Notice of 2009 Annual General Meeting and Special General Meeting
To be held on Friday 30 October 2009 at 7.15pm
in the Stateroom, Fremantle Sailing Club
Success Harbour, Marine Terrace, FREMANTLE

The following information has been posted or emailed to Recfishwest members commencing on 16 October.

2009 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Dear Recfishwest member

As the executive director of Recfishwest I have great pleasure in advising that the Recfishwest 2009 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Friday 30 October in the "Stateroom" of the Fremantle Sailing Club on Marine Terrace, Fremantle commencing at 7.30pm.

The following information includes a proxy voting form. If you wish to cast your vote using the proxy voting form, it must be returned to us before 29 October to be counted.

Included with this notification is a Notice of Special General Meeting (SGM) which will be held immediately prior to the AGM, commencing at 7.15pm. The purpose of the SGM is to pass a proposed amendment to the Recfishwest Constitution at Clause "9.1(a) five (5) representatives of association members elected for a two year term".

The AGM will include elections to fill a number of positions on the Recfishwest Board of Management. The Recfishwest Constitution was amended earlier this year to make allowance for regional representation. The Board of Management will comprise a Chairman, elected from the Board plus fifteen members of council as follows;

• five (5) representatives of association members elected for a two year term (if passed at SGM, otherwise 1year term);

• six (6) public members who are nominated by two members of Council and are elected for a two year term; and

• four (4) bioregional representatives representing one each of: Pilbara/Kimberley; Gascoyne; West Coast; and South Coast and are elected for a two year term.

The AGM also provides the opportunity for Recfishwest members to discuss any matters of relevance regarding recreational fisheries management and share some refreshments at the conclusion of the formal proceedings.

BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS

At the 2009 AGM there will be vacancies for:

• Three public board members for two-year terms

• A one year balance of term position

• Five representatives of association members for a two-year terms and

• Four bio-regional representatives representing each of: Pilbara/Kimberley; Gascoyne; West Coast; and South Coast and are elected for a two year term.

The public board member vacancies follow the completion of terms of Jamie Chester, Matt Gillett and Des Wood. All are eligible to re-nominate. A further one year balance of term position has arisen following the resignation of Andrew Rowland part way through his two-year term.

An election will be held to determine who shall fill these vacancies.

The candidates with the greatest number of votes will be elected to a two-year term. The fourth public board member candidate with the greatest number of votes will be elected to the one-year balance of term.

In order to stagger the two year terms for the five Association representatives and the newly created terms for the four Bio-regional representatives, the three Association Members with the highest number of votes will be elected to a two year term while the other two will receive a one year term. In the same manner, the two Bio-regional Representatives with the highest number of votes will be elected to a two year term while the other two will receive a one year term.

A further casual vacancy for one year may arise if the Chairman of Recfishwest is elected from amongst the public board members at the first board meeting following the AGM.

Included in this notice are; Minutes of 2008 AGM, Agenda, AGM attendance form, Nominee's background information and Ballot paper.

ONLY financial members will be entitled to vote, so please renew your membership if required. We will have contacted you separately if your membership is due to expire before the AGM.

Yours sincerely

Frank B Prokop
Executive Director
15 October 2009

Staff and 2008/2009 Board Members

PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS

Frank B Prokop,    Executive Director

Kane Moyle,    Principal Policy Officer

Andrew Rowland,    Regional Policy Officer (commenced 10 September)

Con Costa,    Administrative Officer

Yvette Guy,    Administrative Assistant/Fishing Clinic Coordinator

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT as at 1st August 2009

      Craig Leatt-Hayter    Chairman, Public Board Member, Chair-Executive Committee, Chair-Audit Committee

**  Andrew Matthews    Deputy Chair, Public Board Member

*     Des Wood    Public Board Member

*     Matt Gillett    Public Board Member

      Norman Halse    Public Board Member, Chair-Policy Development Committee

*     Jamie Chester    Public Board Member

*** Andrew Rowland    Public Board Member, Chair Research Sub Committee

      Steven Gill    Public Board Member

      John Webber    General Board Member (WAGFA), Chair-Sport Development Committee

      Harry Vosper    General Board Member (WATFAA)

      Stephen Gilders    General Board Member (ANSA)

      Terry Fuller    General Board Member (AAA), Chair Communications Committee

      Joe Petrovich    General Board Member (AUF)

      Tim Carter    Special General Board Member (AFTA)

*     Vacancies due to completion of term.
**  Currently backfilling for the Chairman position and will be required to be filled if a Public Board Member is elected as Chairman.
*** Resigned part way through two-year term.

