A practical panel covering the full spectrum of marina maintenance — routine works, electrical challenges, dredging, condition reporting, and strategies to protect asset value.
Monday, 25 May 2026
14:45 – 15:45
Hamilton Island Room
Effective maintenance and asset management are fundamental to protecting the long-term value of marina infrastructure and ensuring safe, efficient operations.
This practical panel brings together four experienced industry practitioners to share real-world lessons from their own facilities, covering the full spectrum of marina maintenance, from routine works and dredging through to electrical systems, condition reporting, and strategies for extending asset life.
Chaired by Les Binkin CMM, the session will offer delegates an opportunity to learn from peers who have navigated common maintenance challenges firsthand. The moderated discussion will draw out actionable insights on how to better plan, prioritise and execute maintenance programs, and how to build the kind of asset management frameworks that protect both operational performance and capital value over the long term.
SPEAKERS PANEL
Les Binkin CMM, Panel Chair
Managing Director, Shellharbour Marina
Les Binkin is an experienced marina professional with many years in the industry and holds the internationally recognised Certified Marina Manager (CMM) accreditation. With strong family ties to the marine sector, he brings a long-standing personal connection and deep commitment to waterfront and boating operations. His career spans marina operations, planning, design, and ownership, including involvement in more than 1,100 berths across five marina sites, contributing to efficient, commercially successful facilities with a focus on operational performance, user experience, and sustainability. Les is a Board Director of the Marina Industry Association and is recognised for senior-level expertise in leadership, financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within the international marina industry.
Martin Silk
Group Risk Manager, d’Albora Marinas
Martin is the Group Risk Manager for d’Albora, joining the business in 2013. He has a diverse background in maritime and engineering roles, including Australian Sailing, Clipper Ventures, and the British Army’s Royal Engineers, and occasionally works as an RYA freelance examiner. He currently focuses on managing operational risk and compliance across d’Albora’s East Coast operations in Australia.
Dave Whimp
General Manager, Pine Harbour Marina
Dave is the General Manager of Pine Harbour Marina, overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the facility, including 555 berths, 169 drystack spaces, haul-out and hardstand services, tenant and facilities management, financial performance, compliance, and future development. With more than 35 years of experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, he brings strong expertise in senior leadership, operational efficiency, and commercial management. His background in sales and manufacturing supports the marina’s continued growth, service standards, and operational performance.
Bruce Birtwistle CMP
General Manager, Bellingham Marine Australia
Bruce began his marine career in 1999 with Bellingham Marine New Zealand as Business Manager, becoming General Manager by 2001 after helping establish the standalone division from Fletcher Construction. In 2009, he moved to Dubai as Marina Business Unit Manager for Septech Emirates, returning to New Zealand in 2012 to resume the GM role. In 2018, he led the launch of BMNZ’s first piling division outside the US. He was appointed General Manager of Bellingham Marine Australia in 2021, completed the Advanced Marina Managers course in 2023, received CMP accreditation in 2024, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the MIA and Chair of the Global Marine Institute.
See the full List of Exhibitors here
