WISTA Australia welcomed to the Port of Hobart
TasPorts and CSIRO joined forces to host WISTA Australia for a networking event in Tasmania.
Posted
11 August 2023
This week, members of TasPorts and CSIRO came together to welcome members of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), stakeholders and industry colleagues to re-invigorate the organisation in Tasmanian.
TasPorts Superintendent Marine Operations, Anna MacNeil, a member of WISTA Australia was at the event this week.
“I came across a WISTA Australia networking event when I was doing Pre-Sea at the Australian Maritime College (AMC). These events are exciting, because it provides an opportunity to meet other students and professionals in the maritime industry,” Ms MacNeil said.
“As a member of WISTA who recently returned to Tasmania, the opportunity to coordinate an event in my home state was too good to pass up. There are so many big industry players here to connect, and it’s exciting to bring them together in one room.”
Meeting along the Port of Hobart’s historic waterfront, participants were greeted by Monika Lemajic, President of WISTA Australia, before starting their tour on board renowned CSIRO Research Vessel (RV) Investigator.
Sam Hinton, of CSIRO's Marine National Facility, said it was a pleasure to show participants RV Investigator's cutting-edge technology, and to provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of marine science.
"Showcasing the opportunities available to female participants on board research vessels like ours is so important and I'm looking forward to building our strong network and talent pipeline for the future," Mr Hinton said.
"Hopefully we'll see some of the WISTA community on board an RV Investigator research voyage soon."
Following the tour, participants were invited to a networking event hosted by TasPorts and WISTA.
“These events provide an opportunity to learn about the varied career pathways in the maritime industry” said Ms MacNeil.
To become a WISTA Australia member, and for more information, visit the WISTA Australia website.
Tasmanian interest in WISTA Australia
Since forming in 2011, WISTA Australia has been representing women in maritime through state chapters in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
This week, we were excited to discuss Tasmania’s inclusion in this this wonderful not-for-profit organisation.
TasPorts is proud to be a supporter of WISTA Australia and we look forward to working alongside the WISTA team as they develop their presence in the state.
“As we strive to bring gender balance to the maritime industry, the introduction of a WISTA chapter in Tasmania would provide a network to develop and connect our female team members to industry professionals” said Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Casey.
“Through the support of a WISTA Australia, I hope to see the continuation of women entering the maritime, shipping and trade industry in Tasmania and across Australia”.
The next WISTA Australia event to be held in Tasmania will be the highly anticipated virtual attendance of the WISTA Australia AGM, to be held locally at our Port of Hobart residence in September.
History of WISTA and WISTA Australia
The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International) is a global organisation connecting female executives and decision-makers around the world.
Formed in 1974, WISTA serves as a connector for its network of more than 3,000 female professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry.
Over 50 countries support a National WISTA Association. WISTA Australia was formed in 2011 for women within the shipping and trade sectors.
WISTA Australia promote the networking and educational opportunities for female participants in the shipping and trade industries for the betterment of the Australian and international trade sector.
CSIRO - Marine National Facility
The Marine National Facility is Australia’s dedicated blue-water research capability, funded by the Australian Government and owned and operated by CSIRO.
The Marine National Facility operates the multidisciplinary ocean research vessel (RV) Investigator and maintains a suite of advanced scientific equipment. RV Investigator was designed, built and commissioned through the Future Research Vessel Project, an initiative of the Australian Government.
The 94 metre vessel is capable of delivering up to 300 research days a year, enabling research, education and training across a range of disciplines including oceanographic, geological, biological and atmospheric science.
Each voyage is able to accommodate up to 40 scientists and technical staff, as well as 20 crew. The vessel can remain at sea for up to 60 days at a time, and cover 10,000 nautical miles in a single voyage.
