The Australian International Marine Export Group held its Annual General Meeting at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on Thursday 3rd December where they elected their board for the 2016 year. Richard Chapman was re-elected as President with Matthew Johnston continuing as Vice President. Stephen Vincent was appointed Treasurer and the following Directors were appointed:
Alistair Murray, Alan Steber, Barry Jenkins, Carl Amor, Jeremy Spear, Sean Griffin and Murray Owen reappointed as the Superyacht Division representative on the board.
Richard Chapman also thanked the valuable contribution and support received from Brett Vorhauer who was standing down from the Board. “Brett’s experience in business and input into the association has been valuable and he will be missed on the board”.
In his Chairman’s report Richard Chapman said:
“The close of the 2014/15 financial year saw the value of the Australian dollar go down against most overseas currencies, especially the US dollar. We have already seen members reporting stronger sales due to the continuing decline of the Australian dollar and hopefully this will invigorate new members to join AIMEX to chase export sales.
The year was another exceptional year of activity for AIMEX which included the formation of the Australia Commercial Marine Industry group, (ACMG). Now we have three groups under one umbrella, AIMEX, ACMG and Superyacht Australia, uniting the industry and focusing on initiatives to maximize export sales and benefits to Australian marine exporters, increasing awareness of the commercial industry sector and attracting Superyachts to visit Australia and undertake their refit and repairs during their time here. Australian capability in all sectors is world renown and we must ensure we continue to market our expertise globally in the coming year.
Our CEO Mary Anne Edwards and her team have had a busy year organising key events designed to provide opportunities for members to network, develop industry knowledge and connections and hear what is happening on the global front.”
Chapman went on to outline the organisations lobbying agenda stating:
“On the lobbying front there was also considerable activity with submissions to government on various regulations and issues affecting the growth of the marine export, commercial and superyacht sectors. It has been a successful 12 months with progress on the following issues:
- Opening up of Australia for foreign flagged vessels to charter- the temp licensing system;
- Opening up the GBR for vessels greater than 35 metres;
- Gaining agreement for crew qualifications gained overseas to be recognised by AMSA;
- Providing a submission on the review of the EMDG scheme as a key programme supporting exporters to drive growth in overseas markets;
- Proposal to develop a superyacht programme for the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2018 on the Gold Coast”.
The AIMEX Statutory Accounts for the year ended 30th June 2015 show the organization continues to maintain a healthy reserve and net assets position to provide for long term financial stability of the organisation. The organisation also has strong leadership with an established CEO and a solid and stable board dedicated to providing leadership and relevant support for the membership. AIMEX has two appointed committees dedicated to drive both the superyacht and the commercial/defence divisions. Progress has been made on all fronts and once again AIMEX continues to deliver as a peak body for the industry.
