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Chair's Report: I do like it when we as an industry take the time to reflect and celebrate the premium quality seafood we produce and those who make it happen. Friday 28th August was the SAWIN Seafood Industry Awards evening and it was a night for all stakeholders in industry to come together. Congratulations to all of the winners, finalists, nominees and the ladies involved who organised such a first class event.
Coming together prompts me to mention a project underway titled United Seafood Industries. The National Seafood Industry Alliance has secured funding for the project to look at how a national peak body for the seafood industry might operate and what it might do if indeed Brian Ramsay hears from industry that we even want one. More details in this newsletter.
One last thing I'd like to share, I travelled to the Nor West of Australia recently and did some recreational fishing as you do (I willingly purchased my $30 fishing from a boat licence) and was amazed at the shark issue up there. I struggled to land a fish without being bitten off. Bill fishing competitions are called into question because even if they do land a fish it's chances of survival are slim when released. Recreational fishers are pushing for commercials to once again fish the bronzies and reef sharks responsible to restore some balance. Alliances can work and need to be perused particularly when it involves PET's (protected, endangered and threatened species) that Governments around Australia don't want to even acknowledge there is an issue let alone act on.
Jonas Woolford
Chair, Wildcatch Fisheries SA Inc.
Peak Body Project: A three-year project has kicked off to identify the best options for a new national seafood industry peak body.
With Australian Government funding, the National Seafood Industry Alliance (NSIA) has commissioned Canberra firm Inovact Consulting to undertake the ‘United Seafood Industries’ project. The project provides a unique opportunity for seafood businesses to develop a strong national peak body tailored to their needs and with the capacity to engage the government and community with influence and authority.
A dedicated website has been launched and consultations are planned for each state to connect with seafood businesses, individuals and industry associations.
Brian Ramsay, Managing Director of Inovact Consulting and former CEO of Australian Pork Ltd, is leading the project and will speak at Seafood Directions 2015 in Perth (25-27 October). You can find out more and be part of the process by visiting the website or by following on twitter and facebook.
SEAsonal SEEchange: The first round of auctions of this WFSA project culminated at the 2015 Seafood Industry Awards. Mr Len Toumazos from The Fish Factory, Athol Park was recognised as 'Supporter of the Year' for spending the most $$ during the 4 auctions.
Congratulations to Len and thank you for your continued support.
Auctions are held on the last Wednesday of every month at SAFCOL Fish Market. ALL proceeds from the charity auctions are donated to Variety through Car 58.
Seafood Industry Awards 2015: The seafood industry was celebrated at the Seafood Industry Awards on Friday 28th August 2015 held at Adelaide Oval. More than 200 people attended the event, which showcased the industry’s professionalism and commitment to supplying some of the finest seafood in the world to local, national and international markets.
The full list of winners are:
PRIMARY PRODUCER - Bart Butson, Port Wakefield
ENVIRONMENT - SA Sardine Association - Code of Practice
PROMOTION - Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula - Seafood Frontier program, BUSINESS (large) - Sarin Group, Port Lincoln
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT - Australian Fisheries and Maritime Academy
BUSINESS (small) - Angel Oysters, Smoky Bay
YOUNG ACHIEVER – Claire Webber, Industry Research and Liaison Officer, Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association
RD & E - Associate Professor David Stone
INDUSTRY AMBASSADOR- Graham Tapley, who has been fishing in the Spencer Gulf and the West Coast waters since 1969
BEST SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE (publicly voted via social media) – Soto’s Fish and Chips Semaphore
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES - The late Barry Evans - past president of the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association Port Lincoln and Sam Sarin, Chair of the Sarin Group.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners and I wish you the best of luck at the National Awards. Congratulations also to SAWIN for hosting a first class event.
ATO assistance for Fishers: On July 21, 2015 the Treasurer and the Minster for Agriculture launched the ATO's assistance service; a service available to individual taxpayers and businesses in drought-affected communities; AND you don’t have to be a farmer to access it. Fishers are included. People affected by drought who need support can discuss their situation and options to help them manage their tax obligations with the ATO by calling the dedicated hotline for drought affected taxpayers on 13 11 42 (Select Option 3). The ATO also offers assistance for anyone having difficulty paying, including those affected by natural disasters or for whom paying their tax debt would cause serious hardship. For more information click here.
FRDC Board Appointments: WFSA congratulates the new FRDC Board.
- Dr. Renata Brooks – reappointment
- Prof Colin Buxton – new appointment
- John Harrison – new appointment
- Dr. Lesley MacLeod – new appointment
- Assoc. Prof Daryl McPhee – new appointment
- John Susman – new appointment
On the 16th September 2015, FRDC will also be launching their Research Development and Extension Plan 2015-2020 at Parliament House.
SA Women's Industry Network: WINSC AGM and Conference will held prior to Seafood Directions on the 24th and 25th October, 2015 in Perth. For more information click here.
If you are interested in being a part of SAWIN, you can contact Karen Holder for more information.
Seafood Directions 2015: The Seafood Directions Conference Organising Committee has recently unveiled the 2015 Conference Program. The programming team has finalised a schedule of engaging, thought-provoking speakers, all excited to share their knowledge and experience with you. The final program features 52 presentations with abstracts.
The Seafood Directions Conference Organising Committee is also thrilled to announce that Rupert Howes from Marine Stewardship Council, UK is joining the group of highly renowned international speakers. For more information click here.
Drug and Alcohol Policies: WFSA in conjunction with the Primary industries Skills Council are currently undertaking a project funded by SafeWork SA to provide appropriate drug and alcohol policy coverage for all major sectors of the Primary Industry. This work has been identified as urgent given the growing incidence of illicit drug use within our society.
The project has identified that there are competing approaches in managing drugs and alcohol issues with a range of impacts including a potential loss of workers. To address these issues, the project has focused on the development of a more generic policy that provides greater protection for enterprises as well as a more responsive management plan that can deal with the varying issues facing enterprises.
It is important that we implement workable policies for the industry that each sector owns and is committed to rather than a one size fits all approach. We anticipate completing the project during October 2015. If you would like more information, feel free to contact me.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority: First aid supplies on domestic commercial vessels. Changes to rules allow a common-sense approach. If you are operating in Class C, C Restricted, D or E waters, and are required to meet National Standard for Domestic Commercial Vessels Part C7A (Safety Equipment), you now have the flexibility to decide the type and quantity of first aid supplies needed for your operation.
This allows you to decide whether to carry a ‘scale’ medical kit or ‘cabinet’ as prescribed in Part C7A, or risk assess your operation and customise your first aid kit to suit your risks. It’s important to note that your kit must also comply with the Work Health and Safety Code of Practice. Click here to find out more.
Australian Maritime and Fisheries Academy: "Maritime Industry Pathway Program", Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade I Near Coastal) MAR20313
The Academy has places available for the 2016 MIP program. This qualification will assist students to fast track their maritime career in either marine engineering or as a deck officer. The units of competency completed will gain credit towards a Coxswain or Marine Engine Driver 3 qualification. The course will be undertaken during Stage One of SACE. Students satisfactorily completing this course will gain 60 SACE credit points.
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Membership forms are available on the website. Membership has many valuable benefits; the most important is being a part of an organisation which has delivered significant achievements for the industry at both a state and national level. Corporate Memberships are also available. (You may already be a member through your Sector Association - please check with your Executive Officer)
Contact me at any time about your issues or about how we can represent you in a better way.
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