Volunteers recognised in the 2024 OzFisher of the Year Awards

With a stack of local nominations from the Moreton Bay Chapter, Rick Ada’s dedication to OzFish has earned him the title of National OzFisher of the Year. His commitment to OzFish is evident through his tireless efforts across multiple initiatives at our OysterWorld facility, including safety; spearheading the creation of a Traffic Management Plan, and critical electrical upgrades and ensuring efficient operations at Oysterworld.  But his impact doesn’t stop there. Rick’s meticulous maintenance of OzFish’s boat, the Quampie Pearl, highlights his attention to detail. He ensures its operational readiness through recertification of safety equipment, motor servicing, and trailer upgrades.

Sean Finn, President of the Hastings Chapter, and a key member of the NSW Fish Habitat Panel, leading impactful initiatives that drive positive change for fish both locally and statewide. Known for his proactive approach and innovative thinking, Sean consistently seeks ways to support fellow recreational fishers and promote sustainability. Sean is always willing to step up to advocate for fish habitat in his local community and beyond. Through his leadership and commitment, Sean exemplifies what it means to be a modern recreational fisher, and we are proud that he’s part of the OzFish team.

Greg Hellsten, of the Camapse-Loddon Chapter, has played a significant role in conservation efforts within the freshwater fish habitats of Central Victoria. This is particularly highlighted by his leadership in the Lake Eppalock resnagging project and his active participation in community and regional events, where he generously shares his expertise and enthusiasm. Alongside his hands-on contributions, Greg has significantly contributed to educational outreach by collaborating with VRFish to launch the “Lure Learning” events, designed to promote skill development and provide anglers with a deeper understanding of fishing’s environmental impacts. The fish are in good hands in Victorian rivers thanks to Greg! 

Anthony Ridolfi from the Darwin Chapter embodies the spirit of OzFish with his positivity, enthusiasm, and tireless work ethic. His commitment to promoting sustainability for better fishing outcomes is unwavering. He actively shares this passion with the community, which has helped grow the Darwin Chapter and breathe life into various projects in the area. From tangle bins to sustainable fishing practices, Anthony is happy to roll up his sleeves for his local waterways. As a relatively new region for OzFish we greatly appreciate Anthony’s efforts as a founding member for OzFish in the Top End.  

As the Habitat Officer for the Adelaide Chapter Lyndon Zimmermann has made a significant impact through his consistent involvement in various OzFish projects, from seagrass to shellfish. His contributions include active participation in field days, delivering engaging presentations to community groups, and playing a crucial role in designing and constructing processing equipment for SA Oysterworld. Lyndon is inspiring others to join OzFish in SA with his leadership and vision for Adelaide’s local waterways.

Janine Field, a prominent member of the Fremantle Chapter, is a dedicated and invaluable contributor to the annual Seeds for Snapper initiative, ensuring the project successfully restores many m2 of seagrass each year. Her commitment was particularly evident at the World Rec Fishing Conference 2023, where she and her husband Roy flew to Melbourne to share the Seeds for Snapper story globally. Janine’s enthusiasm has ignited community involvement, leading to partnerships with dive shops that offer volunteer divers free tank refills. Beyond Seeds for Snapper, Janine actively participates in events like the Busselton Jetty cleanup, leaving a lasting impact on Fremantle’s OzFish community and inspiring others to join the cause.