Agenda Recfishwest Annual General Meeting and Special General Meeting

1.   Welcome

2.   Special General Meeting

  2.1   Voting for the proposed amendment to the Recfishwest Constitution.

  2.2   Voting result

3.   AGM apologies

4.   Acceptance of Minutes of 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

5.   Adoption of Annual Report, Financial Statements and Auditor's Report

6.   Appointment of Auditor

7.   General Business

  7.1   Fee structure

  7.2   Nominations to the Board of Management

8.   Close formal part of AGM

9.   Reports

  9.1   Chairman's report

  9.2   Executive Director's report

Questions from the floor will be taken once the AGM agenda items have been covered.

Minutes of 2008 Recfishwest Annual General Meeting

The Minutes of the 2008 Recfishwest Annual General Meeting, held 24 October 2008 were presented for confirmation by members at the 2009 Annual General Meeting.

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Held on Friday 24th October 2008 at the States Room, Fremantle Sailing Club, "Success Harbour" Marine Terrace, Fremantle

1. WELCOME

The Chairman, Craig Leatt-Hayter declared the meeting open at 7.35pm and welcomed all those present. Members were provided with a folder containing the agenda, Minutes of 2007 Annual General Meeting, nominee's background sheet and Recfishwest Annual Report. The Chairman gave a brief outline of what would be covered and advised that once the formal proceedings of the AGM had been dealt with, questions would then be taken.

Present:

Recfishwest staff:

Frank Prokop Executive Director

Kane Moyle Policy Officer

Con Costa Administrative Officer

Yvette Guy Administrative Assistant

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from:

7.40pm - The Minister for Fisheries, Honourable Norman Moore arrives at the meeting and is formally welcomed to the Recfishwest AGM by the Chairman.

The Minister for Fisheries thanked Recfishwest for the invitation to the AGM. The Minister informed the attendees at the meeting that the Puerulus count at this point in time is very low and gave a brief account of the industry and factors that have attributed to this effect.

The Minister said that his predecessor made the decision not to sign off on the Vulnerable 5 and that there would not be a ban for this season. The ban would not occur but additional research would be conducted. There will also be a review of management practices between March and April for the following seasons.

The Government has made the decision to close Cockburn Sound for at least another year for the crab fishery and for the fish stocks to recover.

The Minister expressed that he was excited at the prospect of being Minister for Fisheries and working with the Department of Fisheries with the view that the Department provides the best advice, science and best management structures are in place.

The Minister thanked everyone for their contribution in attending the AGM and looks forward to consulting with Recfishwest.

The Chairman thanked the Minister for Fisheries for making time to attend the Recfishwest Board Meeting from his busy schedule.

Questions from the floor to the Minister:

John Baas: If research shows that advice from his predecessor Jon Ford is the same, would the Minister be prepared to put in place the same measures?

Minister: We will wait for the review and also look at other options.

Steven Gill: Do you think there will be adequate funding and management outcomes and declined values of commercial fishing?

Minister: There will be no guarantees for funding from the Department of Fisheries. We will look at the structure in a way of managing the industry.

Ben Patrick: What changes will there be to the rules and management of recreational fishing. The recreational fishing community need to be engaged not alienated.

Minister: I am very willing to actually talk to the specific industries and we have to rely on the science from the Department of Fisheries.

Frank Prokop: Will there be an amalgamation of the Department of Fisheries as a stand alone agency?

Minister: Big departments lose focus.

The Chairman closed questions to the Minister and said members should be heartened by the decisions to be and that Recfishwest looks forward to working with him and thanked the Minister for coming tonight. The Minister was given a token of our appreciation for attending.

The Chairman remarked that it was a huge step forward for the Minister to attend the AGM.

3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF 2007 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The Chairman called for discussion and ratification of minutes from the Annual General Meeting of 19th October 2007.

Harry Vosper moved that the minutes of the AGM of 19th October 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record of proceedings. This was seconded by Steven Gill. All were unanimously in favour.

4. ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORT, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR'S REPORT

The Executive Director reported on Recfishwest's financial position during the past twelve months and directed members to the audited financial statements which formed part of the Recfishwest Annual Report.

