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In an industry where the only constant is the tide, the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has steered in a new direction, confirming a refreshed management board following today’s meeting. And, in true maritime style, the announcement came with enough ballast to keep Australia’s cruise sector steady as it steams into a post-pandemic renaissance.

Brendan Connell of Port of Brisbane has been elected as Chair, taking the helm with the steady assurance of a man who knows exactly how the river runs. Supporting him on the bridge is Kristy Little from TasPorts as Deputy Chair, while Martin Bidgood of Port Authority of New South Wales has secured the Treasurer’s post because someone always has to count the coins while the rest of the crew debates the weather.

Alongside them, the broader board is a who’s who of the nation’s cruise industry: Andrew McKinnon (South Australian Tourism Commission), Shayne Murray (Cruise Broome), Joanne Brown (Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services), and Mladen Vukic (APT Travel Group). Between them, they represent the ports, destinations, and service providers that make up the lifeblood of Australia’s increasingly buoyant cruise economy.

A vote of confidence from the CEO

Kristy Little – TasPorts

ACA’s CEO, Jill Abel, wasted no time welcoming the new leadership.

“We are delighted to welcome Brendan, Kristy and Martin into their new leadership positions,” Abel said. “Their expertise and deep knowledge of the cruise sector will ensure the Association is well positioned to guide our members through the exciting opportunities.”

Abel, who has long been the industry’s steady hand at the wheel, emphasised that the board’s composition is no accident.

“The ACA Board is a true reflection of the diversity of our membership across ports, destinations and service providers. Together, we will continue to deliver on our strategic priorities and strengthen Australia’s reputation as a world-class cruise destination.”

It was a statement made with conviction and the confidence earned after two decades of ensuring Australia remains firmly on the global cruise map.

Why it matters now

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Australia’s cruise sector has been powering back, with record passenger numbers reported from Sydney, Brisbane, and Fremantle. Regional ports, too, are enjoying the spotlight, from Broome in Western Australia to Eden in New South Wales. Destinations once remote are now firmly established as jewels in the southern cruising crown.

Martin Bidgood – PANSW

Having Connell, Little, and Bidgood in the top seats signals an era of continuity paired with strategic daring. Brisbane, for example, has cemented itself as a key embarkation hub, while Tasmania continues to punch well above its weight in drawing international vessels. Meanwhile, New South Wales remains the nation’s busiest cruise gateway, with Sydney Harbour still the calling card for global lines.

Beyond the horizon

The ACA’s fresh leadership team will be expected to do more than smile for the press. Their real challenge will be navigating a competitive global landscape where every port city from Miami to Marseille vies for larger ships, deeper pockets, and more frequent sailings. For Australia, the game is as much about infrastructure as it is about glamour.

The board’s task: continue convincing the world’s cruise lines that Australia is not simply a seasonal outpost but a must-have destination, offering both iconic city calls and uniquely regional adventures. The good news? With a board that reflects Australia’s geographical and commercial diversity, the ACA is already signalling its intent.

Anchoring reputation

If Abel’s closing remarks are anything to go by, the ACA has no intention of resting at anchor. Instead, it will continue to plot a bold course into uncharted waters. For an industry that thrives on movement, that’s precisely the sort of forward-looking leadership members and international partners want to see.

So, while other industries squabble over committees and paperwork, the cruise sector seems content to let its leaders actually lead. And that, in anyone’s book, is worth setting sail for.