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 Leith Teakle;

• Leith spoke about the third and final Member engagement survey, which wraps up the 2024-25 season's round of surveys. The survey is run three times per year, with a third of members surveyed each time. This structure provides GFC with feedback across the season, rather than just at one point in time. So if it's your turn this round, we look forward to hearing from you.
• Leith also spoke about the recently announced Period Three and Season Loyalty payments.

Update from Bryan Keay;

• Bryan shared with Members that the season had got off to a solid start with reasonable volumes of intake being received. The season-to-date catch is sitting around 0.5% ahead of last season's intake.
• Bryan recapped his market observations from the previous meeting, noting that, at this time of year, most markets were not particularly buoyant, with no notable festivals or celebrations scheduled in the coming weeks. 
• Bryan shared a list of upcoming market dates, noting a later Ghost Month period (August 23rd to September 21st) on the Lunar calendar.
• For this reason, Bryan believes that, all things being equal, prices will remain relatively flat / stable until closer to September. Additionally, Bryan noted an increase in supply from substitute species from around the world, along with slightly higher landings from Western Australia, which were keeping market prices contained.
• Bryan also shared with Members his forward estimates of the price sensitivity of different lobster grades, along with a recap of the last season's average beach prices and this season's average prices-to-date.

The following Member online meeting, scheduled for mid-August, will be announced soon. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

75th Anniversary Dinner

Get ready to sparkle and splash! Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative is thrilled to announce the theme, devised by GFC Member Tiffany O'Byrne, for our 75th Anniversary Dinners: Ballgowns, Bowties & Boardies. 

It's a night where elegance meets the ocean breeze, sequins meet salt spray, and tuxedos can be paired with thongs. Whether you're donning your finest gown or your flashiest fishing shorts, this celebration is all about honouring 75 years of hard work, co-operation, community spirit, and a little bit of coastal cheek.

Expect a night of glitz, grit, and good times as we toast to the past, present, and future of our co-op. From cray pots to champagne pops, this is your chance to dress up and dance the night away. Invitations will be emailed to Members and Staff in early August. With venue capacity limited, we encourage you to RSVP early. We'll bring you more details in future editions.

Family Day Wrap Up

The Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative kicked off its 75th anniversary season with a fantastic Family Day celebration in Jurien Bay.

It was heartwarming to see nearly 200 staff members, members, and their families come together to mark this special milestone. The event was filled with laughter, connection, and a strong sense of community spirit, reflecting the unity that has defined GFC over the decades.

From family-friendly activities and live music to shared meals, the day was a true celebration of the people who make GFC what it is. A huge thank you goes out to Belinda and Cinda, whose hard work behind the scenes made the event a success. Thanks to everyone who came along and helped create such a warm atmosphere. A link to view and download your favourite images from the day is available below. 

Celebrating International Co-ops Day

The International Day of Co-operatives (#CoopsDay) is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July. This day raises awareness about co-operatives and highlights their successes in promoting social and economic development.

This year's celebration is particularly significant because it aligns with the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives. During this year, we will see how co-operatives can create inclusive and sustainable solutions for both people and the planet.

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) asked its members to participate in Coops Day and reflect on our aspirations for the future of the co-operative and mutual sector. They posed the question: "How do you hope and expect the co-op and mutual movement will make its mark in Australia over the next 12 months?"

In considering this question, we realised that holding ourselves accountable and doing right by our people, communities, and the environment—demonstrating the Co-op difference—could have a positive impact on the movement in Australia. Find out more in the video below.

Lobster Legend Program - Celebrating Excellence & Inspiring Greatness

Each month, GFC recognises an outstanding team member 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 June, we recognised Ali Walker from the Geraldton office:

Ali was nominated by Michael May for supporting the Transport and Logistics Team with the administration of the bait function. She proactively identified and implemented improvements to streamline processes, and diligently maintained daily and weekly stocktakes to ensure accurate information and smooth operations. Her positive attitude and meticulous attention to detail have greatly benefited the team and are highly appreciated by all.

Congratulations to Ali! We'll bring you more GFC Lobster Legends in future editions.

WA Marine Heatwave Condition Update

Marine heatwave conditions continue to affect several WA marine bioregions, with moderate (Category 1) impacts observed across the Gascoyne, South Coast, and West Coast. The Leeuwin Current is driving unusually warm sea surface temperatures, with some areas showing anomalies of 3–4°C above seasonal averages. These conditions are expected to persist through winter 2025, potentially exceeding those seen in 2024.

Stakeholders in the seafood and aquaculture sectors are encouraged to closely monitor stock health, water quality, and catch patterns. Reports of coral bleaching and sightings of tropical species highlight the ecological shifts underway.

Further updates will be provided as thermal risks change; please stay informed and share your observations to support ongoing monitoring and response efforts.

Ocean Temperature Outlooks

10th Anniversary of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Following the Prime Minister's visit to China, Australia and China have agreed to review the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, this review aims to "enhance trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation."

Although specific details about the review are currently limited, it is understood that both nations will review the paperless certification of agricultural and food products.  Both nations' commitment to improving trade liberalisation is likely to benefit commerce and the two economies.

ChAFTA was introduced in 2015 and has removed or reduced tariffs on a wide range of Australian exports to China. For example, the tariff rate on live rock lobster imports to China decreased from 15% to 0% in 2019.

While tariffs have been eliminated on a wide range of products and services, the upcoming review will look at the "further potential of the ChAFTA for deepening economic and trade co-operation."

Celebrating 75 Years

This rock lobster season, we're celebrating our Co-operative's 75th anniversary. Throughout the season, we'll be bringing you events, content and highlights honouring 75 years of hard work, co-operation and community spirit.

But this celebration isn't just about us—it's a tribute to the incredible people who have shaped our co-operative since 1950. We are keen to hear from everyone who has a story, special memories, photos or memorabilia. If you're eager to share your favourite memories and connect to our community, be sure to follow our Facebook page for regular Throwback Thursday (#TBT) stories and photos or email us below.

The Brolos Catcher Feedback

The Brolos Catcher monthly e-news is a way to connect Members, Staff and Stakeholders. We share industry, fisheries, and cooperative news and celebrate the communities in which we live and work.

We're always keen for feedback. If you have suggestions on what type of content you'd like to see in future editions, please get in touch by clicking the button below.

LEADERBOARD