The message was clear at the Melbourne Boat Show’s Women on Water gathering on Friday morning: opportunities for women across the marine industry are growing, attitudes are changing, and the skills, knowledge and determination needed to succeed are far more important than gender.
Hosted by the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) aboard the Lady Cutler at Melbourne’s Docklands, the biannual event brought together industry professionals for an engaging and encouraging discussion about career pathways, leadership, confidence and the future of boating.
Under the theme “If you can see it, you can be it,” the morning demonstrated not only the breadth of opportunities available to women, but also the progress being made in an industry that has historically been male dominated.
Sue Bowes, BIAV Board Member and Marina Manager at Sandringham Yacht Club, was the host and Master of Ceremonies. Drawing on more than 30 years of senior leadership experience, including two years as Chair of Sandringham Yacht Club, Bowes guided a discussion that combined personal experiences with practical industry insights.
Changing attitudes and opening doors
Keynote speaker Suzanne Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the Marina Industries Association, sharedalista her journey from hospitality into the marine industry, reflecting on the challenges, occasional setbacks and opportunities that shaped her career.
Her experience demonstrated that confidence, persistence and capability can overcome initial doubts and entrenched attitudes. Through determination and professional achievement, Davies has established herself as a respected industry leader.
The progress was reinforced by observations from Alister Murray AM, who was among those attending. Murray reflected on the changing representation of women within Australian Sailing’s board leadership, supporting the broader message that opportunities are increasingly being recognised on merit.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging aspects of the morning was that the conversation was not simply about overcoming barriers. It was about recognising the talented and accomplished women already working across the industry, and the many opportunities available to those considering joining it.
Different journeys, shared opportunities
The industry panel brought together four women whose careers illustrated the diversity of the marine sector:
Kylie McDonald, Harbour Master – Ports Victoria, Geelong and Regional
Cara Cummings, Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) Leader
Sophie Munday, Suzuki Marketing
Laura Van Schajik, Safe Transport Victoria
Each brought a different perspective, but their stories shared common themes of embracing opportunities, building confidence, learning new skills and finding rewarding careers in an industry they clearly enjoy.
Munday described a career that included marketing, hospitality and events before moving into the marine sector with Suzuki. With family connections to boating and motor bike racing, the transition brought together her professional experience and personal interests.
Her advice centred on being prepared to take opportunities when they arise, even when the outcome is uncertain. Whether an experience becomes a success or a lesson, there is value in having the confidence to try.
Cummings spoke about the importance of helping more women discover recreational fishing and boating, particularly through education, practical experiences and supportive networks.
Confidence was a recurring theme. For newcomers, the challenge is often not a lack of interest but uncertainty about where to begin.
Fishing clinics, boating workshops, licensing information and opportunities to experience life on the water were identified as practical ways to help women develop the knowledge and confidence to participate independently.
McDonald’s journey was equally compelling. Having joined the Royal Australian Navy straight from school, she developed a passion for the maritime environment that ultimately led to a career in commercial port operations and harbour management.
Her story highlighted the extraordinary variety of marine careers, extending well beyond the roles traditionally associated with boating. Engineering, electrical and mechanical trades, business administration, port operations and marine management all offer pathways into the industry.
An important takeaway was the need to better communicate these opportunities to young people, students and those considering a career change.
Leadership beyond the career journey
The discussion also demonstrated the contribution these women are making to broader industry priorities.
Munday outlined Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project, including community waterway clean-ups, reduced plastic packaging and technology designed to capture microplastics from water passing through outboard engines.
Cummings highlighted the importance of making boating accessible and enjoyable, including helping families and first-time participants understand the practical considerations involved in getting on the water.
McDonald brought a particularly valuable perspective to boating safety, discussing the challenges of recreational vessels sharing waterways with large commercial ships.
Her message emphasised education, awareness and understanding how difficult it can be for commercial vessel operators to see smaller craft. The discussion reinforced the importance of maintaining safe distances and respecting the operating limitations of large vessels.
The conversations served as a reminder that the panel members are not only succeeding in their respective careers but actively contributing to safer boating, environmental responsibility and greater participation.
A positive message for the future
Women on Water provided an encouraging snapshot of an industry continuing to evolve.
There was recognition that attitudes have not always been fair or welcoming, but equally there was a strong sense that those attitudes are changing.
The calibre of the speakers, their confidence and their professional accomplishments made an important point: capability, experience, leadership and commitment should determine opportunity.
The challenge now is to ensure more people know about the extraordinary range of careers available across the marine industry and feel encouraged to pursue them.
For those attending, the morning offered more than an opportunity to hear from successful women. It provided practical advice, new perspectives and a compelling reminder of the value of mentoring, education and professional networks.
The initiative also deserves recognition for creating a forum where industry participants can share their experiences openly and constructively.
If the objective of Women on Water is to encourage more women to see a future for themselves in boating, the 2026 Melbourne gathering delivered a persuasive message.
The opportunities exist, the pathways are varied, and there are already many outstanding women demonstrating what can be achieved.
For more information about the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, visit their website HERE
