More than 50 members attended the Marina Industries Association (MIA) ‘office warming party’ yesterday afternoon. Combined with its Northern Beaches Regional Members’ meeting, the event marked an exciting milestone in the history of the Association. The MIA Board of Directors were all in attendance, having held their first meeting in their new premises in Mona Vale.
After making the strategic decision to invest in its own premises, the Board had determined that it was essential that the MIA’s permanent base be located close to a major marine hub to ensure the Association remained connected to the businesses and industry it represents and to attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced staff into the future. After careful consideration of several marine precincts, the Northern Beaches was selected as an ideal base, and a property was soon secured in Mona Vale. The overwhelming ‘office warming’ attendance was a clear endorsement of the decision.
The Northern Beaches members presented updates on their facilities, as did those who had made their way up from the Harbour for the special event. NSW Crown Lands joined to provide an update on the new Marina Leasing Framework and to connect with many of the lease holders.
Then it was time to ‘cut the ribbon’ and raise a glass! MIA President Andrew Chapman AM CMM presided over the proceedings, recognising the current and past Boards’ prudent management of the MIA, which enabled it to make the investment. He specifically acknowledged the foresight of original directors John Spragg CMP and Jeff d’Albora.
Suzanne Davies, MIA CEO, encourages members to come by anytime, saying, “Our door is open here at Mona Vale, and we look forward to welcoming you for a visit. If you are ever in the area and need a place to park yourself for a few hours, we have plenty of space. In our few months here, we have had more visitors than we ever had in North Sydney, and we look forward to many more.”
The office finally emptied out at 6.30pm and the staff and Board of the MIA then headed to the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay for a hard hat inspection of the $14.5M clubhouse redevelopment before enjoying a celebratory dinner together.
The MIA thanks everyone who joined the event and to all who sent wishes of support.
For more information, visit www.marinas.net.au
