Celebrating the 2025 OzFishers of the Year

OzFish is built on the passion and dedication of everyday fishers who choose to give back to the waterways they love. Our annual OzFisher of the Year Awards recognise the individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to restore habitat, rally their communities, and make a real difference for fish.

This year’s nominations reflect the strength and diversity of our national network – people leading habitat projects, sharing knowledge, supporting events, and putting in the hard yards to create healthier rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. We’re proud to recognise their efforts.

Each year, one winner from each state, and one national winner, are selected for their outstanding contribution to fish habitat restoration and stewardship.

As a thank you, this year’s award recipients will be invited to join us for OzFish’s 10 Year Anniversary celebration on the Gold Coast, Saturday 26 July. We’ll be helping to get them there, and thanks to our mates at BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing, each winner will also receive a BCF eGift card.

To everyone who took the time to submit a nomination – thank you. These awards are about more than recognising individuals. They’re a reminder of what’s possible when fishers step up for their local waterways.

National Winner – Sean Finn (Hastings River Chapter, NSW)

From childhood passion to powerhouse champion for fish, Sean is the heartbeat of fish habitat restoration and community stewardship in the Hastings. Balancing a busy career and family life, he still dedicates countless volunteer hours to protecting the Hastings River and beyond. Whether he’s writing proposals, hosting events, or supporting fellow members, Sean’s impact is unmatched.

As President of the Hastings River Chapter, and Chair of the NSW OzFish Fish Habitat Panel, Sean leads by example – motivating, supporting, and uniting those around him. His passion fuels not just projects, but people. He’s been called “the epitome of the modern-day angler”, and we all agree that the future of fishing and healthy waterways is brighter because of him.

NSW Winner – Wayne Ringland (Clarence River Chapter)

Wayne has probably spent more time restoring fish habitat this year, than he has fishing! Whether hauling tonnes of rubbish, planting trees, or leading Gone Fishing Day, Wayne brings energy, ideas, and action to everything he does. He’s generous with his time, gear, and spirit, making clean-ups more effective and events more impactful.

Wayne devotes his time to the Clarence River Chapter and sits on the 2024/25 and 2025/26 NSW Habitat Panels. His passion is contagious, and he’s the kind of legend every waterway wishes they had.

QLD Winner – Graham “GT” Toms (Central Moreton Bay Chapter)

GT is a hands-on hero, and quiet achiever. He’s transformed Oysterworld with his clever creations – from wire dispensers and safety gear to a mobile BBQ. If it needs building, he’s on it.

Donating his time, tools, and vehicle, GT always finds smart, simple solutions that make a big difference. Reliable, inventive, and humble – GT’s contribution is felt across Central Moreton Bay and beyond.

SA Winner – Anne Sawley (Adelaide Chapter)

Anne has been a committed supporter of Seeds for Snapper for years, dedicating her time to both seed processing, and deployment. She’s also our top contributor in monitoring seagrass fruits along northern Adelaide beaches, particularly at North Haven.

Her detailed reports have helped improve Posidonia fruit collection, leading to more accurate predictions of fruit production. Anne’s consistency and attention to detail have made a real difference in advancing OzFish’s seagrass restoration work.

VIC Winner – John Noonan (Port Phillip Bay East Chapter)

As Chapter President, John has been instrumental in driving the reef ball rejuvenation project – organising shell cleaning days, BBQs, and mobilising divers to help restore marine habitats. His passion for building reefs has been key to the project’s success.

John also dedicates countless weekends to underwater clean-ups at spots like Flinders Pier and Brighton, making a big impact on ocean health. His leadership and commitment are a true inspiration.

WA Winner – Aneta Ward (Fremantle Chapter)

Aneta’s passion for protecting the ocean knows no bounds. A long-time Seeds for Snapper diver, she travels across the state in her campervan – from Shark Bay to Busselton – bringing friends and fellow divers along for the ride. Her energy is infectious, and her underwater photography captures the beauty of OzFish’s work.

Aneta even created a short film about the Shark Bay project, screened at a film festival. Now serving as Secretary for the Fremantle Chapter, her dedication continues to inspire.

NT Winner – Georgie McGee (Darwin Chapter)

Georgie’s commitment to the Northern Territory’s busiest tangle bin speaks volumes. Managing the site single-handedly, she’s improving the fishing experience in Darwin while promoting responsible angling practices.

Her consistency, leadership, and tireless effort have left a lasting mark. Georgie embodies the spirit of OzFish – always going above and beyond for her community.

Want to hear more about our national winner Sean? We’ve interviewed Sean, read all about it at the link below.