The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) brought members together for its 2026 Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner, marking an evening of industry updates, governance continuity, member recognition and networking.
Held on Tuesday, 21 April at Royal Brighton Yacht Club, the AGM attracted a strong and engaged member turnout, with the formal proceedings followed by BIAV’s annual dinner, guest speaker presentation and social gathering.
The AGM saw the re-election of several Board members, including Scott O’Hare representing Boat Dealers, Sue Bowes representing Marinas and Clubs, Anthony Cooke representing Chandlery and Services, Alistair Murray AM representing Life Members, and Josie Eastman representing Manufacturers and Wholesalers.
They continue what BIAV described as a stable Board period, alongside appointed Board members Daved Lambert and Neil James.
In his President’s report, Scott O’Hare reflected on a year that included market-related challenges, while also highlighting a number of positive outcomes for the association and its members.
Among the key highlights were the success of the Melbourne Boat Show, the introduction of the Geelong Boat Show and its proof of concept, strong advocacy outcomes, progress in the boating careers space, and continued Board and member engagement.
O’Hare thanked his fellow Board members for their contribution, effort and expertise, and acknowledged CEO Steve Walker and the BIAV team for their work across another active year.
In his CEO update, Walker returned thanks to O’Hare for his leadership as President and acknowledged the Board’s ongoing commitment to acting in the best interests of members. He also recognised Katrina Muir, Dan Brown and Stephanie McDonald as part of the BIAV staffing team, thanked the association’s various committees, and acknowledged sponsors MitchCap, Coverforce and the City of Melbourne.
Both O’Hare and Walker also acknowledged Minister Steve Dimopoulos and the Victorian Government for their engagement with BIAV and the boating sector during the year.
Neil James and Steve Walker presented the financial update, outlining a better-than-budget result for the year. Members were advised of careful cost management, while still maintaining delivery for members, and a $74,000 increase in net equity. The financial report was unanimously endorsed and approved by members present.
The Board is expected to meet within the next two weeks to elect the President and Vice-President. Scott O’Hare is expected to continue for another year as President, with Daved Lambert as deputy, providing further continuity in BIAV’s governance and leadership.
Peter Cleland
A special moment during the AGM was the awarding of BIAV Life Membership to Peter Cleland.
Cleland was the co-founder and owner of Bar Crusher Boats from 1999 through to 2024. During that period, Bar Crusher developed into one of Victoria’s most recognised aluminium plate-boat manufacturers, building a strong reputation and national reach.
In addition to his contribution to manufacturing and boat building, Cleland’s long-standing service to BIAV was also acknowledged. He has been a long-term Board member and remains an active contributor to the BIAV Advocacy Committee.
His Life Membership recognises decades of advocacy and support for better outcomes across boat building, the broader marine industry, recreational boating and the association itself.
In accepting the honour, Cleland thanked the Board and current Life Members for their endorsement. Presenter Alistair Murray noted that the nomination had been supported unanimously.
Following the AGM, members moved into the annual dinner and social program. Alistair Murray, who played a key role in shaping the dinner, acted as MC for the evening. He spoke about the importance of industry networking and collegiality, acknowledged the Life Members in attendance, and introduced guest speaker Mike Smith.
Smith delivered an entertaining and inspirational address covering his sailing, exploration and flying adventures, including solo seaplane journeys around Australia and around the world.
Life Members in Attendance: Paul Savage, Ian Heres, Peter Buckingham, Rod Smith, Alistair Murray, John Stav and Fran Hyne
The dinner drew strong feedback from those attending, with the evening reinforcing the value of the annual gathering as both a formal member occasion and an important opportunity for connection across the Victorian boating industry.
For more information about the BIA Victoria, visit their website HERE