Members were invited to make comment or question any matters pertaining to the Annual Report including the Financial Statements and Auditor's Report. There were no questions regarding the content of the Annual Report from the floor.

Peter Blyth moved that the 2006/2007 Annual Report including the Financial Statements and the Auditor's Report be accepted. This was seconded by Wally MacKowiak. All were unanimously in favour.

5. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

The Executive Director advised that Recfishwest had used the services of Chartered Accountants Anderson, Munro & Wyllie and who continue to provide an adequate and efficient service.

John Webber moved that Anderson, Munro & Wyllie be re-appointed as Recfishwest Auditors for a further period of twelve months. This was seconded by Des Wood. All were unanimously in favour.

6. GENERAL BUSINESS

6.1 Fee structure

The Chairman explained that the Recfishwest Board had proposed that the membership fee structure remains unchanged for all categories of membership. The schedule of current membership fees for each of the categories was tabled.

Wally MacKowiak moved that the Recfishwest fee structure remain unchanged. This was seconded by Sharon Smith. All were unanimously in favour.

6.2 Nominations to the Board of Management

The Executive Director explained that there were vacancies for four Public Board Members for two year terms. These vacancies followed the completion of term of Norman Halse, Des Wood, Craig Leatt-Hayter and Allan Bevan. The two one-year balances of terms have arisen from the resignations of Dr Howard Gill and Mark Morris part way through their two-year terms.

One additional Special General Member would be chosen from either the Fishing Tackle Association (WA). A further one year term position for a Public Board Member who may be a member of a fishing club, would also be contested. The candidates with the greatest number of votes would be elected to a two year term.

It was suggested that the Policy Officer, Administrative Officer and Administrative Assistant fill the roles of Returning Officer and Scrutineers, respectively. Once voting by members present had been completed and ballots placed into the ballot box. The Returning Officer and Scrutineers left the room so that votes could be tallied. Tim Carter moved. Seconded John Baas.

Once votes had been counted, the Executive Director announced that Norman Halse, Craig Leatt-Hayter, Andrew Rowland and Steven Gill had been elected to serve two year terms on the Recfishwest Board of Management and that the Australian Fishing Tackle Association-WA had been elected as the Special General Member for a two year term.

Des Wood and Matt Gillett had been elected to each serve a one year term on the Recfishwest Board of Management.

The Executive Director explained that if at the board meeting following the AGM, the Chairman is elected from amongst the Public Board Members. This would give rise to a casual one year term vacancy. If this situation did occur then the position could be filled by the unsuccessful candidate who had been placed on an eligibility list.

Harry Vosper moved that the above nominations be accepted to serve a two year term on the Board of Recfishwest. Seconded John Baas.

Harry Vosper addressed the meeting and wished to comment that he has sat on the Recfishwest Board for many years, but in particular, 2008 had been a difficult year for the Executive Director with reoccurrence of his illness. On behalf of the Board he congratulated Frank on his recovery and fortitude showed before and after and the manner in which he has dealt with the new Minister for Fisheries. Frank deserves all our admiration and appreciation for his work with Recfishwest.

7. CLOSE FORMAL PART OF AGM

The Chairman declared the formal part of the meeting closed 8.45pm.

8. REPORTS

8.1 Chairman's Report

The Chairman referred to his report which was tabled as part of the Annual Report.

8.2 Executive Director's Report

The Executive Director referred to his tabled report and spoke on a number of issues which Recfishwest had dealt with during the year.

All were thanked for their attendance and were then invited to enjoy some refreshments at the downstairs bar.

AGENDA ITEM 6.1     Fee Structure

The Constitution describes that member fees shall be set at the Annual General Meeting. Notice of the Annual General Meeting and papers must be forwarded no less than 14 days before the meeting itself.

The date for the Annual General Meeting is 30 October 2009.

Public Members:

No changes proposed to current membership fees;

Single membership .......$20.00

Family membership 2 adults and 2 children living at home ....$40.00

Over 65 ........ $10.00

Under 18 ....... $10.00
(All GST inclusive).

General Members:

No change proposed to existing fee of $75.00 plus minimum of 10 additional names and membership fee at $200.00. (All GST inclusive).

