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 opened the meeting by thanking all Members for attending the recent Member Catchups along the coast. This included a barbecue at North Island and the hospitality provided by the Davidson family. Check out some of the photos of the catchups in the article below.
• Marc spoke about the current geopolitical climate and US tariffs. The situation is uncertain and unfolding, so we will continue to provide Members with timely updates.
• Marc announced an upcoming change to the Member bonus share cap. A separate email with details of the changes has been sent to Members.
• Marc spoke about an upcoming visit by new Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis to GFC's Geraldton facilities. Minister Jarvis also has the Midwest portfolio, which Marc said had a great synergy with our Co-operative. He looked forward to engaging with her next week and will report back to Members with any update on Fisher access security legislation.

Update from Leith Teakle;

• Leith introduced the Board Succession Program, led by Terry Lissiman and Leonie Noble, two experienced member directors on your board. The flexible program will focus on mentoring and equipping individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on GFC board responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to GFC's future. Check the infographic below for an overview of the program. In the coming weeks, an expression of interest will be sent to Members. If you'd like to know more before the EOI, please get in touch with Leith.

• Leith shared a calendar of upcoming events (shown toward the end of this Catcher). He informed Members that GFC would be closed for intake on Good Friday (typically a day many fishers don't deliver) but would be open over the rest of Easter.

• Leith also encouraged as many Members as possible to attend the Shore Leave festival happening over the ANZAC long weekend and the Trans-Tasman Congress in August, with a GFC Member Tour program now available (article detailed below).

Market Update from Bryan Keay;

• Bryan spoke about price volatility caused by changes to intake, currency fluctuations, and trade flow.
• The China-USA tariff situation on seafood at present: China has introduced an 84% tariff on the USA for seafood entering China. Boston lobster, typically a cheaper species in main markets, is now at a much higher price point, closing the differential between Australian rock lobster species. The American administration has announced a 125% tariff on all goods from China to the USA, resulting in a major disruption of supply chains, with less airfreight available for all goods being sent from China to the USA. While Bryan stated that at present, other nations, including Australia, exporting to China, are likely to benefit from these actions, increased volumes being sold domestically in the USA are likely to make things more difficult for Australian exporters to American shores. Speaking more broadly, Bryan cautioned that the longer-term impact of tariffs on these major economies and how it might affect consumption is uncertain. 
• Bryan discussed the significant currency variation caused by tariff announcements and their impact on the Australian Dollar and Chinese Yuan.
• The intake for the season to date is around 5% ahead of the previous season. However, intake has varied considerably in recent weeks, with a ~30% swing in weekly intake, which is why Members have noticed a considerable adjustment in beach prices.

The next Member online meeting is scheduled for 9th May. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

Member Catch Ups

Recently, we have had some fantastic Member catch-ups with fishers along the coast and at the Abrolhos Islands.

These gatherings have proven to be popular ways for our Members to stay engaged with each other and your cooperative.

By coming together in these settings, fishers strengthen their relationships and enhance their understanding of what's happening at GFC by talking with the management team.

It's great to see such camaraderie among our members during these functions. Thank you to everyone who came along to say hello and contribute. We look forward to scheduling another round of coastal catch-ups soon.

GFC's 75th Anniversary Preparations

As part of our preparations for our Co-operative's 75th celebrations, we're on the hunt for material that helps punctuate the progress, changes, and ups and downs of GFC and, more broadly, the Western rock lobster industry.

Below is a list of materials we're trying to collect:

• Brolos Catchers (pre-2013)
• Members' photographs from GFC tours to overseas markets (pre-2016)
• Historical documentation (such as share certificates, newspaper articles, etc.)
• Historical photographs/ slides (such as GFC member fishing boats)

We'd love to get a scanned copy of some of these materials (the originals will be returned to you), so if you have something you think would be of interest, please email us by clicking the button below.

Women In Seafood Leadership and Entrepreneurship Program - EOI Closing Soon

The Turn the Tide Entrepreneurship and Leadership Program by Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) is designed to empower women in the seafood industry with entrepreneurial and leadership skills

The program develops women in entrepreneurial and leadership thinking to solve key issues in seafood workplaces and communities. Participants will engage in a journey of shared problem identification and develop practical actions and tools to address these issues.

The program culminates in an in-person 'Round Table' event in Canberra, where participants present their work, network, and further develop their skills

Expressions of interest close on April 18th. If any GFC Members are interested in applying, GFC will cover your application fee to submit your expression of interest.

Contact Member Services or find out more at the website Entrepreneurship and Leadership - Turn the Tide

2025 Trans-Tasman Lobster Conference

Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV) is thrilled to present this dynamic conference on “Harvesting Opportunities and Grappling with Change.”

This event is designed for everyone in the lobster industry, from fishers and processors to marketers, exporters, scientists, fisheries managers, service providers, and international delegates.

GFC has curated a member tour itinerary to Victoria that includes the conference, industry networking, and social outings. You can check out the itinerary and express your interest in attending by clicking the button below.

Trans Tasman Lobster Conference 2025

Shore Leave 2025 Partnership Announced.
We're thrilled to share that we're a Presenting Partner at the 2025 Shore Leave Festival in Geraldton. This festival celebrates fresh seafood, local culture, and exceptional dining experiences in the Midwest. Check out some of the programming featuring GFC and your Brolos lobster products.

Brolos Lobster Presents the Abrolhos Island Long Table Lunch on April 23rd. 

Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative presents the Helm Kitchen, 24th - April 27th, Geraldton Foreshore.

During the Beach Price Markets on Saturday, April 26th, we will have a stand and lobster look tanks at the markets, as well as free tours of the Geraldton lives.

Celebrate the Midwest's produce and community at the Shore Leave Festival this April. Visit the website and Facebook to join the experience.

Join GFC's Life Blood Australia Team and Save a Life Today!

Are you a regular blood or plasma donor? Have you considered donating but never got around to it?

Lifeblood has been one of the most trusted not-for-profit health service providers in Australia for over 90 years. The service started with blood donations and has expanded today to include blood, plasma and more. Becoming a donor can deliver the following benefits:

• Save Lives: Every blood donation can save up to three lives, making a significant impact on the community.

• Health Benefits: Regular donations come with health checks, helping you monitor your well-being.

• Flexible Scheduling: Donation schedules are flexible, ensuring minimal disruption to your routine.

• Community Engagement: Be part of a supportive community, fostering camaraderie and a sense of purpose.

• Positive Impact: Contribute to maintaining a stable blood supply, especially during urgent needs like natural disasters.

In addition to all the reasons why donating is a good idea, joining GFC's Lifeblood Team is a great way to build camaraderie and contribute to the team's donation/ impact score. 

If you'd like to register, create a profile and follow the prompts to join an existing team, search Geraldton Fishermens Cooperative (without the apostrophe).

While there is not a permanent clinic location in the Midwest at the moment, there is a pop-up location with dates listed at this link.

Weekly winners:
Due to the cancellation of the first game of the season, no margin was recorded, meaning we had seven weekly winners for the opening round:

(please note weekly winners are only eligible for the prizes once they have paid fees)

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