ANGFA-CONVENTION-2002

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE 2002 A.N.G.F.A. NATIONAL CONVENTION. For anyone interested in native fish keeping the annual ANGFA Conventions are the highlight of various activities on the calender. I have attended every single one of them thus far and have enjoyed them all. It is a golden opportunity to catch up with "fish friends" both old and new, and find out what's happening around the ridges from the experts in the various fields. The venue changes each year and this state-wise rotation encourages attendance from more local identities each time.

This year the venue was "Sails" Resort at beautiful Port Macquarie on the coast of New South Wales and there is probably not a more idyllic spot in Australia. The 7 hour drive down from Brisbane on Friday 25th November was extremely pleasant except for the widespread pall of smoke from extensive bushfires in the region. Fortunately over the weekend wind changes and some welcome rain reduced the problem considerably and the convention was not significantly impacted on except for some plane schedules on the Friday evening.

The traditional AGM on Friday evening was once again chaired by yours truly and comprised the usual reports, elections and discussions that are so necessary to the orderly running of the affairs of the association. Life membership certificates were presented to Andy Wattam and Bruce Hansen, and later Derek Girkin (President) and Jennifer Palmer (Vice-President) were elected to the committee for the ensuing year. If the success of the convention is any guide, the association is in good hands. Our thanks are extended to them and the continuing committee members for their efforts. During general business there was a lively discussion on smuggling, the increasing bureaucratic influences on the hobby and possible future areas of conflict. The traditional continued discussions over a convivial drink completed the evening.

- Bruce Hansen.