MIMRA recognises two loyal servants

by Bob Wonders on 30 Aug 2011 The Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association (MIMRA) has paid homage to two men who have given remarkable service to the boating industry.

One, Paul Dawson, has announced his retirement following his astonishing 41-years in the business while the other, ‘Moby Matt’, also known as Matt Robinson, plans on continuing his involvement for many years to come.

MIMRA has honoured Matt Robinson with the award for ‘Outstanding Service to the Marine Industry’ and has recognised and acknowledged Paul Dawson for his tremendous career.

Coincidentally, it was Paul Dawson, who received the same award from MIMRA in 2001 who presented the 2011 honour to Matt Robinson.

Bill Breakspear, current Chairman of MIMRA, said Paul Dawson had been involved in training more marine mechanics than any one in the NSW boating industry.

His career began in 1968 when he completed a five-year apprenticeship in automotive mechanics; it was to be the start of a glittering career.

Paul Dawson went on to serve more than 35-years as a ‘guiding light’ on Johnson and Evinrude outboards and spent 33 of those years conducting training courses.

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When BRP took over the former OMC Paul Dawson was appointed Service Engineer and Training Manager and spent 10-years with the company.

His skills over the years have been such that he has even designed training centres for outboard technicians in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

'He has left behind a legacy that will serve the marine industry for years to come,' Bill Breakspear added.

Matt Robinson, together with Bill, was instrumental in the establishment of MIMRA in 1998.

He has served as its President (six-years) and Vice President (10-years) and remains on the committee.

Matt is the proprietor of Moby Marine Services, a company best described as a specialist in reconditioned marine engines of all types, mechanical repairs and spare parts.

A fully qualified automotive engineer, he established Moby Marine Services in 1980, and operated from several points prior to acquiring his current premises in Mortdale in 1988.

He is delighted with the progress that has been made in the marine mechanics area since MIMRA was formed.

'In my day there were no specific marine mechanic courses available,' he explained.

'MIMRA’s aim is to raise the profile and the professionalism of marine mechanics and I believe we have made great strides in that direction,' he said.

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For further information contact the BIA of NSW, Crows Nest, NSW, telephone (02) 9438-2077.