TASPORTS and the CSIRO welcomed WISTA Australia to the Port of Hobart this week to re-invigorate the organisation in Tasmania.

A networking event at the port saw a turnout of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association members, TasPorts and CSIRO members, stakeholders and industry colleagues.

WISTA Australia president greeted participants as they met along Port of Hobart’s waterfront. They then boarded the CSIRO research vessel Investigator for a tour.

TasPorts superintendent marine operations Anna MacNeil, a member of WISTA Australia, said the association’s events provide opportunities to meet other professionals in the maritime industry.

“As a member of WISTA who recently returned to Tasmania, the opportunity to co-ordinate an event in my home state was too good to pass up,” Ms MacNeil said.

“There are so many big industry players here to connect, and it’s exciting to bring them together in one room.”

TasPorts said it was proud to be a supporter of WISTA Australia and looked forward to working alongside the WISTA team as they developed 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” TasPorts chief operating officer Stephen Casey said.

“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.”

And Sam Hinton, who leads CSIRO’s ship management program, said it was a pleasure to show participants the Investigator’s cutting-edge technology and give them a glimpse into the 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,” Ms MacNeil said.