Riviera Australia is one of the proud founding members of the growing Gold Coast International Marine Expo, an event that has been described as ‘breathing life back into the marine industry’ and has now become one of the major boating attractions on the Australian boat show calendar.

The brainchild of Queensland’s boating industry leaders, the Expo is a not-for-profit community event supporting the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Paradise Kids, the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Rescue Service and Sailability Gold Coast.

After three years as the Gold Coast International Marine Expo president, Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne has handed the reigns over to Gold Coast boating and business leader, Patrick Gay AM.

As founding Expo president, Mr Milne said he was proud to welcome Patrick Gay, chairman and Gold Coast City Marina majority shareholder, as the new Expo president.

“Mr Gay is a very active boater and stalwart supporter of the Gold Coast International Marine Expo and the marine industry, and I am thrilled he has taken up the role of president,”

Mr Milne said

“Over the past three years Expo has welcomed over 60,000 people through the gates and we have raised more than $50,000 for our four local charities – that is a tremendous effort and Expo would not have been possible without the support of the community in the form of almost 90 volunteers and the boat loving public.

The new Expo president Pat Gay said he was proud of the work that had been done by his predecessors and the dedicated Expo committee.

“I look forward to growing the Gold Coast International Marine Expo into an event that is not only recognised statewide or nationwide, but internationally,” Mr Gay said.

A number of changes have been introduced this year based on exhibitor and community feedback, including a date change and the introduction of a modest entry ticket price.

The Expo dates have been brought forward to October 17, 18 and 19 when the weather is a little cooler and to avoid conflicting with other major events such as, the Melbourne Cup and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This date change will also allow exhibitors more time to prepare boats sold at the Expo ready for pre-Christmas delivery

As Expo continues to grow, there will be a greater need for more volunteers and community support, and the Expo Committee hopes to raise even greater funds each year for the local community, which has prompted the move from a gold coin donation entry to the introduction of a nominal ticket price of $8 per adult, $5 for seniors (senior card must be presented) with children under 15 years of age being admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Expo will also continue to offer free onsite parking at the gate.

For more information on the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, contact the Expo office on 0447 758 884 or info@gcmarineexpo.com.au or www.gcmarineexpo.com.au