You can connect with Lorraine via the Mums & Co Member platform, website and LinkedIn.

Tell us about you

I am the owner-operator of All Marine Charters, running the business alongside my husband. With a PhD in plant pathology and a strong background as both a scientist and a recreational diver, I bring over 25 years of experience in marine charters to our operations. Together, we’ve built a family-run business offering a 29m charter boat for both commercial and private charters, providing exceptional service for clients in the research, tourism, and private sectors.

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Describe your biz in a sentence:

All Marine Charters is an owner-operated business providing tailored, top-quality boat charters for marine research, commercial projects, media, and private clients, with a strong focus on sustainability and reef conservation.

Tell us how your business came to be:

Our business began in Papua New Guinea, where I was working as a university science lecturer and met my future husband. I had a major career swerve and together, we launched a dive liveaboard business! This grew to include both tourism and commercial operations as we upgraded to a larger vessel after 4 years. In 2024, we brought our 29m boat, MV Miss Rankin, to Cairns, now catering to both commercial and private clients with a focus on marine research and sustainable operations.

What has been one of your best business calls/decisions to date?:

One of our best business decisions to date was bringing MV Miss Rankin to Cairns in 2024 to focus on providing charters for marine research, media, and private charters. This move allowed us to tap into the incredible opportunities in the Great Barrier Reef region, align our services with our passion for conservation, and build strong partnerships with researchers and organizations dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems

Describe a time when you took a risk - how did it work out for you?:

Bringing Miss Rankin down to Cairns was a significant risk, as the region already had established charter boats. However, our vessel's unique features, such as its spacious cabins, large back deck, and capacity for specialized equipment, have proven ideal for research scientists and media clients. By identifying and filling this niche, we’ve carved out a unique position in the market, and the decision has enabled us to focus on what we’re passionate about—supporting marine research and conservation efforts. Plus having 9 bathrooms on board is a huge plus for clients!

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Your daily motto?

Do your best, be genuine and be kind - we all love kind.
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How do you maintain your motivation?:

I maintain my motivation by focusing on the great product we have to offer. Not only are we offering tourists the chance to experience things they may never have before—like stepping on an idyllic sand cay or seeing a turtle up close—but we’re also helping to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef by providing scientists a means to study/survey the reef and come up with solutions to protect it.

What’s one thing you know that will benefit our audience? Let them know!:

One thing that will benefit our audience is that experiencing the Great Barrier Reef up close is both inspiring and impactful. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing holiday or conducting vital scientific research, our spacious and comfortable boat, Miss Rankin, provides the ideal environment to connect with the reef.

What are your favourite business tools (and why?):

My favourite business tools are:

1. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn: These platforms are essential for sharing our updates, connecting with clients, and showcasing what we do.
2. ChatGPT: It’s incredibly helpful for crafting professional and engaging posts, making our communication shine.
3. Xero: A reliable tool for keeping our accounting organized and stress-free.
4. Google Calendar: Perfect for efficiently staying on top of tasks and managing a busy schedule.
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What is one facet of your field that you would like to see changed?:

One facet I’d like to see changed is the high commission rates charged by tourism wholesalers, which often range from 30-40%. A more reasonable commission, such as 20%, would be much fairer. The current rates either make holidays prohibitively expensive for clients or significantly cut into our earnings, which isn’t sustainable for operators like us. Lowering these rates would benefit both businesses and travellers alike.

‍What would you like to see more of when it comes to helping women in small businesses succeed?:

I’d love to see more mentoring opportunities for women in small businesses. Having access to experienced mentors who can provide guidance, share insights, and offer support can make a huge difference, especially in navigating challenges and building confidence.

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What is one of the most important pieces of advice you would give to someone beginning their business? A couple of years into their business?:

1. For someone just starting their business: Network, network, network! Building connections is invaluable for gaining support, advice, and opportunities. Also, be jovial and approachable — people are drawn to those who are friendly and genuine.
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2. For someone who is a couple of years in: Keep networking and maintaining those relationships, as they can lead to new opportunities and partnerships. Stay approachable and open, as being easy to work with will always set you apart in the business world.

