Recfishwest held its Annual General Meeting on November 14 at the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club this year.
Recfishwest Chairman Tim Bray addressed the Members, moved the minutes from the 2016 AGM and presented his Chairman’s Report.
Tim’s report highlighted the achievements of the organisation over the past 12 months, including progress in the artificial reef development space, pursuing our fishing safety vision of bringing all West Aussies home safe after a day’s fishing and emphasising the role and importance our ever-evolving communications platforms play for our members.
There was also a change in the Recfishwest Board. Chairman Tim Bray and Deputy Chair Geoff Ellis were re-elected for another 2-year term to continue their work to drive Recfishwest in the right direction. Tania Douthwaite was voted in by the membership as a new addition to the board with Jason Froud and Heidi Cuthbert the two outgoing Directors. We thank both Heidi and Jason for their work as Directors on the Recfishwest Board over the past two years, including their work on a number of Recfishwest Committees and dedication to make fishing better in WA.
The main highlight of the night was the presentation of Recfishwest’s 2nd ever Life Member, Norman Halse.
Here are some of Norman’s Achievements below and why he was included as a Recfishwest Life Member:
• Norm joined the first ever Recfishwest Board in 1997 and continued in this role until 2010
• Norm has shown continued commitment to Recfishwest over many years including the role of Deputy Chair from 1999-2001 and again in 2007/2008 and served as Chairman from 2001 -2003 where he was instrumental in laying the foundation of Recfishwest in its early years
• Norm continues to represent the interests of recreational fishers through his role on the Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee
• Norm continues to serve as the chair of the Recfishwest Rock Lobster Reference Group
Norman has represented Recfishwest on the Minister’s statutory advisory committee the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) since 2004. He was also an inaugural member and Deputy Chairman of the Cockburn Sound Management Council.
At 88, Norm continues to fish and catch his beloved Rock Lobster and is still a very passionate supporter of recreational fishing.
Recfishwest’s 2016/17 Annual report can be found on the Recfishwest Website in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please have a read of our 2016/17 Achievements Document below, to see what the team has worked on to promote, protect and develop safe, sustainable, accessible and enjoyable fishing experiences for the WA community.
Recfishwest Achievements 2016_17
We greatly thank you for your ongoing support of this great organisation. Our Purpose has never been clearer, our staff work harder than ever and great things are happening to enhance fishing experiences in Western Australia. I encourage you to get your family and friends to jump on board the Recfishwest ship and help us grow our membership to keep West Aussies fishing into the future.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Andrew Rowland
