Member Update

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

Update from Leith Teakle;

• Leith summarised the recent meeting between GFC and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF).
• DFAT has been encouraged by the increasing level of engagement since the visit of Prime Minister Albanese, Minister Farrell, and Minister Wong to China in November last year.
• Some progress has been made on Live Lobster trade. However, no firm timeframes for resolving the technical issues have been established.
• GFC has invited DFAT to speak at one of our Member Online meetings in the coming months. We will keep you informed on the date for that meeting.
• Members were informed that Blue Mackerel use is now very close to the 5% threshold to ensure we maintain our Marine Stewardship Council certification.
• It is likely GFC will be required to cease supplying Blue Mackerel to fishers at the end of January for the remainder of the season.

Market Update from Bryan Keay;

• GFC has received 46% of expected intake season to date, which is 9% ahead of pre covid pace.
• An increase in weekly live volumes has had a positive impact in prices.
• We anticipate strong sales in the lead up to the festive season in key markets.
• Depending on intake volumes prices may correct as we anticipate lower sales post the festive season.
• Average beach price for the season to date across all Zones is $35.56, excluding loyalty payments.

The next Member online meeting is scheduled for 9th February 2024. The meeting link will be sent to Members via email before the meeting.

A Family Legacy with Geraldton Fishermen Co-operative spanning four generations.
 

In the coastal town of Geraldton, where a soothing blend of salty breeze and crashing waves fills the air, an extraordinary tale of loyalty, dedication, and an abiding love for the sea has unfolded across four generations. 

The Bailey family, with deep-rooted ties to the ocean and a shared commitment to their community, has stood as unwavering supporters of the Geraldton Fishermen Co-operative (GFC) for an impressive span of 70 years.

The story begins in 1954 with Jim Bailey, a gold miner from Cue. Facing the imminent closure of the Big Bell mine, Jim decided to visit his father in Dongara for a well-deserved holiday. 

It was during this visit that Jim discovered the abundance of lobster in the pristine waters off Geraldton's coastline. Driven by a passion for the sea and a desire to provide for his family, he embarked in his weathered dinghy, armed with 30 pots and kangaroo bait.

In those days, there were no size limits for lobsters, and Jim sold his catch directly to the public for a modest price of 10 shillings (one dollar) per dozen. Over the next decade, Jim's determination led him to expand his operations. In 1967, he relocated to Geraldton, bringing his 51-foot steel boat, and officially establishing a partnership with the GFC.

Following in his father's footsteps, Jim's son Wayne, affectionately known as "Nugget," inherited his seafaring spirit and business acumen. In 1967, Nugget, eager to carve his own path, joined John Fitzhardinge as a deckhand on North Island. The arduous journey from Dongara to North Island, lasting nine hours on a 24-foot boat, became a regular part of Nugget's life.

L to R: Liz, Nugget, Alice & Jim. L to R: John Fitzhardinge & Nugget

Coincidentally, in 1970, when Jim retired and sold his boat and 150 pots for $30,000, Nugget purchased his own boat, named "Zephyr," meaning gentle wind. Like his father, Nugget toiled relentlessly, constantly improving his boats. In 1985, he acquired a 46-foot fiberglass southerly-designed vessel named "ElWay," which he still owns to this day.

Nugget passed on his profound appreciation for the sea and the value of hard work to his own children. From a young age, they accompanied their father on fishing trips, learning the art of lobster fishing, and embracing the significance of their family's legacy.

As time flowed by, the Bailey family's tradition of lobster fishing was embraced by the third generation. Pete and Darren, Nugget's sons, took the helm in 1990 and 1996, respectively. Each of them began running their own boats, with Pete stationed at North Island and Darren at Big Pigeon.

Today, the fourth generation, represented by Pete's son James, proudly carries the family torch as he assumes the role of a skipper and Laura worked on deck for 3 seasons. On top of this, Emma has been a valued member of GFC’s Welshpool team for in recent years as she completes here studies in Perth.  In addition to their dedication to the family business, Nugget, Pete, and Darren have taken on leadership roles within the fishing industry, serving on boards such as WAFIC, WRLC, and the GFC.

Four Generations: L to R Darren & Jake, Nugget, Peter & James, Jim

Nugget fondly recalls attending monthly board meetings at WAFIC in the 80’s, where John Cole chaired the discussions in the heart of Perth's CBD. He takes immense pride in the community efforts on North Island, which resulted in establishing an airstrip, a school, and a social club during his years of hard work and dedication to providing for his family.

The Bailey family's loyalty to the Geraldton Fishermen Co-operative is a testament to their deep-rooted connection to Geraldton and the ocean and their unwavering commitment to pursuing their passion. Throughout four generations, their enduring partnership with the GFC stands as a testament to the power of dedication, tradition, and loyalty. It serves as a reminder that such values can have a profound impact not only on their own lives but also on an entire fishing community bound together by a shared passion for the sea.

This story was researched and written by GFC Chair, Basil Lenzo.