Meet the Team
Chris Cullen – Owner & Head Mechanic
Chris has over 23 years of experience in the marine industry and is up-to-date with all the latest service and training qualifications required by the manufacturers. In our local area, Chris is known as the man to see if you have any boating issues. Our competitors even ring him for advice and guidance, and he is more than happy to help. He has a strong rapport with our customers and they often return for Chris’ experience, knowledge and advice.
Kate Cullen – Sales & Marketing Manager
Kate worked in the finance industry for 4 & ½ years with Credit Suisse and the retail industry for 5 years with The Laminex Group.
Most recently, she worked for local accountants, Rekenen, before joining her husband Chris at Reef Side Marine.
Dan Bryant – Parts Specialist
Dan joined the Reef Side Team on 10th January 2022 and assists customers with all their parts enquiries. Dan has a can-do attitude and will help to the best of his ability. He is key person providing the workshop with everything they need to get the job done.
Dan has many talents including excellent customer service skills, photography, videographer, certified diver, forklift driver, parts specialist, and keen fisherman.
Zane O’Brien – Marine Mechanic Apprentice (final year)
Working closely with Chris, learning from the best – Zane is currently 4th year Apprentice, Marine Mechanic. Zane has been with the Reef Side Marine team 22nd March 2021 and continues to learn the tricks of the trade with Head Marine Mechanic.
Zane has training within the workshop and the retail sales with the front shop. Learning to work on inboard and outboard boat engines and equipment. Diagnosis of problems, repair and servicing engines and engine components, cooling and petrol fuel systems and clutch assemblies. Also learning to repair and service of inboard and outboard marine transmissions, propeller drive and jet drive propulsion systems and inboard marine hull equipment and instruments.
Zane also has a forklift licence.
Mason Gatto – School-based Marine Mechanic Apprentice
From a young age Mason has been watching and learning from the Head Mechanic here at Reef Side Marine.
Mason joined the ranks in January 2019 working as a Trade Assistant and his role has transitioned into School Based Apprenticeship in July 2021. Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbA) part-time of your secondary schooling. Where you earn a wage, train with Head Mechanic, and working towards an accredited qualification while undertaking your high school certificate.
Every Wednesday Mason does a full day within the workshop, away from his everyday learning at the high school. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3pm to 5pm, Mason works in the workshop with Chris and Zane assisting and being involved with diagnosis of problems, repair and servicing engines and engine components, cooling and petrol fuel systems and clutch assemblies.
Also involves repair and service of inboard and outboard marine transmissions, propeller drive and jet drive propulsion systems and trailers, installation, and repair of marine electrical, electronic and ignition systems and inboard marine hull equipment/instruments.
Sharyne Cutler – Administration
Sharyne came to us new into in town with 40+ years administration experience. She has a wealth of knowledge including accounting & spare parts. Sharyne has bubbly personality with a need to help customers as much as she can.
Louis De Guzman – Marine Mechanic/Technician
Louis has joined our team on 4th January 2023 from Extreme Marine in Dubai. He has over 10 years’ experience in the marine industry and has excellent knowledge with Inboards and Outboards. We are all very excited to have him here working with Reef Side Marine.
Matthew Dalton – Trade Assistant
Currently in year 9 Matthew is the new Trade Assistant to the Workshop Team. Already getting in and asking questions with a passion for learning our industry. He is responsible for helping and supporting the Fully Qualified Mechanics and assisting with maintenance of worksite and equipment.
Trades Assistants help the Marine Mechanics to replace, and repair worn and defective parts, re-assemble mechanical components, change oil and filters, and perform other routine mechanical tasks.