The Dive Industry Association of Australia enters 2026–27 with renewed optimism, growing membership, an expanded Committee and a strong pipeline of initiatives designed to strengthen the voice of Australia’s diving industry.
At the DIAA Annual General Meeting, held on 6 September alongside the Go Diving Show at Sydney Showgrounds, Chairperson Troy Stephenson reflected on a year of positive progress, with increased participation, stronger engagement on industry issues and growing confidence in the Association’s future.
Membership has grown to 42 financial members, with further growth – particularly among dive centres and industry participants across Australia – a key priority for the year ahead.
Turning industry priorities into action
Much of the DIAA’s recent momentum has come through its sub-committees, which are giving members greater opportunities to contribute their expertise and help shape the future of the industry.
The Environment Committee, headed by Committee Member Deborah Dickson-Smith, has been active in marine park consultation, marine protection initiatives and government marine management reviews. This engagement is helping ensure the dive industry has a voice in discussions about the future management and protection of Australia’s marine environment.
The Recreational Diving Code of Practice is also progressing, with the project reaching its final committee review stage before moving to the Board and then DIAA members for consultation. Divided into eight areas, the Code aims to provide a coordinated national approach to recreational diving safety and diligence.
Marketing and communications activity continues to grow, including opportunities for members to share industry news and initiatives through the DIAA’s partnership with Scuba Diver ANZ magazine.
Another major initiative is the proposed National Dive Wreck and Artificial Reef working group. Building on the DIAA’s engagement with the Sydney Dive Wreck Project, the initiative aims to create a national focus on opportunities for new dive wrecks and artificial reefs around Australia.
Plans are also underway for a future DIAA industry conference, spearheaded by Sue Crowe. Members are being consulted on preferred timing, location, speakers and the format of the event.
Attending via Zoom, Peter Huettner and Peter Hitchens.
Expanded Committee reflects growing engagement
The growing level of interest in the DIAA was reflected in an unprecedented number of Committee nominations at the AGM. Members unanimously agreed to accept all eligible nominations, bringing additional skills, experience and capacity into the Association.
The 2026–27 DIAA office bearers are:
- Chairperson: Troy Stephenson
- Vice Chair: Neil Dorrian
- Secretary: Bob Diaz
- Treasurer: Jerry Witkowski
Committee Members: Rachael Fallon, Deborah Dickson Smith, Sue Crowe, Peter Huettner, Damian Jones, Peter Hitchins, David Watchorn, Donna Rainey, Peter Graddy, Duncan Paterson and Mike Davey.
A revised sub-committee structure will also help spread responsibilities more evenly and create more opportunities for DIAA members and industry representatives to become actively involved.
Building a stronger national voice
Priorities for 2026–27 include progressing the Recreational Diving Code of Practice, environmental advocacy, stronger engagement with government and regulators, the national wreck and artificial reef initiative, membership growth, industry communications and future industry events.
The direction is clear: a more active, collaborative and representative DIAA, with members playing a greater role in shaping the issues that affect Australia’s diving industry.
Want to get involved?
DIAA members and industry representatives interested in contributing to a sub-committee or working group are encouraged to register their interest and help build a stronger collective voice for Australian diving.