Associate Members:

Category 1   Businesses with a commercial interest in recreational fishing ...... $275.00

Category 2   Fishing Clubs with more than 50 members ...... $60.00 plus provision of three names as members

Category 3   Fishing Clubs with fewer than 50 members ...... $40.00 plus provision of two names as members.

Category 4   School Members ...... $20.00 for all schools receiving a fishing clinic. May be in the name of the school or an individual but will require an email address.
(All GST inclusive).

For the consideration of the Members of Recfishwest.

AGENDA ITEM 6.2   Nominations to the Board of Management

Nominations received;

Public Board Member positions

There are three vacancies for two year terms and one vacancy for a one year balance of term Public Board Member positions. There is also a potential one year term to backfill a position if the chairman elected is a Public Board Member.

The three candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be elected as Public Board Members for a two year term. The candidate with the next highest number of votes will be elected as Public Board Members for the one year balance of terms. Unsuccessful candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list, the highest ranked of whom may be chosen to backfill the Chairman's position, if that person is a Public Board Member.

Association Board Member positions

Subject to approval of the Constitutional amendment at the Special General Meeting immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting, there are three vacancies for two year terms and two vacancies for a one year term for Association Board Member positions. From next year, all Association Board Member terms will be for two years.

The three candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be elected as Association Board Members for a two year term. The two candidates with the next highest number of votes will be elected as Association Board Members for a one year term.

Bioregional Board Member positions

As a result of a Constitutional amendment, there are vacancies for two year terms for Bioregional Board Member positions for the following:

Pilbara/Kimberley - Mr Jay Wheelock - Karratha - elected unopposed.

Gascoyne - Mr Brian Deering - Exmouth - elected unopposed.

West Coast - Mr Michael Heslewood - Bunbury - elected unopposed.

South Coast - two candidates, require a ballot.

The candidate for the South Coast Bioregion who receives the highest number of votes will be elected for a two year term.

Background information on Nominees seeking a Public Board Member position

Public Board Member election 2009

Following is background information on Nominees seeking a PUBLIC BOARD MEMBER position on the Recfishwest Board of Management;

(PLEASE NOTE: VOTING IS ON THE BALLOT PAPER SENT TO RECFISHWEST MEMBERS).

There are three vacancies for two year terms and one vacancy for a one year balance of term Public Board Member positions. There is also a potential one year term to backfill a position if the chairman elected is a Public Board Member.

The three candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be elected as Public Board Members for a two year term. The candidate with the next highest number of votes will be elected as Public Board Members for the one year balance of terms. Unsuccessful candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list, the highest ranked of whom may be chosen to backfill the Chairman's position, if that person is a public board member.

The following information has been supplied by the candidates to assist in making a selection for the Board positions. The order of ballot has been determined by a random draw.

Andrew Matthews

Andrew Matthews has Applied Sciences qualifications from Melbourne University and works as an Agronomic researcher. He therefore has a good understanding of ecological processes and ecosystem management.

Andrew is a very keen recreational angler with wide ranging fishing experience throughout Western Australia on a broad range of species. Andrew is viewed as an innovative angler and hopes to bring this perspective to the development of recreational fisheries management. Andrew has been widely published in a number of fishing magazines and writes regular columns for Hotbite magazine. Andrew is Treasurer of the Kadaitcha Club, the national lure and tackle collecting club and maintains a keen interest in all matters related to fishing. Andrew was elected as Deputy Chairman for Recfishwest last year.

Lisa Sharp

Lisa Sharp is a graduate of the Recfishwest Young Future Leader's course who has made remarkable progress in recreational fisheries management and would like to contribute to the Board of Recfishwest.

Lisa has a Bachelor of Education and is a columnist and TV presenter for Fishing WA. She is also a member of the WA Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and also a member of the National RFAC established in Canberra. Lisa has been an instructor at the Recfishwest fishing clinics for the last two years and organised the Pink Fly Fishing Clinic for women recovering from breast cancer.

As a young woman with a strong background in education and recreational fishing, Lisa is confident that she can make a valuable contribution to the Recfishwest Board. Lisa is actively involved in many areas of the fishing industry, including policy development at the national level. Her current work as a TV presenter for the Fishing WA show provides the opportunity to meet anglers throughout the state, be a positive role model and influence the wider community. Lisa brings enthusiasm and passion for the future of fishing. She has an understanding of the need for proactive management and to communicate well with the wider community to ensure that they understand, and can support reforms which meet the challenges facing sustainable recreational fisheries management.

