About Us

Chair

Kathleen Ferguson is the Managing Director of Trinity Fire Services, which provides comprehensive fire protection equipment and safety services to the marine, commercial, and defence sectors, including the Superyacht Industry. Operating since 1987, Trinity Fire Services has become a recognised specialist in its field, known for integrity, innovation, and commitment to safety across some of Australia’s most remote and challenging regions.

Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Business Management, majoring in Marketing and Business Communication, and possesses fire equipment service qualifications with extensive knowledge of marine fire-safety legislation and compliance requirements. Her experience spans business planning, strategic development, and operational management, with a focus on building strong regional capability and long-term partnerships.

A member of the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef Executive Committee since 2006, Kathleen currently serves as Chair, representing the service sector and advocating for collaboration, sustainability, and continued growth of the superyacht and marine industries throughout Northern Australia. She is passionate about promoting local expertise, supporting community-based initiatives, and contributing to Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination for marine excellence.

Vice Chair

ANDREW ROKSTAD has worked in the Marine Industry since 2003, predominantly with commercial passenger vessels. Andrew was a captain on vessels 24m-35m for 11 years, 3 years as Operations & Maintenance Manager for a fleet of 4 vessels moving up to General Manager of Operations. During this time he fostered close working relationships with local shipyards, suppliers and service providers who regularly service Superyachts visiting the Cairns region.  In 2018, Andy was appointed Marina Manager for Ports North, a role he held until May 2025. During this time, he significantly expanded his knowledge of marina facilities and the services provided.

A large part of his role involved liaising closely with captains, crew, and agents. With both his previous experience in the marine sector and the expertise gained in this position, Andy developed a strong understanding of the needs and expectations of visiting superyacht captains and crew.

Treasurer

SHERIE EVANS has been with Auriga Pilots, formerly known as Australian Reef Pilots, for 18 years, serving as General Manager – Reef for the past 3 years. Her passion for the shipping industry, particularly the superyacht sector, has been a defining aspect of her career.

Sherie holds a Diploma in Maritime Business Management and is a proud member of both WISTA and the Nautical Institute.

With a strong foundation in maritime operations and management, she is committed to fostering innovation and excellence within the industry while continually expanding her expertise in this dynamic field. Sherie is a valuable resource for Superyacht captains, changing the way Pilotage is delivered in GBR waters. She has been a valued committee member of the SYGGBR over the last two years and has gained a reputation as a reliable, steadfast contributor to the committee.

Vice Treasurer

ANDREW WAGNER has over 35 years working in the Project and General Management in the Marine Industry servicing Defence, Leisure Marine, Oil & Gas and Power Generation sectors. Andrew is currently Business Development Manager at Tropical Reef Shipyard, the largest capacity yard in Northern Australia and the West Pacific region. Our clients include Navy, Us Army, US Navy, paramilitary groups. and commercial entities. Andrew served as General Manager of United Engineering Services Oman (UES) and Al Masaood Marine and Engineering in Abu Dhabi where he had full operational responsibility for Maintenance Tenders & Contracts, Business Development and provided project management and services for Defence, Leisure Marine and industrial repair/refit services across the GCC and Malaysia. Andrew commenced his career with International Marine in Melbourne where he spent 20 years designing and building white boats prior to his move to the Middle East. Andrew has a Post Graduate Degree in Management, he has been a Member of ABBRA – American Boat Builders and Repairers Association, National Marine Safety Council various Business groups. Andrew’s favourite pastimes are family and boating.

Acting Group Manager / Secretary

DAN McCARTHY is a marine professional who has operated Game Fishing vessels in the GBR region over the last 30 years.  Dan’s contributions to both the Superyacht and the broader Marine and Maritime industry of the GBR spans over several decades and includes:

• Key contributor to superyacht charter legislation passing through the Senate
• President of the Cairns professional Game Fishing Association for 11 yrs
• Chairman of the Cairns Black Marlin Hall of Fame committee
• Chaired the 50th anniversary tournament committee to celebrate 50 years of the first thousand-pound Marlin
• Committee member for installation of the giant bronze marlin sculpture built in the Marlin Marina
• Securing significant changes through the federal parliament to keep fishing access in the Coral Sea by obtaining support of the full cross bench in the Senate
• Installing VHF repeater Lizard Island to improve communication and safety for vessels
• Whaleshark satellite tagging program

JOSCELYN O’KEEFE is the Head of Marketing & BD at the award-winning Coral Sea Marina with 20 years industry experience across the marine tourism sector.

Over the last 8 years at CSM, Joscelyn has been instrumental in developing a Superyacht strategy for the marina which has led to exponential year-on-year visitation and places CSM as the premium Superyacht facility in the Whitsunday region of the GBR.

As an active member of the SYGGBR since 2016, Joscelyn and her team actively engage with the group by hosting famils, information sessions and crew networking activities in the Whitsundays, and regularly collaborate with SYGGBR committee members on both local and international marketing activities. Joscelyn is passionate about the growth of the Australian superyacht industry and the businesses who support its sustainment in our region. With her wealth of knowledge and industry connections, Joscelyn is well placed to assist the group grow this valuable sector across the entire length of the GBR.

DR ANDREW LEWIS is a marine scientist and mariner with a Ph.D. in coral reef ecology from JCU, and the founder of the Coral Sea Foundation.

He managed the ecotourism activities aboard the expedition vessel True North for over a decade, surveying reefs and collaborating with Indigenous people across a wide variety of tropical locations, from the Great Barrier Reef to Raja Ampat, West Papua, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

An expert underwater photographer and engaging public speaker, Andy’s passion for the reefs, islands, and people of the Coral Sea region drives his vision for marine conservation and sustainable reef management.

With over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, I have built a career shaped by passion, hands-on knowledge, and a drive to innovate. From managing dive centres to traveling the world aboard superyachts as a Dive Instructor and First Mate, through to port and marina operations at Cairns Marlin Marina and Rivergate Marina and Shipyard and mentoring the next generation of superyacht deckhands — my journey has been anything but ordinary.

Today, as an owner and operator of Carter Marine Agencies, Australia’s leading yacht agency, I channel this diverse experience into delivering world-class service and strategic support to the superyacht community. With strong networks across Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Western Australia and internationally, my focus is on setting new benchmarks for excellence and professionalism in the sector.

I am passionate about driving the future of the Australian superyacht industry forward, staying ahead of trends, legislative changes, and opportunities that will shape a more dynamic, sustainable maritime landscape.

BEN GILLARD’S career began in Cairns as a diving instructor and captain. This experience led him to a 15-year stint in the superyacht industry as Captain and engineer aboard yachts ranging from 35 to 90 meters.

In the mid-2000s, Ben answered the call of duty, joining the Australian Infantry. His served with both with 1RAR and 6RAR, including deploying to Afghanistan in 2009.

Upon returning to civilian life, Ben transitioned back to yachts and spent a few more years as Captain cruising the Caribbean & Kimberley region. He has extensive experience supporting the shipbuilding, tugboats, and oil & gas industries of Australia as a factory trained specialist of marine equipment.

As State Manager Qld, Ben plans to leverage his standing with Griffin Marine to support visiting yachts, contributing his expertise to the wider maritime community.