AFTA President’s Report – AGM 2025

As I deliver my final report as President of AFTA, I am grateful for the privilege of serving on the Board for the past nine years. During this time, the association has successfully safeguarded the future of fishing while adapting to changes in operations, including staff and systems improvements. Among these changes, the adoption of video conferencing for board meetings has revolutionised the schedules of volunteer members.

Notably, we turned around our financial situation, progressing from limited funds to a stable operation that invests in programs benefitting the industry. We also weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, enduring two years without revenue from tackle shows. By working closely with our new partners, we’ve enhanced membership value through cost-saving initiatives.

None of this would have been possible without the past and present board members, and I want to thank each of them. The current Board comprises Billy Parsons, Ben Scales, Stephen Morgan, Kord Luckus, Greg Seeto, Alicia Bolitho, Jarrod Day, and Cameron Jackson—my sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped me to get AFTA to where it is today.

This year, five board positions will be open for nomination during the AFTA AGM, providing an exciting opportunity for new voices to join and advance the industry. I wish everyone who nominates the best of luck.

I deeply love the industry and all that it has given me, and this was my way of giving back and helping guide the direction of AFTA in what I feel was the industry’s best interest. Now, it is time for someone else to step up and fill this role. The Board needs fresh ideas. I love a good argument and listening to everyone’s point of view; this is healthy for AFTA, and I hope passionate discussions will continue into the future.

I have been in the industry for over 20 years, and nearly half of that time has been spent on the AFTA board. After a simple drink at a bar in the US and having a chat with Pat Levy when I had some not-so-positive words to say on its direction, he challenged me to have a go and nominate for the Board, do something about it instead of just talking, so thanks Pat for getting me involved, I never back down from a challenge and this was for sure one of them.

The most significant influence on me in my AFTA world was Colin Tannahill; without his guidance, help, and a little push, I would have never run for President. He supported my ideas and helped me navigate my way through the political side of AFTA, as well as provided general assistance and weekly chats in the early days. I hope to offer the same level of support to the new President that Colin provided, ensuring a smooth transition.

AFTA remains deeply involved in political engagement, participating in numerous ministerial meetings and communications. Bob’s Chair report will provide a detailed overview of these efforts. For now, I’ll note that the recreational fishing industry continues to thrive, a testament to our collective passion and hard work.

Let’s Fish Australia is a campaign initiated by AFTA to inspire families, friends, and newcomers to embrace fishing. Through a series of social media and television clips, the campaign highlights fishing as an activity that promotes relaxation, connection, a love for nature, and mental health improvement. In September 2024, AFTA launched a four-week television campaign across regional areas nationwide. This campaign, the most significant financial investment AFTA has made in promoting recreational fishing, has been particularly impactful in New South Wales, thanks to grant funding through the Let’s Fish NSW program and decisions by bushfire relief committees to allocate funds accordingly. We thank one of our valued members, Anaconda, for helping AFTA get great media rates to make this campaign go further.

Since its inception in 2022, the campaign has received overwhelming positive feedback, with focus groups, video distribution, and numerous calls and emails to AFTA confirming its wide-reaching influence. As someone who has been involved with this initiative from the start, I take immense pride in its achievements. We encourage all members to help amplify the message—visit letsfish.net.au to download the clips and share them on social media platforms. Increased participation in recreational fishing benefits us all. I hope Let’s Fish Australia continues to receive the industry’s support.

We are currently extending invitations to organisations that encourage participation in recreational fishing—such as fishing groups, clubs, charities, and environmental initiatives—to feature their details on the Let’s Fish website. Alternatively, you can visit the site to submit your information directly.

This year, the Tackle Show has achieved another early sell-out. The event includes two trade-only days, followed by a public day, during which attendees can preview upcoming products and meet prominent figures in the fishing industry. The Let’s Fish Australia Stage will host forums with industry personalities. The public day offers an excellent opportunity for wholesalers to connect with the next generation of anglers and gain valuable insights into their enthusiasm for the sport.

Supported by state governments in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, the show offers free entry to the public on its final day, thanks to backing from the Queensland government. Minister Tony Perrett will also attend and speak during the public day, underscoring the importance of recreational fishing as both an activity and an industry.

We invite all members to join the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, July 24th, at 4:30 PM at the Let’s Fish Australia Stage, where complimentary drinks will be provided. Happy Hour will follow later that evening at The Lucky Squire in Broadbeach. Sponsored by Wilson Fishing and Frogleys Offshore, the event will feature drinks and appetisers from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. This is a first for AFTA to host an external after-hours networking event, where people can catch up and meet in a social capacity.

A highlight of the Tackle Show is the Gala Dinner and Awards Night, presented this year by the Victorian Fisheries Authority. This event provides an opportunity to celebrate industry achievements and network in a relaxed setting. Awards will include Best in Show, Best Stand, and Australia’s Best Tackle Store.

After 21 years on the Gold Coast, AFTA had no choice but to move the show with AFTA outgrowing the Gold Coast and the venue unable to accommodate us at the right time of the year, so the AFTA Tackle Show will relocate to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2026, expanding its floor space by 50% to accommodate more exhibitors. We’ll share the details about this relocation at this year’s event to allow for ample planning time.

Special thanks to Bob Baldwin, our Independent Chair, whose connections have opened doors for the industry. Nicholle Smith, our Tackle Show Organiser, has worked tirelessly to ensure the show’s success, and Heatha Nicholas, our Communications Manager, has been instrumental in assisting members and maintaining AFTA’s operational efficiency. Working with all of you has been my absolute pleasure; each of you is passionate about what you do, and that makes AFTA better because of it.

As my tenure as President comes to a close, I am filled with pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of AFTA and its support for our members.

Regards,

Michael Starkey
President