THE TEAM

GRANT GROUNDS

Director

Hi, I am Grant. I was bought up in the marine industry. From a teenager starting out as a tender driver, I moved on to an apprenticeship at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay. I then made the move to Port Stephens, where I worked for Noakes Boat and Shipyards. From there, I returned to Sydney and found a home at Cronulla Slipway & Shipwrights. From a young age I have been obsessed with fishing. In which, now you will find me fishing in the bream tournaments up and down the coast in my spare time.

NATALIE GROUNDS

Office Administration

My life growing up was surrounded by boats. Each Saturday was sailing day. My Grandfather built a 60FT ketch which was kept in Pittwater. My family and I spent most of our weekends, holidays and special occasions on the boat. My father is also a boat builder. It seemed to fit working in the boating industry and I started working in office administration in 2005 at Noakes Boatyard Nelson Bay. In 2007 I relocated to the Sutherland Shire and joined the Cronulla Slipway & Shipwright Services team. I also run my own photography business where I specialise in wedding and family portrait photography.

BRENTON MAHONEY

Shipwright

I have been working as a shipwright for 20 years. I have been around boats since I can remember. I left school to be a shipwright as the industry really appealed to me. I have worked for Cronulla Slipway since 2012. I enjoy 4×4 / off roading, winter swimming, surfing and taking my kids for bike rides. What I like the most about this job is the variety and the challenging projects I get to work on.

ISAAC WILSON

Shipwright

Coming soon

CHRIS HUNT

Boat Repairer

Chris started with Cronulla Slipway & Shipwrights in 2025. He comes from a painting background. You will mainly find Chris doing repairs and paint work.

JOHN MIRANDA

Boat Repairer

John was a part of GKM Fibreglassing when we took hold of the business in September 2025. John has worked in the marine fibreglassing and fabrication industry for over two decades. He joins Cronulla Slipway & Shipwrights with the sound knowledge of fibreglassing and fabrication on boats large and small.

RIVER BROOKING

3rd year apprentice Shipwright

Hey there! I’m River, and I just kicked off my journey as a first-year apprentice shipwright at Cronulla Slipway & Shipwrights earlier 2024. Growing up, I’ve always had a strong connection to the water, spending countless hours with friends out on boats. The allure of a career in the marine industry was irresistible to me.

One of the things I love most about this job is the opportunity to work and learn alongside a great team of people. It’s been such a rewarding experience so far—I’ve been absorbing knowledge like a sponge and feeling like I’m really hitting my stride.

Nash McNally

2nd year apprentice Shipwright

Nash was apart of GKM Fibreglassing when we took on the business in September 2025.

He now works in all avenues of both of our locations (Slipway and the GKM factory), as he continues to learn the shipwright trade.

BENJAMIN CAFE

1st year apprentice Shipwright

Ben joined us in 2025 as a yard hand. His love for boating and shipwright work, has lead him to want to learn the trade, as he becomes our 1st year adult apprentice for 2026.

GERARD DESPLAT

Yard Hand

Gerard has been with Cronulla Slipway & Shipwrights for many years.

Gerard works casually in the yard Monday to Wednesday with Slipping, Antifouling and polishing being his main work.

DAVID GROUNDS

Former director at the slipway, Dave has relaxed into his pre-retirement roll as a helper around the slipway where needed.

You will find Dave in all aspects of assisting in the yard and liaising with customers.