Member Update

Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative's online meetings allow Members to engage with their management team regularly. A summary of the most recent meeting is provided below.

Update from Marc Anderson;

• Marc provided an update on some engagement activities GFC has led following Prime Minister Albanese's announcement that fresh rock lobster shipments to China will resume by the end of 2024. See below for the full article.
• Marc shared with viewers that he and GFC chair Basil Lenzo have a meeting this week with WA Fisheries Minister Don Punch to discuss ARMA and FRMA management frameworks as GFC seeks clarification on fisher's access rights guarantees. More information will be shared with Members in a subsequent online meeting.
• Marc encouraged all Members to attend this week's Annual General Meeting. The AGM is an opportunity for Members to hear from GFC directors and management, ask questions, and catch up with fellow fishers. See the reminder below for complete details. 
• Marc shared with Members that he will attend the inaugural Chinese Consul-General's Business Dialogue session in December. The program involved a group of business executives discussing ways to improve business-to-business cooperation and ways Australia and China can work better together. Marc stated that this is a positive sign as the political relationship continues to strengthen, businesses will have an opportunity to contribute ideas and discuss how our two nations can improve trade and people-to-people connections.

Update from Leith Teakle; 

• Leith reminded viewers of the change to the Member Loyalty Scheme, moving from four payment periods to three, with the most recent period finishing on October 31st. A formal announcement with the top-up payment will be made this week before the AGM. The Member App usage payment frequency will also align with the periodic payment to Members instead of an annual payment. This ensures payments are returned to Members sooner, and fishers who haven't achieved the required usage percentage can adjust and receive the payments in the subsequent periods.

Market Update from Bryan Keay;

• Lower intake has contributed to the recent price rally. Bryan shared that intake is down around 25% compared to previous years. Intake for the season-to-date is 2% behind last season's catch profile. Looking further ahead, the Tasmanian Rock Lobster fishery is due to start fishing in mid-November.
• Bryan told viewers that the Average beach price (excluding top-ups) for the season to date is $41.76/ kg.
• Bryan shared with Members some trade and business development activities, including the Qingdao and China International Import Expo. The December Catcher will provide a complete summary of these expos. 

The next Member online meeting is scheduled for December 6th. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

Images from top left to bottom right: Min. Collins in Welshpool. Min. Farrell & Josh Wilson MP in Fremantle. PM Albanese in Geraldton with GFC Member Jared Groom and GFC staff.

High-Level Visits to GFC following Australia - China Rock Lobster Trade Announcement.

Following Prime Minister Albanese's announcement that fresh Australian rock lobster shipments from Australia to China will resume by the end of 2024, GFC has hosted Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Australian Government representatives to continue advocating for a smooth re-entry into the Chinese market.

GFC was asked to host a press conference at Molfetta Quays in Fremantle with Trade Minister Don Farrell and Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson. Following this, Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, met with staff while visiting GFC's Welshpool facility.

The high-level government engagement culminated in the Prime Minister's visit to Geraldton Lives to meet with management, fishers, and staff.

These visits presented an excellent opportunity to celebrate recent developments and underline to leaders the key differences between our co-operative and a corporate entity and our responsibilities to our Members, staff and the regional coastal communities that rely on the economic activity attached to commercial fishing. 

GFC looks forward to working with our counterparts around the country and relevant authorities to ensure a smooth re-entry to China as part of our diversified trade and marketing activities.

GFC Leadership Summit

Last month, we had the opportunity to step away from our usual workplace for two days and dive into a unique environment that fostered both fun and deep thinking. GFC's annual Leadership Summit is a way for us to take leaders from around our co-operative out of their daily routines, allowing us to engage in meaningful conversations about our co-operative's long-term strategy and future.

We were fortunate to have leaders from various parts of our business come together, sharing their insights and perspectives. Along with our Member engagement initiatives, this collaborative spirit drives our co-operative forward, ensuring we remain resilient and adaptive in an ever-changing industry.

GFC Member's Ladies Lunch

Our annual Member's Ladies lunches took place in Geraldton and Fremantle last month. This unique event aims to showcase and celebrate the achievements of women within our extended GFC family, including our staff, fishers, and entrepreneurs connected to commercial fishing activity.

The format includes a panel for Members to share their experiences and foster ideas for improved representation and support. A big thanks to Debbie Frater and Leonie Noble, who worked hard behind the scenes to make these events happen.

TACC Committee Recommendation for 2025/26

Earlier this month, the TACC Committee recommended to the Western Rock Lobster Council board that the next season's quota be set at 7 million kilograms.

The committee recommendation was made based on the following criteria;

•    2024 Global Trade Report
•    2024 Stock Assessment & Analysis
•    WCRLMF Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) Model
•    Western Rock Lobster Puerulus Settlement
 

Members are encouraged to review the reference documentation, provide survey feedback on the recommendation and attend the upcoming West Coast Rock Lobster Annual Management Meetings (AMMs). 

Review the Council's email here. 

West Coast Rock Lobster Annual Management Meetings (AMMs) 

A quick reminder that the 2024 West Coast Rock Lobster Annual Management Meetings (AMMs) are happening next week. This is an important opportunity for Members to contribute their ideas and feedback. Southern Member's meeting was held in Fremantle on Monday. A Geraldton meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday at the Gerald Hotel.

More details, including agendas and background documents, are available here.

Fremantle and Geraldton Blessing of the Fleet Wrap-Up.

November is the season for blessings! The Member Services team has been travelling the length of the WA coastline to support Blessings of the Fleet in Geraldton and Fremantle.

These community events are a great way to foster stronger relationships between the commercial fishing industry and the communities in which we live and operate.

As part of our support, we welcomed the public through our facilities for free tours, offered the opportunity to get up close and personal with WA rock lobster and shared our support for responsible seafood buying and sustainable fishing practices with our partners, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).