2008 Secretary's Report

Thank you all for your support in 2008. MIFSG was very active in our community releasing 20 Barramundi on Saturday the 26th of July 2008, 13,000 Sooty Grunter on Friday the 8th of August 2008 and 15,000 Barramundi on Sunday the 7th of December 2008. Fish from both Barramundi releases have been sighted since which is excellent news.

MIFSG also ran a successful Boat Raffle in 2008 that turned over $37,000.00 and netted $19,135.00 income for MIFSG to continue with our stocking activities.

The 2008 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic continued to be a great event for our community but lack of sponsorship and low nominations brought in $2,978.30 compared to an average of around $10,000.00. As a fundraising event MIFSG will take lessons learned from the 2008 effort and look to improve in 2009.

MIFSG had 120 financial Members in 2008 with a lot of new faces coming to meetings and becoming part of the future of fish stocking in Mount Isa. These new faces are welcome additions to our community based group and have provided vital backup to the executive with fundraising activities and logistical support.

A number of our other activities progressed well in 2008 with our Angler Education program spreading out into the North West and Gulf communities under the co-ordination of Mark Van Ryt. Mark has done a marvellous job and he must be commended for his huge effort. Our engagement with the community is an important function and I hope Mark will continue to fly our flag with Angler Education.

Thank you to Russell Corrigan who did his best as President in 2008 and coordinated the successful Boat Raffle. Thank you Vivian Haenfler who took on the Treasurers job and performed well, exceptionally well with the Boat Raffle sales and supporting Russell. And thank you to Sean Eales who supported everybody on the executive as Vice President. Sean did very well standing in for Russell at meetings assisting wherever he was needed.

Thanks again to the Members and Executive of 2008 and all the best to the incoming Executive of 2009.

George Fortune
Secretary 2008