FROM THE OFFICE OF VRFISH – VICTORIA’S RECREATIONAL FISHING PEAK BODY

NEW VRFISH BOARD ANNOUNCED

VRFish welcomes new Chairman, Geoff Cramer, Board appointees and State Council Members at Annual General Meeting.

On Saturday 13 October 2007 at the Williamstown and Newport Angling Club, the 2007 VRFish Board Election results were announced at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Retiring Chairman, Bob Pearce handed over the Chair of the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body to Geoff Cramer, a long standing VRFish Board Member and passionate fisherman who was elected into the position, who stated “I will continue to strongly represent the interests of recreational fishers of Victoria”.

Thanks were given to John Corbett and Doug Evers-Buckland for their service as Board Members for the past twelve months. Additional acknowledgement and a gift were presented to John for his outstanding services to recreational fishing as a member of the VRFish Board for over 9 years before his retirement at the AGM.

In addition to the change of Chairman due to Bob Pearce’s retirement from that position, there were three new additions to the VRFish Board consisting of Trevor Buck, Russell Conway and John Willis.

The elections for the Board saw Michael Edwards, Franz Grasser, John Hotchin and Robert Loats reappointed as members and they were joined by retired Chairman Bob Pearce.

John Hotchin and Robert Loats were also presented with gifts for their outstanding contributions to recreational fishing in Victoria. Over the past 5 years John has raised over $500,000 in grants to enhance recreational fishing. Rob is a tireless worker on issues
regarding native fish species, especially the iconic Murray cod.

Bob Pearce was presented with a commemorative plaque as thanks for his service which highlights moments from his two years as Chairman of the VRFish Board.

The announcements at the Annual General Meeting follow a contested election for all positions that reflects renewed interest in participation in the peak body by recreational fishers. This was also apparent in the new members of the State Council that attended the AGM. These included for the first time members of Fishcare Victoria as well as 3 new unaffiliated members, Dale McCabe, Peter Hair and Darren O’Shannassy.

The VRFish State Council has reached all time record numbers of members and this bodes well for the future in ensuring that the organisation is well placed with the new ideas and energy required to ensure that the future of Recreational Fishing is in good hands.

VRFish – Victoria’s Recreational Fishing Peak Body
Marine House, Ground Floor, 24 York Street South Melbourne Vic 3205
Telephone: 9686 7077 Facsimile: 9682 1066 Web: www.vrfish.com.au