Matthew Gillett

Matthew Gillett is currently a Tackle Store Manager who has a Diploma in Marine Studies in Fisheries Management.

Matt participated in the Recfishwest's Inaugural Young Future Leader's program at the Abrolhos Islands. Matt feels his experience talking to grass roots anglers and his personal experiences will continue to greatly assist the Board of Recfishwest. Over the last 12 months, a strong Board of which Matt was a member has powered Recfishwest through some turbulent times and he believes that there is a need for passionate young people to be involved in this process. Matt can provide a next generation perspective on Board decisions and has stood up for these beliefs over the last 12 months on the Board and would love to continue to work with Recfishwest on many more management processes.

Having worked in the tackle industry for the past four years, Matt has listened to many and varied opinions from recreational anglers in terms of Fisheries Management. Matt spent his teenage years on Christmas Island where the fishing bug bit hardest, along with wahoo and yellowfin tuna among others. On returning to Perth in 2001, Matt entered various bream tournaments and concentrating on estuary fishing. Squid fishing is his current addiction. Annual trips to the North of Western Australia for pelagic and the mid-west for beach fishing keeps him busy and up to date with fishing trends.

Matt regularly writes about his fishing experiences in various local magazines and appeared in the Recfishwest Release Weight DVD. Matt served on the Recfishwest Board during 2008 and is the current Recfishwest representative on the Cockburn Sound Management Council.

Des Wood

Des has been a keen fisherman for many years and in that time has been aware of a gradual but significant decline in fishing stocks and in some cases access restrictions to many prime fishing areas around the state. As a father of two and grandfather of three, Des is keen to ensure that the pleasure he has gained, not only in catching fish but in enjoying the friendship which exists among fishers will be something that future generations can also experience.

He has a concern that at most times commercial considerations and the unnecessary provision of fishing "no take" zones in Marine Parks are being put ahead of the interests of recreational fishers. He believes that with careful management of the existing resource including quotas and appropriate bag limits, adequate fish stocks can be sustained to allow an equitable sharing of that resource among all users.

Des' interest covers more than just angling, and extends to crabbing and other shell fish with particular emphasis on the metropolitan and Peel fishery.

Des has been a Board member of Recfishwest since its inception and in that time has been Chairman of the Communications Committee for three years, Deputy Chairman for two years and Chairman of the Recfishwest Board for three years. Des recently completed representing recreational fishing interests on the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee for ten years.

Des has been a member of the Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and has been the Recfishwest Board member on Recfish Australia for the last three years. Des is currently chair of the South-West Regional Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee.

Fraser Hocks

Fraser works as on engineering manager on civil engineering projects including design works for boat ramps.

Fraser "lives to fish"! He has been a keen fisher since the age of 5 and is passionate about all forms of recreational fishing with special focus on light tackle game fishing and flyfishing. He currently owns two boats, one for light tackle game and one for bream and flyfishing. He is an active member of Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club (MAAC) and Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Fishing Association (WATFFA) and has fished in New Zealand, UK, Tasmania and throughout Western Australia, including at Gamex in Exmouth. He has also been an active recreational diver for over 14 years and is currently working towards his dive master certification.

Fraser was involved in the Samson Science project throughout its life and was the organiser of the ASI groyne cleanup and is preparing another clean up at Fremantle ports.

Fraser believes that a good fisher is one that cares about the environment and works to protect it, therefore ensuring stocks of fish to catch. His time in the UK has given him insights into fishery management practices that have been proven after many years of refinement, post a fishery that nearly collapsed. Fraser wishes to ensure that we do not go the way of the UK where a 'pay to fish' stocked lake is the norm and catching a wild fish is a rarity.

Fraser hopes that if elected, he will use his time on the Board to promote the ideology of 'put it back so there will be future fish stocks' instead of the current common credo of 'take it now before its all gone'.

