President's Welcome

On behalf of the Board of Australian Sailing, I welcome everyone to the Australian National Maritime Museum for a well earned celebration of our sailing community, its resilience and successes nation-wide. The continued strength and community spirit of our sport is on full display tonight, with many of those club members, volunteers and athletes in attendance for the 2023 Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions dinner.

Hall of Fame returns with three new incredible inductees. A program we deliver with our partners at the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Hall of Fame was established to ensure that the most profound contributors to the fabric of our sport’s history are recognised and decorated for their roles in making sailing integral to the Australian identity.

I would like to thank the selection panel for the Hall of Fame, chaired by David Tillett AM, and the voting panel for the Australian Sailing Awards that included, David Staley (Chair), Christine Bridge, Shevaun Bruland, Ben Durham, Amanda Lulham, Rayshele Martin, Alistair Murray AM & Lucinda Whitty, who spent many hours selecting the inductees and winners presented to you tonight. With more than 300 nominations received nation-wide, I would also like to extend my thanks to the selection panels in each state, and to each person who nominated an outstanding individual, group or event within our sailing community.

The great backbone of our Australian sailing community, thanks must also go to the families, friends, Clubs and colleagues who supported this year’s finalists, as well as the many partners and supporters of Australian Sailing for their contribution to our sport. Lastly, to the finalists I extend my sincerest congratulations and wish you all the best for tonight’s awards and your upcoming season.
 

Alistair Murray AM
President
Australian Sailing