Superyacht Australia

MEMBER NEWS - Southern Sky AI is building the first AI adoption snapshot for the leisure maritime industry. There is no data like this for our sector. When the report is published, you will know exactly where your organisation sits relative to the rest of the industry. What is normal, what is ahead, and where the gaps are. It takes three minutes and all responses are anonymous.

Add your voice - www.southernsky.ai/ai-position-report

Explore Southern Sky AI - www.superyacht-australia.com/member/southern-sky-ai

Marine Futures was a valued supporter of ASMEX and the Australian Marine Industry Awards 2026.

Their commitment to the future of the marine industry in Australia reflects a shared focus on building a strong and sustainable sector.

The State Finalists of the Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year were introduced by Adam Chanter, Founder of Marine Futures, who welcomed each of the finalists to the stage, including Western Australian State Finalist Mitchell Dick from Austal, Queensland State Finalist Laura Hillman from Riviera Boats and New South Wales State Finalist Charlotte Anderson from Birdon.

Explore Marine Futures - www.marinefutures.com.au

Explore ASMEX - www.asmex-conference.com.au

We are pleased to acknowledge TAFE Queensland as the Presenting Partner of the Apprentice of the Year Award at the Australian Marine Industry Awards 2026. Their commitment to the next generation of marine industry professionals is greatly valued and reflects their ongoing dedication to supporting skills development and career pathways within the sector.

Robert Petherbridge, General Manager, TAFE Queensland, presented the highly anticipated 2026 Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year to Laura Hillman of Riviera Australia.

Explore TAFE Queensland - www.tafeqld.edu.au

Explore ASMEX - www.asmex-conference.com.au

The AIMEX Garden was made possible thanks to the generous support from our Event Partners and Sponsors!

Oceanic Superyacht Services
Onboard Engineering Pty/Ltd
Coral Sea Marina
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Last Man Standing - The Beer
Mountain Culture Beer Co
Yachtifi

Main Beach Superyacht Marina was an Award Presenting Partner at the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards. We greatly appreciate their valued support of ASMEX and the celebration of excellence within the Australian marine industry.

Paul Sorrell, General Manager of Main Beach Superyacht Marina, bestowed three Superyacht Awards, including the Superyacht Industry Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year to Marine Structures, the Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year to Carter Marine Agencies- Australia, and the Superyacht Facility of the Year to Coral Sea Marina.

Explore Main Beach Superyacht Marina - www.superyacht-australia.com/member/main-beach-superyacht-marina

Explore ASMEX - www.asmex-conference.com.au

The Australian Marine Industry Champion of the Year is an industry award that recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the growth, leadership and success of Australia’s marine industry.

The 2026 Australian Marine Industry Champion of the Year was respectfully bestowed upon Jamie Bruce, CEO of .

Jamie Bruce is a leader whose impact on the marine industry extends across Australia and around the world. He has transformed a family-owned business into a global marine engineering and defence powerhouse. Since 2014, under his leadership, Birdon has achieved remarkable international growth, securing major contracts with the U.S. Army, Navy and Coast Guard, while expanding its footprint through strategic acquisitions of Metal Shark and C&C Marine and Repair.

With a compound annual growth rate of over 30% and turnover exceeding A$500 million, Jamie has demonstrated not only strong commercial success but a clear vision for strengthening sovereign capability and positioning Australian expertise on the global stage.

Explore Birdon - www.aimex.asn.au/directory/birdon

Read about the Award Winners - www.asmex-conference.com.au/news/australias-marine-industry-honoured-at-the-2026-australian-marine-industry-awards

The 2026 Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Laura Hillman of Riviera Australia. Currently in her fourth year as a Fixed & Mobile Plant Mechanic, Laura captivated the judges with her clear sense of purpose, rapid progression and genuine passion for the marine industry. From early hands-on training through to a full-time apprenticeship at Riviera at just 17, she has consistently shown initiative, technical growth, and a willingness to take on opportunities beyond her role.

As this year’s recipient, Laura will travel to Amsterdam to attend Metstrade - the world’s largest marine equipment trade show. She receives complimentary return airfares and accommodation, joining the Australian Delegation and will also participate in the global Metstrade Young Professionals Club.

Explore Riviera Boats - www.aimex.asn.au/directory/riviera-marine

Read about the Award Winners - www.asmex-conference.com.au/news/australias-marine-industry-honoured-at-the-2026-australian-marine-industry-awards