Tony Halliday

Tony Halliday is a chemical engineering consultant to the mining and petroleum industry. He has been a Chairman of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA Centurion region branch 1995-1996) while in South Africa; Founding Mancom member of The Brewing Industries Association Of South Africa ( Treasurer 1996-1997 ); Member of the Directorate of The Community Chest Of Centurion, South Africa( 1995 - 1996 ); Member of the Directorate of The Randjesfontein Country Estate, South Africa ( 2002 - 2003 ); Member of the Directorate of The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa, Johannesburg (2003~2004)

His election slogan: Meals on Reels, the healthy way to a happy family! Tony believes it is time to start getting the people that lead us and make our decisions and choices in government to "learn" and "listen". He believes that a successful establishment of a sustainable WA fishery has the best interests of WA recfishing at heart. He supports the use of factual data and proven science in the fisheries management. He believes we can learn from other fisheries around the world and don't have to re-invent the wheel. He believes we can feed our families from the ocean and SHOULD NOT EVER be forced to buy frozen fish to enrich the pockets of a select few that hold the reins to commercial fishing in Australia.

Vice Tax's like Beer, wine, spirits, cigarettes etc have proved it is never a deterrent. A tax we pay in the form of a licence is a tax to fund fishing management costs, which should be coming out of our normal tax's we pay. Not from a deterrent licence fee tax.

He believes that Recreational fishing is not a right, but a gift from the sea to us to be used and managed for future generations as well. There is nothing greater for a family to do, than to catch their own fish and cook it on a camp fire as a family. He believes that at Recfishwest with the RIGHT people at its helm can influence how this money is directed and how we fish a sustainable Fishery in WA.

Jamie Chester

Jamie Chester holds a Bachelor of Science from UWA where he majored in marine biology and zoology. He has written over 50 articles for Western Angler magazine as well as national fishing magazines. Many of these articles have focussed on the biology and politics behind fisheries management in Western Australia and Jamie is a change agent looking for new ways of managing our fisheries.

Jamie believes that, with some innovative thinking, there are ways forward in fisheries management that allow maximum amenity and advancement of recreational fishing rights to exist side by side with the protection of our increasingly pressured fish stocks. He is a strong advocate of recreational fishing as a way of life in Western Australia.

Jamie has grown up on the ocean and fishing is his first love. He enjoys all types of fishing and is highly experienced in beach and boat forms of the sport. Jamie brings scientific understanding, passion and a fresh approach to the Board of Recfishwest. Jamie has served for two years on the Board of Recfishwest.

Background information on Nominees seeking a Association Board Member position

Association Board Member election 2009

Following is background information on Nominees seeking an ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER position on the Recfishwest Board of Management;

(PLEASE NOTE: VOTING IS ON THE BALLOT PAPER SENT TO RECFISHWEST MEMBERS).

Subject to approval of the Constitutional amendment at the Special General Meeting immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting, there are three vacancies for two year terms and two vacancies for a one year term for Association Board Member positions. From next year, all Association Board Member terms will be for two years.

The three candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be elected as Association Board Members for a two year term. The two candidates with the next highest number of votes will be elected as Association Board Members for a one year term.

The following information has been supplied by the candidates to assist in making a selection for the Board positions. The order of ballot has been determined by a random draw.

John Webber - WA Gamefishing Association (WAGFA)

John Webber has been a Board member of Recfishwest since its inception, having been a backfill originally for inaugural Chair, Ian Stagles. Prior to that, John was a member of the predecessor of Recfishwest, the WA Recreational and Sportfishing Council of WA.

John is President of WA Gamefishing Association (WAGFA) and has been weighmaster for Perth Gamefishing Club for 25 years and is a life member. John has been fishing for a wide variety of species in Australia and overseas for more than 40 years. WAGFA represents the game fishing interests of 13 clubs throughout WA, and is affiliated with the Game Fishing Association of Australia.

John has been Chairman of the Sport Development Committee of Recfishwest for the past 7 years administering the Department of Sport and Recreation grant for development of the sport side of recreational fishing. John attended 7 Board meetings in 2008/09.

Terry Fuller - Australian Anglers Association WA Div (AAA)

Terry Fuller is retired after 35 years experience as a Professional Engineer.

Terry has been a Board member of Recfishwest since 2003 and gives an incredible amount of volunteer time to the organisation. Terry works on the Recfishwest website development, prepares the 'Casting around the internet' newsletter, posts Recfishwest updates and answers many questions about fisheries management and Marine parks on many internet forums, and is a fishing clinics instructor.

Terry is past Chair of the Policy Development Committee, currently Chair of the Communications and Membership Committee and a member of the Executive Committee.

