Life Members

Ian was a Recfishwest founder and was the inaugural Chairman in 1997. Ian served as Chairman from 1997 to 1999, before later returning as a general member of the Board from 2010 to 2015.

Ian has always been a keen advocate for the rights of recreational fishers, in particular securing and maintaining access to sustainable fishing opportunities. Ian was a strong advocate for fair resource sharing arrangements between fishing sectors as well as a supporter of effective communication on recreational fishing issues.

His experiences across various forms of fishing provided a unique perspective in establishing Recfishwest credibility among WA’s recreational fishing community.

Through his strong beliefs and principles, Ian has been a key driving force behind Recfishwest’s more recent governance reforms that have assisted the organisation achieve its good standing with State Government.

Ian was bestowed Recfishwest Life Membership in 2015.

Norm showed continued commitment to Recfishwest over many years. This includes serving in the role of Chairman from 2001 to 2003, where he was instrumental in laying the foundation of Recfishwest in its early years.

Norm continued to represent the interests of recreational fishers into his twilight years through his role on the Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee.

Norm also served as the chair of the Recfishwest Rock Lobster Reference Group, while remaining a passionate western rock lobster fisher and a very committed supporter of recreational fishing.

Norm was bestowed Recfishwest Life Membership in 2017. He passed away in 2025 having lived a long and full life.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland paid tribute to Norm for the huge contribution he made to WA fishing.

“Norm remained a dedicated advocate for recreational fishers throughout his life and spent a huge portion of his life on the water. We weren’t surprised to hear he was pulling up cray pots well into his 90s,” said Andrew.

“He played such an immense role for fishing in WA and he will be dearly missed by Recfishwest, his family and friends. Rest in peace, Norm and thank you for everything you gave to WA’s recreational fishing community.”

Sharing knowledge, teaching the fishers of tomorrow, showcasing what WA fishing has to offer and standing up for fishers’ rights – Ian Sewell has long been one of Recfishwest’s and WA fishing’s quiet achievers and something of an unsung hero.

At the Annual General Meeting in 2021, the Recfishwest Board bestowed Life Membership on ‘Sewelly’ in recognition of his tireless voluntary work for Recfishwest over a number of years in many different capacities.

Ian first joined the Recfishwest Board in 1999 and has since held multiple positions across four different terms as a Director.

He also served as a member of numerous Recfishwest Board sub-committees including the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, the Communications Committee, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and was the Deputy Chair of Recfishwest from 2010 to 2015.

Frank’s leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy were instrumental in transforming Recfishwest into the respected and trusted voice for Western Australian fishers.

As a Recfishwest member and a former long-term host of the 6PR Boat, Dive and Fishing Show, Frank has given recreational fishing and Recfishwest a strong and relatable public voice. He consistently used that platform to promote sustainable fishing, share community stories, and explain policy issues in a way that built public understanding and support.

Under his leadership, Recfishwest launched enduring programs such as the Recfishwest Fishing Clinics, introduced thousands of kids and adults to fishing, and led significant initiatives including the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Project, which helped turn it into the world-class fishery it is today.