Boating Industry Association Apprentice of the Year Award
by Boating Industry Association 30 Jul 20:51 PDT
(from left): BIA Apprentice of the Year 2026 Lachlan Fraser of Onboard Marine Services, BIA President Tracy Souris and Gary Downs © Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association last night announced Lachlan Fraser of Onboard Marine Services located at The Spit, Sydney, as the BIA Apprentice of the Year for 2026.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said, "While still completing his apprenticeship, our Apprentice of the Year undertook further training with the business's principal engine brands, Volvo Penta, Mercury and MAN, trained in fire suppression systems and has recently become a qualified surveyor.
"His employers, Liam Webb, Nick Benjamin and Daniel Scifleet, along with all their team, are extremely pleased to have our winner as part of the team, and are impressed with his continued commitment to learning and helping to strengthen their business."
As BIA Apprentice of the Year, Lachlan will receive a return trip for two to Hobart sponsored by the BIA to attend the 2027 Australian Wooden Boat Festival. He won NSW Apprentice of the Year and also received a special prize sponsored by BIA Marine Jobs to the value of $1000.
Fielding said, "Marine Jobs is one of our top four key priorities across all member State and Territories. These awards are part of our support for apprentices and each State winner received a certificate, trophy and $500 of tool vouchers from BIA Partner Repco Commercial."
The recipient of the Queensland Apprentice of the Year award was Teresa Gorey, Marine Mechanic at Sugar City Marine, Mackay.
"Teresa's enthusiasm for the boating industry is genuine and infectious," Fielding said. "She has a clear passion for marine technology, takes immense pride in her work, and consistently represents Sugar City Marine with professionalism.
Teresa Gorey also received a special prize sponsored by the Queensland Recreational Boating Council to the value of $1000.
The recipient of the South Australian Apprentice of the Year award was Liam Gambell, Shipwright at Matrix Boats, Adelaide. He also received a special prize of $1000 from Australian Institute Engineering.
"Liam joined the Matrix team in 2021 and quickly demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and natural aptitude for the marine manufacturing industry," said Fielding. "His ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively in the workplace set him apart from his peers and established him as a highly valued member of the team."