2026 AGM and Annual Dinner
Life Members in Attendance: Paul Savage, Ian Heres, Peter Buckingham, Rod Smith, Alistair Murray, John Stav and Fran Hyne
2016 Adventurer of the Year, Michael Smith’s presentation of his adventures around the world.
The 2026 BIAV AGM was conducted on Tuesday, 21 April at Royal Brighton Yacht Club with a strong and enthusiastic group of members in attendance, with the evening also featuring a BIAV annual dinner, guest speaker, and social occasion.
The AGM saw the re-election to the Board of Scott O’Hare (Boat Dealers), Sue Bowes (Marinas/Clubs), Anthony Cooke (Chandlery/Services), Alistair Murray AM (Life Members), as well as Josie Eastman (Manufacturers/Wholesalers). They continue a stable Board period along with the two appointed Board members, Daved Lambert and Neil James.
In his President’s report, Scott O’Hare reflected on some of the market-related challenges during the period, as well as several of the highlights. In terms of the highlights, Scott emphasised the successful Melbourne Boat Show, the introduction of the Geelong Boat Show and its proof of concept, some great advocacy outcomes, progress in the Boating Careers area, and excellent Board and member engagement. Scott thanked his fellow Board members for their great effort and expertise. Scott also thanked the CEO, Steve Walker, and his small team for another great year.
In his CEO update, Steve returned thanks to Scott for his efforts as president, agreeing that the Board had done a great job acting in the best interests of members. He also thanked Katrina Muir, Dan Brown, and Stephanie McDonald for being a great staffing team. Steve recognised the efforts of the various committees, acknowledged sponsors MitchCap, Coverforce and City of Melbourne, and warmly thanked all members who had engaged in BIAV matters during the year. Both Scott and Steve acknowledged Minister Steve Dimopoulos and the state government for their great engagement and outcomes during the year.
Neil James and Steve Walker outlined the better-than-budget financial performance for the year, the efforts to cost-cut and act carefully whilst still delivering for members, and the $74k growth in net equity. Members present unanimously endorsed and approved the financial report.
The Board will convene in the next two weeks to elect the President and Vice-President. Scott O’Hare is expected to serve another year as President, with Daved Lambert as deputy, continuing the theme of stable BIAV governance and leadership.
A very special aspect of the AGM was the awarding of BIAV Life Membership to Peter Cleland. Peter was the co-founder and owner of Bar Crusher boats from 1999 through to 2024. During that time, Bar Crusher became a prolific and highly regarded Victorian aluminium plate-boat manufacturer with significant national reach. As well as Peter’s contribution to manufacturing and the boat-building world, Peter’s contribution to BIAV was highlighted. A long-term Board member, and to this day, an energised Advocacy Committee contributor. This followed decades of Peter’s advocacy and support, along with BIAV, in pursuit of better outcomes for boat building, the industry, boaters, and BIAV. In his acceptance, Peter was extremely grateful for the honour, thanking the Board and current life members for their endorsement, which presenter Alistair Murray described as having been voted in unanimously.
Another major highlight of the evening was the post-AGM dinner and social occasion. Alistair Murray, as a key architect of the dinner, entertained as MC, emphasised the importance of industry networking and collegiality, highlighted each present Life Member, and introduced the special guest, Mike Smith. Mike gave a highly entertaining and inspirational talk about his sailing, exploring, and flying adventures. Most notably, some of his solo seaplane journeys, including around Australia and around the world! Initial feedback was extremely positive, and it was apparent that the annual BIAV dinner was back!
Images: Please see the BIAV Facebook Page for more images of the evening.