.
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MIA Membership Renewals for 2026 Now Underway
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Thank you to all members for your continued support of the Marina Industries Association. 2026 MIA membership renewals were issued on 3rd December for the coming year, with reminders sent in early January.
The renewal process provides an opportunity to review and update your contact details and to complete payment via the online invoice. Ongoing membership enables the MIA to continue delivering strong industry leadership, education and training, accreditation programs, research, and practical resources that support a professional, resilient and sustainable marina industry.
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MIA membership continues to grow and remains at its highest level on record, with over 365 corporate members and more than 2,000 industry professionals engaged across our network. We sincerely thank all members who contribute their time, expertise and leadership to strengthening the industry.
We also acknowledge and thank our valued Sponsors and Partners, whose support helps minimise membership fees and allows the MIA to expand the services and programs we deliver to members.
Your 2026 membership invoice is included at the bottom of your renewal email, along with a link to update your details, pay online and view the membership invoice.
If you have any questions regarding your renewal, please contact the MIA team at info@marinas.net.au
Thank you again for your ongoing support. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026.
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Mark your calendars for key marine and yachting events this year, offering opportunities to connect, showcase, and stay informed.
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Australian Superyacht Conference February 2026, Sydney NSW
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The Australian Superyacht Conference returns in a new format on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 in Sydney. The event has traditionally been held on the Gold Coast in May, ahead of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, but will move to February and follow the inaugural Sydney Charter Show.
The conference brings together captains, brokers, fleet managers, tourism bodies, and industry stakeholders to explore key topics shaping the superyacht sector. Sessions will cover regulatory updates, charter legislation, crew recruitment, vessel migration trends, and market opportunities in Australia and the South Pacific, providing a focused platform for knowledge sharing and discussion.
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Gippsland Lakes Boat Show February / March 2026, Paynesville VIC
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The Gippsland Lakes Boat Show makes its debut in Paynesville from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026, celebrating boats, marine products and the boating lifestyle against the stunning waterways of the Gippsland Lakes.
The inaugural show will run alongside popular local events including the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and the Raymond Island Car & Bike Show, creating a vibrant festival weekend for industry and enthusiasts alike.
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Singapore Yachting Festival April 2026, Singapore
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The Singapore Yachting Festival returns as a major international showcase for luxury yachts and marine innovation from 2326 April 2026 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. Attracting an audience from across Asia and beyond, the festival provides valuable exposure and networking opportunities for businesses looking to engage with the Asian market.
The MIA will have a shared stand, offering a central hub for members to connect with visitors and industry peers.
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Stay tuned for more updates from MIA
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