SOLDIERS POINT MARINA
History
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2004
2015
2015
Australian Marina of the Year 2015-2016
Soldiers Point Marina was awarded the Marina Industries Association & Club Marine Australian Marina of the Year 2015-2016 (over 140 boats) at the Marina of the Year Awards marine15 Conference on the Gold Coast. The award recognises excellence in the provision of marina services, facilities and operations. The judging criteria covered the marina’s goals and objectives, business performance, customer service and satisfaction, marketing, environmental responsibility and risk management; staff training, industry and community involvement and other accomplishments.
Australian Marina Employee 2015-2016
Of all the thousands of marina staff in Australia, Soldiers Point Marina Supervisor Jim Duncan of Soldiers Point was officially recognised at the marine15 conference on the Gold Coast for his outstanding contribution to the marina industry by being announced People’s Choice Australian Marina Employee 2015-2016.
Most Innovative Marketing Award 2015-2016
The marina received the Most Innovative Marketing Award 2015-2016 for its absolute commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
2014
2014
Marina Celebrates its 60th Birthday
1954 saw the construction of the original boatshed and extension of an existing wharf at the current location of Soldiers Point Marina, then known as Thonwhalla Wharf, West Beach. The construction was conducted by Fred Hansen (who later became NSW Police Commissioner). Following many more owners each adding to the infrastructure, the marina was purchased by Clippers Anchorage in 2000 who have totally rebuilt both the water and land facilities to make it into the world class facility we have to-day.
Soldiers Point Marina was Level 4 ISO 14001 Clean Marinas re-accredited
Soldiers Point Marina was re-accredited for achieving the world standard for environmental management systems.
2013
2013
Australian Marina of the Year 2013-2014
Soldiers Point Marina was awarded the Marina Industries Association & Club Marine Australian Marina of the Year 2015-2016 (over 140 boats) at the Marina of the Year Awards marine15 Conference on the Gold Coast. The award recognises excellence in the provision of marina services, facilities and operations. The judging criteria covered the marina’s goals and objectives, business performance, customer service and satisfaction, marketing, environmental responsibility and risk management; staff training, industry and community involvement and other accomplishments.
2012
2012
Clean Marina Level 4 & ISO 14001 Certified
Soldiers Point Marina was recognised for achieving the world standard for environmental management systems. Called Level 4 ISO 14001 Clean Marinas, Clean Marinas build on Levels 1 – 3 within the Clean Marinas program. The program was established in 2002 by the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) with the objective of protecting the nation’s coastal and in-land waterways.
2011
2011
Awarded Australian Marina of the Year 2011-2012
The Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) awarded Soldiers Point Marina the prestigious title of Australian Marina of the Year for 2011-2012 at the industry’s International Marinas Conference in Melbourne.
2010
2010
5 Gold Anchor Status
Soldiers Point Marina was awarded 5 Gold Anchors, the highest rating available in the prestigious Gold Anchor international rating scheme for marinas. A thorough research and development process for Gold Anchor rating resulted in 95 assessment criteria being used to arrive at the rating, with infrastructure, facilities, planning and services all assessed.
Refurbishment
This year saw a complete renovation of the upper floor of the Marina building. All walkway areas and stairs were tiled, a new marina office constructed and a guest lounge/business/centre/library created.
2009
2009
Soldiers Point Marina’s Award for Excellence
Soldiers Point Marina was awarded a coveted Award for Excellence at the Australian Marine Industries Awards ceremony conducted by the Marina Industries Association of Australia. This prestigious award is another gauge that Soldiers Point Marina continues to be one of the most highly regarded marinas in the country. On receiving the award, Darrell Barnett paid tribute to his loyal and dedicated staff for their tireless efforts, particularly in regard to customer service.
2008
2008
Certified Low Carbon Marina
Soldiers Point Marina become one of the world’s first certified low carbon marinas under the MIAA’s Low Carbon Marina Initiative. Soldiers Point Marina had its climate change impact assessed by the Carbon Reduction Institute and implemented numerous measures to reduce its carbon emissions. The marina now offsets all emissions that cannot be reduced with certified carbon credits.
2007
2007
Awarded Australian Marina of the Year 2007
In 2007 Soldiers Point Marina was awarded the prestigious title Marina of the Year at the Australian Marine Industries Awards, for its impressive efforts in providing outstanding service to boating customers.
2004
2004
Clean Marina status
Soldiers Point Marina became one of the first marinas in Australia to be accredited Clean Marina status, proof the Marina is managed in an environmentally sensitive fashion, with a management team that recognises its responsibility in conserving the pristine environment of Port Stephens for future generations.
Expansion
Expansion of the Soldiers Point Marina added a further 40 berths, to bring the total number of berths to 100. The berths, catering for vessels up to 30 metres, feature large swing basins between fingers and extra wide walkways, and it is the only marina in Australia built using all 316 stainless steel fitments.
The Early Years
2000
Under New Management
The original Soldiers Point Marina was constructed in the 1980’s and purchased in 2000 by current management who have totally rebuilt both the water and land facilities to make it into the world class facility we have to-day.
Upon purchase in 2000, a total replacement of the fixed wooden berthing structure with a state of the art Bellingham floating berthing and walkways system was implemented.
1948-1985
In 1948 the Thonwhalla Wharf was built at West Beach and replaced later by a bigger wharf and the original boatshed in 1954 for Fred Hanson (who later became NSW Police Commissioner). George Ridgeway helped to build and later manage the boatshed until it was sold to the McNaughton family.
In 1961 Ray and Mary Penny bought the boatshed and gained approval for living quarters in the roof space. The Penny family’s source of income was renting out hire boats, both rowing and powered and all boats were painted bright yellow so they could be easily seen from the boatshed.
The Holbert family bought the boatshed in 1968, followed in 1970 by Dick Thompson Marine. John and Robyn White and their young family spent 3 happy years at the boatshed from 1977 -1980 during which time John built the southern slipway.
David Cook bought the boatshed in 1980 but sold it in 1984 to Ken Stewart who in 1985 extended the marina to 60 berths.