Terry has a keen interest in the planning for Marine Parks in both State and Commonwealth waters. Terry challenges the "just close it off" ideologies, with particular emphasis on the justification for and location of no take sanctuary zones, to keep the planners informed about and focussed on using proper assessments of the risks and realities of recreational fishing. Terry is also a member of the Jurien Bay Marine Park Community Advisory Committee.

Terry has held numerous committee positions in the Surf Casting and Angling Club and the Australian Anglers Association in the past, but is now using the majority of his volunteer time for the benefit of Recfishwest. Terry attended 11 Board meetings in 2008/09.

Harry Vosper - Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Angling Association (WATFAA)

Harry Vosper has represented Freshwater Fishing interests on the Board of Recfishwest for the last 9 years and is a past Chairman of the Communications Committee. He is an avid Fly fisherman and has fished on five continents and believes in "Catch and Release" as part of protecting the fishing environment for future generations.

Harry has served on the WATFAA Council for the last 9 years with 2, three year terms as President. Harry is also a member of the Regional Freshwater Fisheries Stakeholder Sub-committee (RFFSS) that has developed the State Trout Management Plan. He was also a member of the Marron Advisory Committee that created the State Marron Management Plan. Harry is a member of the South-west regional Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee.

Harry has had several years experience with the South African Natal Shark Measures Board and was a part-time Natal Fisheries Officer.

Harry believes that the presence of WATFAA, as WA's major freshwater stakeholder on the Recfishwest Board, is essential to provide a good balance between saltwater and freshwater interests and inputs and to act as a voice for the Freshwater community in WA. Harry attended 10 Board meetings in 2008/09.

Tim Carter - Australian Fishing Trades Association (AFTA) - WA

Tim has been the Marketing Manager of Halco Tackle for the past 5 years and deals with members of the community and the fishing tackle industry both on a domestic and international basis. Tim is well versed with the issues facing the recreational sector from both an industry and anglers perspective.

Tim has been an enthusiastic fisherman all his life and a current member of the Perth Game Fishing Club. From the age of 6 his family have owned a number of small boats and fished regularly, mostly bottom fishing in the Shark Bay and Kalbarri regions. Tim has also been fortunate enough to have fished all over Australia and internationally and his fishing experience extends from Walpole on the South Coast to the north Kimberley coast from both shore and boats.

He joined the Perth Game Fishing club in 1986 and won the club's Champion Angler and was also the Champion Angler in the WA Open Games Fishing for that same year. Tim has also served two years as the PGFC's secretary in 1992 and 1993 and a total of four years on the club's committee. He was also a member of the West Coast Sportfishing ANSA club and served a year as its Vice President. Tim attended 9 Board meetings in 2008/09.

Matt Howard - Charter Boat Owners and Operators Association (CBOOA)

Matt Howard has owned and run a charter business Apache Charters since 1999. Matt has fished in the West Coast, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions since that time.

Matt is currently a member of the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee representing charter fishing interests. Matt has been actively involved in recreational fishing interests on behalf of the CBOOA, including representing them on the stakeholder summit on west coast demersal fisheries management.

Matt has made his vessel available to the Department of Fisheries as part of pink snapper research.

The CBOOA has recently rejoined Recfishwest and is looking forward to contributing to future management developments through the Board.

Stephen Gilders - Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA)

Stephen Gilders has been President of ANSA WA for the last 12 years. He has been a Board member of Recfishwest since its inception over the last 12 years.

Stephen Gilders has been involved with Westag since 1996 and played an important role in developing the tagging program for Samson fish, snapper and dhufish.

Stephen has broad ranging recreational fishing experience in WA with special fondness for Steep Point. Stephen attended 4 Board meetings in 2008/09.

Joe Petrovich - Spearfishing Commission (WA) of Australian Underwater Federation (AUF)

Joe Petrovich has been recreational line and spearfishing for the last 40 years. Joe has visited and fished in most of Western Australian waters.

Joe has worked extremely hard on issues such as access, equity in management and the display of divers flags by snorkelers.

Joe has been representing spearfishing interests on the Board of Recfishwest for the last 2 years. Joe attended 11 Board meetings in 2008/09.

Background information on Nominees seeking a Bioregional Board Member position

Bioregional Board Member election 2009

Following is background information on Nominees seeking a BIOREGIONAL BOARD MEMBER position on the Recfishwest Board of Management;

(PLEASE NOTE: VOTING IS ON THE BALLOT PAPER SENT TO RECFISHWEST MEMBERS).

