The ASMEX Conference last month was followed by a gala dinner celebrating some of the Australian marine industry’s highest achievers. But before the awards were presented, AIMEX President Jeremy Spear set the tone for the evening with a thoughtful welcome that reflected both the strength of the industry and the growing influence of the Association.
In his opening remarks, Spear acknowledged the contribution of members, partners, judges, finalists and apprentices, while also highlighting the Association’s significant growth, expanding national and international activity, and the opportunities available to businesses willing to engage. His address captured the confidence, momentum and sense of shared purpose evident across Australia’s superyacht, marine export and commercial marine sectors.
This is what he had to say:
Earlier today at the ASMEX Conference, we once again had the privilege of hearing from several industry and marketing luminaries, as well as Peter Munckton, from Bank of Queensland, whose depth of analysis, command of economic trends and interpretation of the current economic landscape continues to be remarkable.
Jeremy Spear
Those who joined us in the room today would, I think, agree that we were presented with ambitious yet realistic insights – supported by compelling sentiment, strong data and significant economic indicators.
Having had the privilege of hearing Peter speak at many of these events over the years, I can say he has rarely been far from the mark. That is precisely why we are so grateful that he continues to share his expertise with our delegates each year.
There is an old saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.”
Perhaps the same could be said of Peter’s insights and the opportunities they reveal for our industry.
I hope those who attended today take inspiration from what they heard and turn information into action – noting of course that it is shared as insight, not advice.
Before formally welcoming you to this evening’s ASMEX Awards, I would like to briefly share a few figures of my own – because I believe they reinforce exactly why you are here tonight and why membership in our organisations – your organisations – matters.
As an industry peak body, we continue to experience extraordinary growth.
I have the privilege of serving alongside a capable, measured and forward-looking Board, together with our CEO, David Good, and a dedicated team who continue to guide our organisation confidently through what can often and especially currently, be described as interesting times.
Since 2020, membership growth has averaged approximately 18% per annum.
That equates to 159% growth overall – or approximately two-and-a-half times the membership we had just six years ago.
The past year alone has been our strongest period of growth, increasing by 48%.
Today, our organisation stands at 396 members, and we expect to surpass 400 members before the end of this month.
This growth has been strengthened by the integration of both the Commercial Vessel Operators Association and the Superyacht Group – Great Barrier Reef, whose members voted to place their trust in AIMEX to administer and support their interests and deliver greater value.
Together, this represents considerable strength.
We now have genuine critical mass and are highly representative across our industry sectors – particularly within Superyacht Australia, closely followed by the Australian Commercial Marine Group and AIMEX, our founding marine exports manufacturing community.
Equally importantly, our annual turnover – a measure of organisational activity and engagement – has increased by 147% over the same period.
We are strong.
We are growing.
And we are exceptionally well positioned to support our members and the future of our industry.
At this point, I would like to acknowledge someone whose contribution often occurs quietly but is deeply valued.
On behalf of the Board and, I believe, all of our members, I would like to sincerely thank our Honorary Treasurer, Stephen Vincent of Austral Propellers.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Steve and remain incredibly grateful for his dedication, diligence and contribution over many years.
Thank you, Steve.
Over the next twelve months, our organisation will run, exhibit at or participate in more than 20 Australian and international events and having representation at many more.
And quite simply – if you are not taking advantage of these opportunities, you may be missing out.
I have personally witnessed start-up businesses with great ideas, attend trade missions and exhibitions with our support and return requiring additional staff, exceeding forecasts and accelerating growth beyond expectation.
I have equally watched established businesses continue to strengthen a solid market position simply by consistently showing up, year after year.
The opportunities are real – and they are available to every organisation represented in this room.
Tonight, however, is about celebration.
We are here to recognise excellence across Australia’s marine industry.
The Australian Marine Industry Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across our Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine sectors.
Presented by AIMEX, these awards recognise excellence among members of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and the Australian Commercial Marine Group.
This year we are also delighted to introduce a new category:
Superyacht Facility of the Year.
This category recognises marinas and shipyards previously assessed within the Service Provider Award, and it has been met with an outstanding response, featuring twelve finalists.
We also have eight exceptional finalists competing across the Superyacht Facility, Project, Design and Manufacturer categories, and seven finalists represented within the Commercial Operator Award, as well as other highly contested categories.
AIMEX’s commitment to the future of our industry is perhaps best exemplified through the Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year Award.
The winner will receive return flights to Amsterdam, accommodation and an industry pass to METSTRADE – the world’s largest marine equipment exhibition – joining the Australian delegation and experiencing the industry on the world stage.
It is an extraordinary opportunity, and one which reflects our genuine commitment to developing future industry leaders.
This year our National Apprentice finalists represent seven companies from three states, making this a truly national award.
To all our apprentices – congratulations on reaching this stage.
You should be immensely proud.
I would also like to sincerely acknowledge our panel of eight judges.
Each brings outstanding experience and expertise from across marine and business sectors.
Their role is not an easy one.
The judging process requires extraordinary commitment, diligence and integrity as they assess every category and every submission in detail.
Please join me in thanking our judging panel for their time, professionalism and dedication.
To every company, every finalist and every nominee – I wish you the very best for this evening.
These awards matter.
They recognise excellence, build reputations and, when leveraged effectively, can become genuine catalysts for future success.
Before concluding, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our valued partners whose support has helped make this event possible:
- The City of Gold Coast / Invest Gold Coast
- The Queensland Government
- And the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Lastly, and most importantly, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge and warmly welcome:
His Worship, the Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Councillor Tom Tate, and Mayoress, City of Gold Coast, Mrs Ruth Tate.
Councillor Tate, thank you for your continued support of this event and your ongoing commitment to our industry and future Queensland led industry initiatives.
To all participating companies, nominees and – perhaps most nervously – our apprentices:
Welcome.
Good luck.
And congratulations in advance to tonight’s award recipients.
Please enjoy the evening.
– AIMEX President Jeremy Spear
