SeaLink appoints Ben Renwick as new General Manager - South East Queensland

SeaLink has appointed Ben Renwick as the new General Manager, South East Queensland, following the retirement of Heather Truman after more than 30 years with SeaLink.

Renwick, who commenced on 7th February 2023, is responsible for overseeing SeaLink’s SEQ operations, which includes 170 team members, vehicle and passenger ferries for North Stradbroke Island, Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Queensland Ambulance Service and the Moggill ferry.

Renwick brings more than 30 years of marine, shipping and business management experience, including 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy as an Electronic Technician, and various senior positions at Norship Marine, Rivergate Marine and Shipping and Aluminium Boats Australia.

Renwick shares “SeaLink SEQ provides an essential service to island residents and visitors, so providing high-quality, reliable and safe ferry services to our customers and clients is our highest priority.

“Redlands Coast is a true gem within South East Queensland. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes, marine wildlife, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists and passengers.

“In my first eight weeks I have spent time getting to know the team, connecting with community groups, the chamber of commerce, local businesses and other stakeholders to get feedback on the ferry services, which has been invaluable with reliability and communication being the two key takeaways for me to continue focusing on.

“I am proud to join SeaLink at a very exciting time as we continue to invest in the region and support the community by providing high-quality and reliable ferry services for locals and visitors.”

2023 will continue to grow from strength to strength for SeaLink with:

• The launch of a new passenger ferry earlier this year for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Translink contracted service

• $17 million investment in redeveloping the Redland Bay vehicle ferry terminal and construction of two brand new vehicle ferries to service the Southern Moreton Bay Islands underway, and

• The build of a new purpose-built Queensland Ambulance Service vessel reaching the final stage of the build process.

SeaLink’s Chief Operating Officer, Donna Gauci, welcomed Renwick to SeaLink and is looking forward to continuing to provide an exceptional service to customers and stakeholders.

Gauci notes “with more than 30 years’ experience in the marine industry, Ben’s skills and leadership will be invaluable as SeaLink SEQ continues to grow.

“SeaLink is committed to continue our strong investment in the local region and in Queensland as we have done all throughout the pandemic. We are very lucky to have the calibre of people like Ben in our leadership ranks to help us grow and continue to improve the services we provide our customers.

“I would also like to thank Heather for her commitment to the role, our company and most importantly our customers for more than 30 years and wish her the very best in her transition into retirement.

“We are pleased that Heather will continue to support Ben and SeaLink as we plan for our 60-year anniversary next year in 2024.”

SeaLink Marine & Tourism is part of the Kelsian Group Limited, Kelsian Group is Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, with established bus operations in Singapore, London and the Channel Islands.

In November 2021, SeaLink Travel Group was rebranded as the Kelsian Group. "Kelsian" is an anagram of "SeaLink". In September 2022, the Kelsian Group acquired the operations of the HCT Group's Channel Islands-based LibertyBus and buses.gg operations, located on the islands of Jersey and Guernsey respectively.

Although it started as a ferry passenger and freight service from the South Australian mainland to Kangaroo Island more than 30 years ago, bus revenue now accounts for more than 80% of the group’s $1.2 billion in annual revenue.