As a result of a Constitutional amendment, there are vacancies for two year terms for Bioregional Board Member positions for the following:

Pilbara/Kimberley   Mr Jay Wheelock - Karratha - elected unopposed.

Gascoyne   Mr Brian Deering - Exmouth - elected unopposed.

West Coast   Mr Michael Heslewood - Bunbury - elected unopposed.

South Coast   two candidates, require a ballot.

The candidate for the South Coast Bioregion who receives the highest number of votes will be elected for a two year term.

The following information has been supplied by the candidates to assist in making a selection for the Board positions. The order of ballot has been determined by a random draw.

Robert Robinson - Albany

Robert Robinson was instrumental in coordinating community support to increase the minimum legal size limit for Pink Snapper in Wilson Inlet from 28cm to 41cm. He therefore has a good understanding in the processes involved in developing community driven fisheries management reforms and the commitment to see them through to fruition.

Robert has been a member of the South Coast Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee for the past 4 years. He also sat on the Albany Anti Netting Committee in the 80s. More recently Robert has assisted the Department of Fisheries and Murdoch University in developing improved research sampling techniques to minimise fish mortality. Robert is currently a member of Albany's Offshore Fishing and Boating Club and has worked with the City of Albany on the development of boat ramp access of the disabled.

Mark Halse - Walpole

Mark is a professional fishing guide along the South Coast of WA. He therefore has an intimate knowledge of the region's waters and maintains close contact with the fishers who use them. Mark keeps constantly aware of issues and strategies that face recreational anglers. He is currently the Community Representative on the Walpole Nornalup Marine Park Focus Group, and was recently elected to represent this focus group to discuss marine planning with the Minister for the Environment. Mark is a persistent campaigner for the improved management of fisheries in the estuaries and rivers of the South Coast.

In addition to Mark's extensive knowledge of the South Coast, he talks with many fishers in other regions during regular travels for trade and fishing events such as the Mandurah Boat Show. Mark's passion for fishing saw him represent WA in the 2005 Australian Bream Fishing Tournament Grand Final. Mark also writes for Western Angler magazine and has appeared on numerous TV and DVD fishing shows.

Brian Deering - Exmouth - elected unopposed

Brian has lived in Exmouth for the past 29 years. He is a lifetime member of Exmouth Volunteer Marine Rescue, the assistant Weigh Master of the Exmouth Game Fishing Club and a member of the Saltwater Flyrodders of WA. Brian is a past member Exmouth Regional Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee where he served for ten years. He has experience in many kinds of fishing in both salt and fresh water.

Michael Heslewood - Bunbury - elected unopposed

Michael was born and raised in the lower south west of WA and has a long family history in the Busselton/Augusta/Margaret River area. Michael loves all kinds of fishing and has extensive knowledge and skill level anywhere near water, fresh and salty, beach, bank or boat. Michael has a strong desire to play a part in the long-term sustainability of the current fisheries within WA so they continue to provide the same level of enjoyment to many future generations to come. His personal philosophy is that fishing is about getting a feed as well providing an experience and sociability to many families while doing it.

Michael will bring to the Recfishwest Board his strong passion and vast understanding of fishing in all forms. He has also had experience in the commercial fishing industry including wetline fishing as well as beach seine netting for salmon, whiting, herring, mullet, whitebait and other species. Michael takes a keen interest in all matters related to fishing and regularly provides input into fisheries management matters by attending meetings and writing submission and letters to the Department of Fisheries, Government Ministers and other members of parliament.

Jay Wheelock - Dampier - elected unopposed

Jay has been living in Dampier for the past ten years, in that time he has been a committee member of the Nickol Bay Sport Fishing Club for the past 8 years and is currently the club's Tagging Coordinator for the past four years. He has also been a key organiser of the Dampier Billfish Shoot-out. He is a keen sport fisher targeting a wide variety of species including game fish and has fished the "Barra Classic" in the Northern Territory for the past three years.

Jay travels and fishes throughout Western Australia however he has a very good understanding of the challenges affecting the Pilbara Kimberley and Gascoyne regions. He takes a keen interest in issues affecting recreational fishing in Western Australia and has assisted with various research tagging projects undertaken by Murdoch University and the Department of Fisheries.

This page prepared on 16 October 2009, last updated on 13 November 2009 (addition of minutes of 2008 AGM).