What do you think is your most transferable skill between motherhood and business?:

My most transferable skills between motherhood and business are attention to detail and the ability to nurture. In both roles, being detail-oriented ensures everything runs smoothly, whether it’s organizing schedules or managing operations. Nurturing helps build strong relationships, whether with family, clients, or team members, creating a supportive and positive environment for everyone involved.

How would we find you spending your weekends?:

You’d find me spending weekends catching up on household chores — unfortunately! But every Sunday morning, without fail, my husband and I take our dog for a walk along the beach. It’s a wonderful way to relax, connect, and enjoy some fresh air together.

What mantra do you live by?:

Do your best, stay genuine, and be kind — kindness always makes a difference. And, laugh every day!

‍What’s the last book you read that you’d recommend to a friend?:

Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. It applies rational economic analysis to everyday situations and explains trends within communities. Statistics don't lie and they are unemotional! It's a very interesting, eye-opening read.

What does mumbition mean to you? (the unapologetic blending of motherhood and ambition):

To me, mumbition means embracing the unique balance of motherhood and ambition without apology. It’s about showing that you can nurture your family while pursuing your goals and passions with determination. Mumbition is proof that being a dedicated mother and a driven businesswoman are not mutually exclusive—they can complement and inspire each other.

If you could be introduced to anyone who would it be?:

Richard Branson. He would have to fly me to the British Virgin Islands for the catch-up, of course!

Funny situation that happened through your business?:

At my first networking event, I gave our business card to a potential client and she accidentally spilled her wine on it. We discovered that our business cards are waterproof which is good to know as a lot of networking events involve wine! The client and I still joke about it to this day!

What’s the best part of being part of the Mums & Co community?:

The best part of being part of the Mums & Co community is being surrounded by like-minded individuals. The organizers and experts I’ve interacted with have been incredibly helpful and accommodating, always making sure that nothing is too much trouble. It creates a warm, safe environment where I feel supported and confident knowing I have access to a wide range of advice and resources.

How has Mums & Co helped you?:

It was wonderful practicing my elevator pitch in front of a "live" audience online, which gave me valuable feedback and boosted my confidence. I also had a very useful mentoring session with one of the experts, gaining insights and advice that have helped me navigate challenges in my business. The support and opportunities within the community have made a real difference!

Are there any areas you’re seeking help for in your business?:

I’m currently seeking help in spreading awareness about our business to help it grow. I’m looking to source relevant contacts/clients to reach a wider audience and increase visibility. Additionally, I’d love more information on Angel investors and how to approach them for potential funding opportunities to support our growth and initiatives.

What are three things you could help other members with?:

I feel I’m still too new in my business to offer a lot of help to others, but if anyone is thinking of starting a charter boat company, I can definitely share advice on the numerous laws, regulations, and red tape involved in getting started. It’s a lot to navigate, but understanding these steps can help move things forward!

Who are the mumbitious  you would like to shout out to here?:

1. Lucy Kippist was incredibly friendly right from the start of my Mums & Co journey. I was so impressed with her personal video call when I first joined—this personal touch immediately set Mums & Co apart. She’s also been fantastic in helping me set up a mentoring session and providing valuable advice.

2. Carrie Kwan was genuinely warm and inclusive when I practiced my elevator pitch during an online session. Her support really helped me gain confidence.

3. Liz Kaelin provided an amazingly insightful mentoring session. She was so knowledgeable and positive, and I truly appreciated her perseverance in scheduling a time with me despite a few reschedules due to my travels.

All three have been incredibly helpful, patient, and supportive!

Last question: Is there anything else you would like to share?:

I’ve found Mums & Co to be a wonderful networking platform to be a part of. I’m also really impressed by the wide range of experts they have available. The support and knowledge-sharing within the community have been invaluable to me and my business. I’m so glad I joined!