Boating Industry Association of Victoria

The signs are encouraging and at just about all of BIAV’s industry catch ups business is cracking on and everyone is busy. Further into the north and it was great to see Dave at Savwinch Drum Winches & Anchors and the team, and to see their growth down the street to three warehouses. Also very busy was the team at Bundoora Boat Upholstery (aka Bundoora Custom Marine). Great to hear about what they are up to in the all-important trimming space.

It was fantastic to see the teams at Triple H Marine, Bennington Pontoon Boats, MasterCraft Boats Melbourne and Melbourne Malibu, on a BIAV visit to the west of town. All looking ready for a big Spring/Summer and being part of one or two of BIAV’s boat shows that are coming up at Docklands and then the Murray!

⚓ SAVE THE DATE: Our Women on Water networking event returns to the Melbourne Boat Show this October!

Since launching at Docklands in 2020, Women on Water has brought the marine industry together to connect, share experiences and raise the visibility of women across the sector, celebrating their contribution and helping others see a place for themselves in the industry.

Save the Date:
📅 Friday, 16 October
⏰ 8.00 am–10.00 am
📍Docklands (Location TBC)

The event is open to people of all genders. Save the date and join BIAV members, industry colleagues and supporters for a valuable morning of networking and conversation.

A special thank you to Better Boating Victoria, Women in Recreational Fishing & Boating Network (WIRFAB) and Boating Careers for their valued support in bringing this event to life.

More details and registration information coming soon!

⚓ WELCOME NEW BIAV MEMBER: Megha Marine & Services ⚓

BIAV is pleased to welcome Megha Marine & Services to our growing member community!

Based in Victoria and supporting clients across Australia, Megha Marine provides professional ship provisioning, vessel maintenance support, crew transport, marine supplies and facility services.

Founded by experienced marine engineer Darshana Meghasuriya, the business draws on strong maritime knowledge and industry connections to deliver dependable support for vessels, crews and port operations.

We warmly welcome Darshana and the Megha Marine team to BIAV and look forward to supporting their continued growth within the industry.

Learn more: https://www.meghamarine.com.au/

🏆 Congratulations to BIAV Board Member and Life Member, Alistair Murray, recipient of the 2026 Australian Sailing -Victoria, Lifetime Achievement Award!

A driving force in Australian sailing and the marine industry for decades, Alistair’s contribution spans leadership at Ronstan, Australian Sailing, supporting sailors from grassroots to Olympic level and plenty of time on the water himself. ⛵

A very well-deserved recognition of a lifetime dedicated.

Congratulations Alistair we’re incredibly proud to have you in our industry. 👏⚓

2026 Victorian Lifetime Achievement Award!

Congratulations Alistair Murray, 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

For almost his entire adult life Alistair has been a driving force in Australian yachting, leading Ronstan as Managing Director and later Chairman while backing sailors from grassroots events to World Championships and the Olympics. Serving as Vice President and President of Australian Sailing from 2019 to 2024 alongside 25+ years on the Yachting Victoria Awards Selection Panel. Still an active competitor, he recently finished 15th of 117 boats at the 2026 Tasar World Championships in Japan aboard his Saffier 24, Saffron — a fitting reflection of a lifetime spent both leading and living the sport.

Metung Yacht Club

The Official Tow Vehicle of BIAV and Melbourne Boat Show is KGM Australia. In Victoria there’s over 200,000 boats on trailers that need a great tow vehicle, and the best options are KGM’s Rexton or Musso. Here’s KGM’s Callum Leonard with BIAV’s Eva and Steve kicking off the partnership extension and launching the shiny new decals. Thanks to Form A Sign Australia for those.
https://kgm.com.au/models/musso

Great news for Western Port boaters! 🚤🎣

The upgraded three-lane Tooradin boat ramp is nearing completion, with the new floating pontoon and finishing works still to come.

Improved boating infrastructure helps make getting out on the water safer and easier and with reopening expected by the end of September, the timing couldn’t be better for snapper season!

Western Port boaters are one step closer to enjoying the upgraded Tooradin boat ramp with works nearing completion.

All concrete panels are now in place on the three-lane boat ramp, and the floating pontoon is set to be installed in coming weeks allowing more boats to tie up.

Then minor works, such as laying down line markings, will be undertaken before the upgraded facility is reopened.

Works are on track for completion by the end of September, just in time for snapper season 🎣

The brand-new 2026 Hooked on Docklands Festival is approaching fast, and we’re excited to be a part of this inaugural event!

Held on Sunday 20 September at Harbour Esplanade, Hooked on Docklands contains something for everyone - whether you’re a keen fisher, seafood fanatic or family looking for a great day out by the water.

The Better Boating Victoria team will be on site offering updates on Victoria’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program.

We’ll also be running free ‘Boating Basics 101’ on-water clinics for beginner and novice boaters. The clinics will run every 30 minutes throughout the day and no equipment or marine licence is required.

Find out more here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/boating-basics-101-on-water-clinics-tickets-1999078354171?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Clinics are fully booked. You can still register your interest and join the waitlist by emailing [email protected].

Come say hi at Hooked on Docklands! 🚤

Hooked on Docklands Festival
📅 Sunday September 20
📍 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
🕒 10am-3pm
🔗 Find out more here: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedondocklands