Introducing Geelong’s new harbour master

Kylie McDonald is the new harbour master for Geelong and Hastings. (Supplied)

Geelong has a new Ports Victoria harbour master following a competitive international recruitment process.

Kylie McDonald will take on the responsibility for the ports of Geelong and Hastings (Western Port) and be promoted from her current position as deputy harbour master-Port of Geelong.

Ms McDonald said her previous career experience incorporated shore-side and sea-based leadership and management.

“I am honoured to continue my work for Ports Victoria in my new position and I am excited for the variety and challenge the role will present,” she said.

“I look forward to working with our port stakeholders and the broader Victorian maritime community to ensure a continued focus on maritime safety and efficient port operations.”

Ports Victoria chief executive Craig Walker said Ms McDonald’s experience and attitude made her a great candidate for the role.

“I look forward to Kylie building upon the work of previous harbour masters and taking our operations to the next level,” he said.

“Kylie will partner closely with Mike Dunn when he assumes the harbour master–Port of Melbourne position and with other members of the Marine Operations Division.

“Many in the maritime industry will already know of Kylie and the capability she has displayed during her time with Ports Victoria and during her impressive career journey.

“She has an outstanding reputation and her wealth of experience across the Australian maritime industry and with the Royal Australian Navy, will be a great boost for Geelong and other regional ports.”