SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – The Board of Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has announced the election of Tracy Souris as its new Board Chair and President, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation since its inception in 1960.
Souris was unanimously supported by the Board, reflecting confidence in her leadership during a critical time for the marine industry, which is a significant contributor to the Australian economy. The BIA reported over $10.2 billion in national industry turnover last year, supporting more than 2,000 businesses and providing jobs for approximately 35,000 people.
She succeeds Adam Smith, who completed a six-year term on the BIA Board, including two years as Chair. Currently, Souris serves as the Manager of the Sydney Boathouse at Rozelle Bay, a key maritime hub in the city. Her operational expertise and commercial acumen have earned her respect throughout the Sydney waterfront and beyond.
In addition to her professional role, Souris has been a strong advocate for diversity and professional development in the industry. As Chair of the BIA Women in Boating Committee, she has played a vital role in creating pathways for women in maritime careers. She has also championed local business engagement through her leadership of the BIA State Council.
“Tracy’s election as President is a landmark achievement for the BIA,” said BIA CEO Andrew Fielding. “She takes the helm of an industry where 75 per cent of our members are small family businesses supporting local communities. Her unique blend of frontline property management and visionary approach is exactly what is needed as we prepare for significant sector growth.”
Fielding also expressed gratitude to Adam Smith for his leadership during challenging years, particularly in the boat show landscape.
Under Souris’s leadership, the BIA will focus on strategic priorities to meet projected sector demands by 2030, including:
- Preparing for an estimated six million people participating in boating annually in Australia;
- Supporting the anticipated milestone of 2.9 million Australians holding a boat licence and over one million registered vessels by the end of the decade;
- Overseeing a sector where annual public spending is forecast to reach $20 billion.
“I am honoured to have been entrusted with this role by my peers,” said Tracy Souris. “With almost one in five Australian households already owning a boat or watercraft, our industry is a vital part of the nation’s social and economic fabric. I look forward to ensuring boating remains safe, responsible and accessible for everyone as we head towards these significant 2030 milestones.”
For information on boating go to: www.discoverboating.com.au
For information on BIA go to: www.bia.org.au
About BIA Ltd: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is the peak industry body in Australia representing the interests of boating, including designers, manufacturers, retailers, and trades. The BIA advocates for the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable participation across paddle, sail, and power.
@boatingindustryassociation #BoatingAustralia #BIA
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