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

Member Update

Update from Marc Anderson

• Marc began the online meeting by talking about the coast barbecue last week and upcoming member catch-ups. Coastal BBQ
• Marc gave a recap of GFC's sales and operational activity from December through early January, along with commentary on the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape exporters are navigating. 
• Marc spoke about the recently launched Trade Diversification Network and the role of GFC and the seafood industry. More on this initiative can be found in the article below.
• Marc shared with Members an upcoming trade delegation to the Middle East organised by the Minister of Fisheries and DPIRD. 

Update from Leith Teakle

• Leith gave Members an update on the timing of the Geraldton office move. The last day at the Ocean Street address will be Tuesday, the 27th of January. The move is expected to take a few days, and the Marine Terrace office will be open to visitors on Friday. During this time, it might be difficult for Members to visit staff at the GFC offices, so they are encouraged to call/email the Member Services team instead. 
• The new office is located at 75 Marince Terrace, Geraldton. Click the image below to show on Google Maps.

Update from Michael May

• Michael May shared a range of improvements and updates on the GFC Member App. Notable amongst these was the message board function requested by fishers. Other enhancements included bug fixes and work on the bait ordering workflow.
• Michael shared an update on the landing consignment weight compliance requirements following the recent management change by fisheries. 
• Michael clarified DPIRD’s consignment weight recording requirements, including independent confirmation of landing weights by fishers and depots/factories.

Update from Bryan Keay

• Intake is tracking around 2% behind 2025 levels, mainly due to lower intake in the early part of January, though Bryan noted intake is now picking up.
• Bryan commented that beach prices remained elevated in the early part of January due to lower intake, though as intake has increased, he believes prices might soften this week or next.
• Bryan also noted that, while intake season to date is lower, when adjusted in absolute volumes for the lower quota in the fishery, intake is tracking closely with season 2024-2025.
• The strengthening of the Australian dollar and its impact on the beach price were discussed.
• Ahead of the Lunar New Year, Bryan shared historical price tracking by grade before, during, and after the festival, and gave a February beach price forecast.
• Bait availability was also discussed, with replenished stock of Hoki and Blue Mackerel. While there will be fewer salmon cutlets/heads due to lower catch volumes from these fisheries, a substitute product is available: the same species of fish as NZ salmon.

The next Member online meeting is scheduled for 23rd February. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

Automated Basket Lifter Trials at Geraldton Lives Facility.

Late last year, a new basket lifter prototype was introduced at Geraldton Lives, designed to enhance both the safety and the efficiency of site operations. 

For many years, handling lobster baskets at our facility has been a physically demanding task. Staff regularly lift and maneuver heavy loads, which could place considerable strain on their bodies and also pose safety risks due to repetitive, strenuous manual labour.

With the new basket lifter system, we aim to change this aspect of daily operations fundamentally. The new lifter should dramatically reduce the strain on our team by taking over the heavy lifting.

Additionally, it has the capacity to improve overall efficiency—loading and unloading processes are now more consistent as staff are not physically drained by the manual maneuvering of baskets, opening up the opportunity to streamline daily operations and allowing us to make better use of our time and resources.

Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor the performance and impact of the new basket lifter system. We are also eager to assess opportunities to roll out similar innovations across our other locations, as we remain committed to continuous improvement. 

Share Your Fishing Story for our 75th Anniversary Book.

As we celebrate our Co‑operative’s 75th anniversary, we’re taking the opportunity to showcase what makes our industry truly unique — the people, the places, and the moments that bring Western Rock Lobster to the world. One of the most important periods of our season is the Lunar New Year, when global demand surges and fishers work with focus, skill, and pride to meet market demand.

To help us capture an updated “Day in the Life” story for this milestone year, we’re asking fishers to share photos of their activities in the lead‑up to the Chinese New Year. Whether it’s boat preparation, early‑morning pot hauling, grading, a light-hearted moment amongst crew, or unloading of baskets at depots, these authentic snapshots tell the story better than words ever could.

Your images will help tell the story of our fishery at an important point in time, in print for future prosperity. 

If you have photos from this period or plan to capture new ones between now and February 17th, please email them by clicking the button below.

Lobster Legend Program - Celebrating Excellence & Inspiring Greatness.

Each month, GFC recognises outstanding team members through the Lobster Legend Program. This peer-nominated initiative celebrates GFC employees who embody our core values (Safety, Productivity, Continuous Improvement, Quality and Respect) and go above and beyond for our co-operative.

In December, we recognised Megan Parker from Geraldton. Read their nomination reason below:

"Your dedication as our solo payroll superstar has not gone unnoticed. You keep our paydays running smoothly for such a big team, handling even the busiest weeks with calm professionalism. Whether it’s the wild season or just another hectic day, you always find time to help anyone who asks. But it’s not just your technical skill that stands out; it’s your kindness, care, and consistency that truly make a difference every single week."

