There are occasions where words are a pale proxy for the sincere sentiment felt by individuals, businesses and an industry. The retirement of Steve Fisher, a pillar of the Australia marine industry, is one such moment.
Rivergate Director Tom Hill & Director of International Business Steve Fisher
Judy Brinsmead AM, Director and co-founder of Rivergate Marina & Shipyard reflected thus, when she announced the retirement of Steve Fisher, after 18 years with Rivergate as both General Manager and more recently as Director of International Business. Steve will not be leaving Rivergate entirely though as he will continue to lend a hand from time to time to the business, as his health allows.
Judy also announced that she is delighted to advise that Steve Bay, a luxury motor yacht captain with over 27 years of global experience specialising in large yacht operations, shipyard project management, refit and new builds, will take over the role of Director of International Business at Rivergate.
“What Steve has contributed to Rivergate is immeasurable,” said Tom Hill, Director of Rivergate and part of the Rivergate family who own Rivergate. “Rivergate is an esteemed international force because of Steve’s expertise and his ability to create bonds among Captains and owners the world over. In addition, his mentorship of me over my 13 years at Rivergate has been invaluable. He has been a father figure, and I loved travelling with him to yacht shows all over the world. He taught me about negotiation, the importance of detail, celebrating wins and handling losses. Over all his years with Rivergate he has been by my family’s side and a great leader”.
Steve Fisher is the definition of dedication. Ubiquitous at international yacht shows, industry events and social occasions, and a staunch advocate for the industry to government and the community, he has applied his considerable skill, knowledge and charisma to advancing the Australian superyacht industry.
Steve began his career in the 1970s as an Officer in the Australian Army, gaining his Master qualifications, followed by a Degree in Science at Griffith University. He went on to work in the offshore oil and gas industry, before moving onshore to roles in the marina and superyacht industries.
On home turf on the Gold Coast, Steve assisted with the development of the Southport Yacht Club marina and shipyard which he managed for several years, before assisting with the development of other marina developments in Australia. In 2006, he was sought-out by Bob Hill and Judy Brinsmead to manage their newly opened service and refit facility on the Brisbane River.
Steve pioneered strategies in the operation and maintenance of vessels, and his meticulous attention to detail, emphasis on accountability and ability to unite often disparate teams lifted industry standards.
Clemens Overdijk – Sydney Superyacht Marina, Geoff Majer – Majer Yacht Services, Steven Fisher – Rivergate
His attendance at international yacht shows such as Monaco, Singapore, Fort Lauderdale, Cannes and Auckland, and hosting a string of industry events for Captains, crew and industry proponents in his inimitable style, raised the profile of Rivergate on the international stage and positioned Australia as a refit and cruising destination.
Rivergate has profited and prospered under his guidance, consistently rated as one of the top three shipyards in the world for refit and maintenance.
In 2014, his contribution was rewarded with the industry’s highest individual accolade, the Australian Superyacht Industry Champion award. Steve was founding member of the Superyacht Australia Committee and in 2019, became a Director on the AIMEX-Superyacht Australia Board.
While the vessels are the commodities, the currency of the superyacht world, the people and the friendships are his main motivation.
A raconteur with hundreds of stories and a willingness to share them, Steve considers acquaintances friends and his colleagues as close as family.
David Good, CEO Australian International Marine Export Group, Superyacht Australia & Australian Commercial Marine Group attributes much of his early growth in the industry to Steve’s encouragement and advice.
“When I joined the marine industry in 2005 in Cairns, Steve was one of my mentors,” David recounts. “Perhaps it was the similar Army Infantry background, but he was honest with his advice and appraisals. Beyond just positive experiences, he would often share what went wrong and the lessons learned. I have enjoyed bouncing ideas off him for 20 years and I hope it will continue long after his retirement.”
A regular at yacht shows and trade events as the head of the peak body for Australian marine exporters and the superyacht industry, David says he will miss having Steve as part of the Aussie contingent.
Founder of Arrow Yachting Paul Archer & Director of International Business Steven Fisher
“Overseas trips won’t be the same without Steve. His desire for the whole Australian industry to grow rather than just an individual business over competitors has been a standout. His attention to detail and ability to build relationships internationally are second to none.”
David continues, “In my opinion, the most significant event that he directly influenced is the Tahiti Australian Rendezvous. Steve and Rivergate actively encouraged and shared information with the whole industry in order for the industry to join them in Tahiti. This event is now the most important regional event the Australian industry conducts.”
Of all his attributes, the quality David admires most in Steve is his steadfast integrity.
“Steve is a man of honour. His word is his bond. He says what he means and means what he says – direct and to the point, which is a rare trait.”
Never one for self-aggrandisement, Steve spoke of his contribution to the industry at the ASMEX 2024 conference. He said he was proud to have helped Rivergate establish a reputation for worldclass service. “I want to leave Rivergate as successful as possible, and for the business to have a first-class reputation in the industry.” This Steve has achieved.
