Update on membership, state elections and AGM

Update on membership and AGM
We are sending out invoices for membership fees over the next week or so.

As soon as that’s done, we will send out a notice for an AGM, then hold an AGM on a phone/video conference, possibly using Zoom video conferencing. Zoom is free and much easier and better quality than Skype. If you have not used it, drop an email to me on info@rfansw.com.au and he’ll do a 2-minute dummy run with you one evening. You need either a desktop PC with a camera or a laptop with built in camera. You don’t need to do any special set up or download any software. But you can also download Zoom app on a mobile phone if you prefer. Basically, to operate it, you just sit and wait for an email at time of the meeting, when you get email you click a link, and Zoom opens up and you’re in the meeting.

We hope you will be able to give this a go, it’s certainly easier than driving hundreds of kilometres. The CFA has been using it for recent committee meetings and it’s been terrific so far.

General meeting
Soon after the NSW election we plan to have a more comprehensive meeting to discuss what we do next...in light of who is in government.

Leading up to the election
We have written a wish list, for political parties to fill in. It’s at this link: http://www.rfansw.com.au/nsw-state-election-2019/

We have already met with David Leyonhjelm, (Liberal Democrats), Robert Brown (Shooters Fishers and Farmers) and Mark Latham (One Nation). Good support from all of them so far. We have sent the wish list to Justin Field (Greens) and are expecting a meeting with him next week, and the list has already gone to Labor and Coalition, we would hope to meet them in next week or two. Max Castle has also been organising some meetings with Labor and Coalition on the south coast, and they have gone well.

As part of the discussions with the various parties we already know that if any of them stick their necks out and make election promises, we might be expected to make statements of support, so don’t be surprised if you see something like that...just keep in mind we won’t be telling people how to vote.

Regards
Peter Gibson

Members of the RFA of NSW are: Australian National Sportfishing Association (NSW Branch), Australian Underwater Federation, Canberra Fishing Club, Central Coast Association of Angling Clubs, Community Action for Fish Rock, Club Narooma Bowlo Fishing Club, New South Wales Council of Freshwater Anglers, New South Wales Fishing Clubs Association, New South Wales Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association, Professional Fishing Instructors and Guides Association and South West Anglers Association.

About the Recreational Fishing Alliance
The RFA is the peak recreational fishing body in NSW. It is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation supported by recreational fishing clubs, associations and individual anglers.

Its aims are:
• To represent the interests of the recreational anglers of NSW and to gain equitable representation in the management of the State’s recreational fisheries.
• To promote sustainable fishing practices throughout NSW.
• To encourage the participation of children in recreational fishing.
• To pursue and secure the rights of recreational anglers to fishing access in NSW waters.
• To encourage recreational anglers to become involved in the well-being of the fishery.
• To promote consultation and communication between government bodies and anglers.
• To promote fishing safety.