Four new members from across South Australia have been elected to the State’s key recreational fishing advisory body.
Following an independent nomination and open public election process Peter Dunnicliff from Millicent, Geoff Gallasch from Meningie, Timothy Doyle from Port Lincoln and Lisa Michalanney from Adelaide have been appointed until 1 July 2023.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham congratulated the new members who were elected from a diverse field of candidates.
“The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council is the peak representative body which provides the State Government with advice on the needs and interests of recreational fishers across South Australia”, Minster Basham said.
“Fishing is a key driver for our state economy as we know when people fish, they also tend to spend money by staying at local hotels, eating at local restaurants, visiting local tackle shops which all supports local jobs.
“Given the economic benefits and social rewards of recreational fishing for so many South Australians, these new members have will have an important role on behalf of the recreational fishing community as we all work together to act in the best interests of the fishery and community.
“I congratulate the successful candidates who will add their voices to a council that provides me with advice and input from the recreational fishing community on fisheries initiatives, management and policy.
“I look forward to working with them, in addition to the five other council members and the independent Chair Sharon Starick.”
Ms Starick, who along with the Minister thanked the outgoing MRFAC members for their service to the recreational fishing community, said the eighth meeting of the council is due to be held in late November 2021 enabling the newly elected members to actively participate in the discussions.
“I welcome the election of the new members and look forward to working with them as the council focuses on the delivery of our Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia,” Ms Starick said.
“Published earlier this year, the strategy sets out tangible outcomes for the recreational fishing community by building capacity and capability.
“Our vision is to build towards stewardship, sustainability and security for the South Australian recreational fishing community.”
Another election will be held in 2022 in relation to the continuing positions on the MRFAC, with the staggered election process in place to maintain continuity.
For more information about MRFAC: https://www.mrfac.org.au/
New Member Profiles
Peter Dunnicliff, from Millicent.
Mr Dunnicliff has fished South Australia’s south-east – from Pt McDonnell to the Murray mouth for more than 40 years, both land and boat based. A member of the Lower South East Recreational Fishing Association, he owned a fishing tackle shop in Beachport for six years. He maintains contact with many fishers of the region as well have having years of experience on committees.
Geoff Gallasch, from Meningie.
A resident of the upper south east for the past 18 years, and a regular visitor for more than 50 years, Mr Gallasch has extensive knowledge of the Coorong and Lower Lakes. He has regular contact with many recreational and professional fishers in the area and is member of a number of associations in the area.
Timothy Doyle, from Port Lincoln.
A recreational angler from a young age, he mostly fishes marine on the Eyre Peninsula after moving to Port Lincoln from the southern suburbs of Adelaide for improved fishing. He has won Port Lincoln’s Anglers Club Championship three times and been named Fisherman of the Year.
Lisa Michalanney, from Adelaide.
Growing up by the ocean, Ms Michalanney has fished recreationally around the world, and now mostly fishes marine near Adelaide. Career-wise, she has been involved in the management and compliance of animal industries.
