Bellingham Marine and Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) are pleased to announce that the winner of the Intermediate Marina Management Bellingham Marine Scholarship is Frank Bergmann of Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Each year MIAA’s Platinum Sponsor, Bellingham Marine, offer a scholarship as an incentive for students to further their education and advance their career in the marina industry.

This year, Bellingham Marine offered a scholarship for the Intermediate Marina Management course which is being held in Sydney 20-24 March 2011. Applicants were required to demonstrate commitment and service to the industry and evidence work place leadership. Six applications were received and reviewed by the MIAA Education Committee.

German born, and raised in Nigeria, Frank and his family moved permanently to Sydney in 1999 where he took up the role of Slipway Hand at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). After just three months in that role he took over the position of Slipway Supervisor and implemented OH&S guidelines and EPA. In 2000 Frank was pleased to accept a new challenge when he became the Marina Manager of CYCA. Frank has provided the management of the CYCA with new ideas and implemented changes which have improved processes and returns.

John Spragg, General Manager of Bellingham Marine presented Frank with the scholarship along with Geoff Hughes, Manager NSW Bellingham Marine, Colin Bransgrove, MIAA Executive Director, and Cathrine Van Venrooy, MIAA Industry Education Officer.

“I am pleased to be able to offer the scholarship to Frank,” said John. “He shows a professional approach to his work, has a thorough understanding of the industries’ challenges and possess skills highly valued in the marina industry.”

Frank’s future plans are to gain further qualifications and progress within the marina industry. “Understanding the industry from the ground up plays an important part in decision making and in receiving the scholarship I will take pride in bringing a high level of professionalism to the marina industry” said Frank. He is looking forward to the learning opportunities the course offers and networking with the other students.