Marine Week Awards – The Best of the Best

by Mike Sabey on 4 Jul 2002 The Boating Industry Association of Victoria announced today the winners of the Marine Week Awards, which acknowledges and rewards excellence by companies and individuals in the marine industry. The awards were presented on Wednesday 3rd July at a Victorian Marine Week 2002 gala Awards dinner at Crown Casino.

BIA Chief Executive Officer, Lindsey Grenfell says “We are delighted with the number of entries for the Marine Week Awards 2002. The standard of all applications was impressive and it’s great to see the extensive amount of talent and industry involvement in the awards. Selecting winners was an extremely tough decision for the judges and the marine industry congratulates the five winners”.

Award categories and winners

Apprentice Trainee of the Year – Winner Wesley Robbins, Victorian University, Footscray, Apollo Bay, Colac

Recognising outstanding attitude, achievement and diligence in learning the craft and skills of the trade.

The award has been won by 23 year old Wesley Robbins from Colac. Wesley studied at Victoria University TAFE Division and completed his apprenticeship at Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours.

Wesley said “It is excellent to receive this award and winning it comes as a big surprise”.

During Wesley’s apprenticeship he constructed four craft, one which is now being used by his father for the family’s fishing and charter business.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Victoria University has produced the Apprentice of the Year.


Manufacturer of the Year - Winner Ronstan International Pty Ltd, Sandringham

Recognising outstanding achievements in manufacturing by a Victorian company.

This award recognises Rostan International’s worldwide reputation for manufacturing quality and distribution of high quality fittings for sailboats, powerboats, architectural
rigging and industrial applications.

Alistair Murray, Managing Director of Ronstan said “It is an honour to receive this award and it will help us gain further awareness both in Australia and overseas”.


Exporter of the Year – Winner Savage Boats (Division of Mercury Marine), Laverton North

Recognising outstanding export achievement by an individual or an organisation.

The Marine Week Exporter of the Year award has been won by Savage Boats. Mr John Temple, Mercury Marine’s Director of Sales and Marketing said, “This award provides positive recognition for our energetic team at Savage Boats who have worked hard to win it”.

Savage Boats export drive started in 1999 and they now sell to Japan (their largest market) as well as New Zealand, Europe, South Pacific and Asian regions.

Savage Boats great strength is its range of aluminium boats, product design and quality. Their design innovation includes developing a bullet-proof boat for the Singapore Government.


Industry Achiever - Winner Alistair Murray, Managing Director, Ronstan International, Sandringham

This award recognises an outstanding achievement or significant contribution to the marine industry by a person, organisation or industry group.

Ronstan International’s Alistair Murray, Managing Director received this award for his significant contributions and outstanding achievements in the marine industry throughout his career.

His contributions are vast. He is founder and president for two key industry committees and much more.

Alistair says “I am thrilled to win this award, it makes all the long hours worthwhile”.


Business and Community Award - Winner Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), Festival of Sail, Geelong

This award aims to recognise interaction between community marine based sports activity and a local community or business organisation.

The Marine Week Business and Community Award was won by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Festival of Sail regatta, which has been hailed as Australia’s largest keelboat event and is held once a year in January. It contributes almost $5 million a year to the local economy.

A delighted Doug Jarvis from Rhumbline Marketing who accepted the award says, “It is fantastic to have the Royal Geelong Yacht Club recognised for its past and present Regatta contributions to the Geelong community”.


Victorian Marine Week 2002 is an initiative of the BIA in association with other industry and community groups, with the strong support and backing of the Victorian Government.

It is an important adjunct to the Club Marine Melbourne Boat Show, which is the major annual promotional centrepiece for the marine industry.


Marine Week’s primary objective is to promote growth in Victoria’s marine industry by showcasing its manufacturing capabilities and its diverse range of career opportunities.


Marine Week Activities at a Glance

1. Schools Learn to Sail Program 21-26 June Albert Park Lake (completed)

2. Marine Week Launch Wed 26 June at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron ˆ 10am (completed)

3. Students Careers Education Seminar Wed 26th June at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron ˆ 10am (completed)

4. Marine Week Awards Dinner Wed 3 July Crown Casino - @ 7.00pm

5. Club Marine Melbourne Boat Show Thurs 4 ˆ Mon 8 July

6. Industry Forum Breakfast Friday 5 July Crown Casino ˆ 7.45am

7. Regional Tour Program October-November 2002


More Information: Lindsay Grenfell Boating Industry Association Tel 03 9328 4855
Julie Waddell Boating Industry Association Tel 03 9328 4855



Media Enquires: Felicity Greenland Sabey & Associates Tel 03 9533 8030 Mob 0403 369 471

Sabey2@bikepaths.com.au