Written by Fiona Harper Marina   

The Scholarship presentation was held at Sydney Wharf Marina on a very wet Sydney day. L – R: J. Hogan (Superior Marinas), N. Johnston (Sydney Wharf Marina)

Superior Marinas and Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) are pleased to announce that the winner of the Superior Marinas Scholarship is Nairn Johnston of Sydney Wharf Marina.  Each year MIAA’s platinum and gold sponsors offer scholarships as an incentive for students to further their education and advance their career in the marina industry.

This year, MIAA gold sponsor Superior Marinas offered a scholarship for the Intermediate Marina Management course which is being held in Sydney in June 2010.  Applicants were required to demonstrate commitment and service to the industry and evidence work place leadership.

Nairn commenced his involvement in the marina industry at the age of 14 where he was the marina assistant for a marina in Toronto NSW, serving fuel and helping in the boat yard area. He has also  been a full time crew member working on superyachts in Europe and the USA.  Upon returning to Sydney, he took up the role of assistant marina manager at then named Sydney Superyacht Centre.  In 2005 Nairn became the  manager and development consultant for the new Sydney Wharf Marina, which completely replaced the superyacht centre, and assistant manager for Jones Bay Wharf.  In 2008 he took over as full time marina manager for both facilities.

John Hogan, Managing Director of Superior Marinas presented Nairn with the scholarship along with Colin Bransgrove, MIAA Executive Director, and Cathrine Van Venrooy, MIAA Industry Education Officer.

“Nairn is a professional, intelligent person who has a lot to offer our industry,” said John.  “I have great pleasure in being able to present the scholarship to Nairn and wish him all the best for his future within the industry.”

Nairn’s future plans are to progress within the marina industry and gain further qualifications.  “I would also like to work at strata owned marinas becoming better recognised and represented within the industry and assist in educating the public  about  the positive impact a marina can have within a community,” said Nairn.  He is looking forward to starting the Intermediate Marina Management course later in June and meeting some new people also working in marinas.