Congratulations, Megan, and thanks for your contributions! We'll bring you more Lobster Legends in future editions.

WRLC Annual Management Meetings - Save the Dates.

The Western Rock Lobster Council has communicated the following dates for the Council’s Annual Management Meetings:

Fremantle: Monday, 9 March 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Geraldton: Wednesday, 11 March 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

These meetings provide an important opportunity to review progress, discuss strategic priorities, and collaborate on future initiatives. Full agendas and venue details will be shared by the Council in due course, and we will share the information in future editions.

Independent Shallow Water Survey - Tender Opportunity.

The Western Rock Lobster Council invites submissions for the 2026 Independent Shallow Water Survey Tender. This project is critical for ensuring accurate data collection and supporting sustainable management practices.

Interested parties are encouraged to review the tender documentation and submit proposals within the specified timeframe. Access full details and submit your tender here.

Expanding Horizons: What the Trade Diversification Network Means for Australia’s Seafood Sector.

Austrade’s newly launched Trade Diversification Network (TDN) represents a significant step forward for Australian exporters looking to build resilience and access new global opportunities. Bringing together 40 national peak industry bodies, the TDN is designed to help businesses diversify into emerging markets and reduce reliance on traditional trade partners, according to Austrade. 

For the seafood sector — an industry deeply connected to international demand cycles, logistics pathways, and trade conditions — this initiative has meaningful implications. The TDN forms a significant component of the government’s $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI), which focuses on tailored activities such as trade missions, training, and export showcases to support diversification. These activities can help seafood producers navigate evolving global supply chains and tap into growth regions, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where demand for premium, sustainably sourced seafood continues to rise, according to a release from Trade Minister Don Farrell. 

DynamicBusiness.com writes: Trade diversification is also a strategic response to global volatility, helping sectors like seafood manage the risks associated with market concentration. As the government highlights, 32% of Australia’s economic output is supported by trade, and exporters tend to be more productive and resilient. For seafood businesses, greater market diversity strengthens stability, supports price optimisation, and opens the door to brand‑building in new markets.

With peak bodies working closely alongside Austrade, the TDN creates a unified national effort to help Australian seafood reach more tables around the world — reinforcing long‑term competitiveness for a sector that thrives on global connection.

The new Sydney Fish Market recently opened. Check out the new building and facilities in the video link above.

Lunar New Year Celebrations 2026.

As we approach Lunar New Year on 17 February 2026, communities across Asia and around the world prepare to welcome a season rich in tradition, reunion, and celebration.

While customs vary from country to country, the spirit of renewal remains universal. In China, the festival—known as the Spring Festival—centres on family gatherings, red decorations, firecrackers, and the iconic lion dance. In South Korea, families observe Seollal, honouring ancestors and sharing traditional foods, while in Vietnam, Tết is marked by homecomings, festive markets, and offerings that symbolise prosperity for the year ahead.

This year ushers in the Year of the Horse, symbolising energy, freedom, strength, and forward momentum. According to cultural interpretations, the Horse embodies vitality, enthusiasm, and determination—traits that inspire bold decisions and new beginnings. In 2026, the Horse is paired with the Fire element, a combination that brings heightened passion, creativity, and transformative energy. This rare Fire Horse year occurs only once every 60 years, making it especially significant.

Across regions, celebrations continue for up to 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on 3 March, when families light lanterns and enjoy sweet rice dumplings to mark a bright start to the year ahead.

The Lunar New Year offers a meaningful moment to reflect, reconnect, and look forward with optimism—qualities beautifully aligned with the spirited Horse guiding the year to come.

GFC Supports Variety Midwest’s Major 2026 Fundraising Event

Geraldton Fishermen’s Co‑operative is delighted to announce our continued sponsorship of Variety Midwest’s signature fundraising event, taking place Saturday, 21 March 2026, on the jetty at Geraldton Wharf. As an organisation with deep roots in the Midwest, this partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work.

Variety Midwest plays a vital role in helping local children live, laugh, and learn by providing life‑changing support through programs such as the Kids Support Grants. These initiatives ensure Midwest kids have access to the equipment, opportunities, and assistance they need to thrive — a mission that closely aligns with GFC’s values.

The event will bring together around 250 guests with live entertainment from the Royal Australian Navy Band. Set against Geraldton’s stunning waterfront, it promises to be an unforgettable night in support of an important cause.

As a major sponsor, GFC is honoured to help bring this event to life and to continue championing initiatives that strengthen the Midwest community. To learn more, visit the Variety Midwest Facebook page.