ANGFA-CONVENTION-2002

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE 2002 A.N.G.F.A. NATIONAL CONVENTION.

Sunday morning brought a welcome weather change for the firefighters and a continuation of the program . First cab off the rank was James Sakker from NSW Fisheries who informed us about the various "NSW Fisheries Projects" that he is involved with and especially the protected species sightings program. He also outlined how ANGFA members can assist and hoe in turn they can benefit from being able to access the NSW Fisheries FishFile database.

Effie Howe, our next speaker, is well known as an ANGFA stalwart and researcher on fish-related projects. Previously we have only seen freshwater material from her but this time she shared her experiences with the Marine and Coastal Community Network of Dragon Search NSW. The project involved collating information on sightings of the Weedy Sea-dragon as part of the background information for a conservation plan for this species. Her experiences sharing facilities with other similar community based groups were a revelation and her presentation introduced many of us to a new window into our underwater world .

Our final speaker for the morning was my good friend and neighbour, Adrian Dawson. Adrian has been a tower of strength for ANGFA.Queensland for many years and loves nothing better than to hop in his truck and go out collecting. His presentation "The Best Across the Top" was a collation of several of his trips north looking for beautiful rainbowfishes and in particular his beloved "trifasciatas". Adrian's presentation included glimpses of the fishes and habitats of a couple of areas not previously featured at ANGFA conventions - Yirrakala and the Habgood River.

After another excellent morning tea break Walter Ivanstoff assumed the presenter's podium. Walter is now a Senior Research Fellow at Macquarie University as well as scientific editor of "Aqua" for Heiko Bleher. He has regularly been generous with his valuable time for ANGFA and his extensive experience has been much appreciated. Walter has published many articles on native fishes and their relatives elsewhere and unofficially is called "Mister Hardyhead" because of his world renowned pre-eminence with this group. His presentation "Dalhousie Springs Revisited" allowed us a look at one of his field trips when he flew in to this fascinating oasis in the Simpson Desert in northern South Australia to examine the special fauna and flora of the springs. The high level of endemicity of the springs fish fauna attests to their long separation and evolution to suit the special conditions found there.

One of the highlights of any ANGFA Convention is the possibility of a contribution from one of our overseas members. Franz-Peter Mullenholz has a special place in our affection for many reasons - he is a top bloke, warm and friendly, loves our fishes and our country (he must since he has made 9 trips here) and has the technical expertise to produce professional quality audiovisual shows. He went to special lengths this time with "Good Australian Mates", a personality show featuring more than 20 people of ANGFA that he and his wife Ulli have delighted on their many trips. The show, narrated by FP and Ulli shows Australia and Australians ( especially the species "angfa-ensis") as seen through their affectionate eyes and had the audience eating out of his hands. Unfortunately mechanical problems with the hired projectors caused Franz-Peter a few frustrating moments during the presentation but it was a show to be remembered and treasured and was appreciated with tremendous applause. Thank-you Franz-Peter and Ulli - we will have you back any time.

Our last presenter before lunch was from Greg Howe, one of our junior members, and naturally with Effie and Chris for parents it is not surprising that he takes a keen interest in native fish and our aquatic habitats. His contribution "Feral Fish: Is the Plague Minnow in the Myall River System" informed us about his recently-completed survey of the distribution of Gambusia in the Myall River catchment on the NSW mid-north coast. It is great to see the younger generation getting out there and looking around at nature instead of computer games on a screen. We look forward to Greg's next efforts.

After an enjoyable lunch break we moved on to a series of presentations involving trips by ANGFA members. Our first presenter was Scott Hunt, who in real life is an IT consultant in Canberra, but "more importantly" has been keeping, breeding and photographing native fishes for the last 8 of his 20 years in the hobby. "The long way round to ANGFA Convention 2001, Adelaide" featured highlights of a 7-week trip through North Queensland, the Cape, the Gulf Country, the Northern Territory and down through Central and South Australia. Once again the "projector gremlin" sabotaged the show and made things difficult for Scott but certainly brought back many pleasant memories for me.

Scott was followed by his co-pilot on the trip, Andy Wattam who has been the "bulldozer" behind many an ANGFA project including the first 2 conventions and a couple later that were held in the ACT. Andy knows everyone who is worth knowing "in native fish" and loves nothing more than the "inside story" on the many and varied incidents that occur throughout the ANGFA sagas and trips that unfold from time to time. Now Andy has long been apprenticed to the "old Master" when it comes to story telling. You guessed it - the "Silver Budgie", Neil Armstrong. He who proudly declares that "you never let the truth get in the way of a good story!" After Andy's presentation, "Collecting Expeditions - The truth Uncovered ", I am now of the opinion that Andy has now attained his "Tradesman's Certificate" and with a few more shows like this one to his credit will be approaching Neil's level of expertise.

After afternoon tea came the final presentation of the weekend was by Barry Meiklejohn who transformed the ANGFA.Qld Newsletter and has been a major part of many committees for ANGFA at both the state and national level over the years. Baz and I had recently completed a trip to Central Australia to have a look around and try to see as many fish habitats as possible along the way. His expertise with the Canon Digital camera and associated computer wizardry resulted in a spectacularly comprehensive pictorial extravaganza of the trip accompanied by an equally comprehensive commentary. For a variety of reasons the fish and their habitats were a minor component in this beautiful show.

All too soon another convention was over with a repeat of the opening slide show and closing remarks from local and new-national president, Derek Girkin and we were all fired up to book in early to the next one in Brisbane in 2003. Many were staying on for the post-convention boat cruise, local winery visits and a variety of other local attractions, a few were even planning to sample the local waterways for a rainbow or two, or even some "Rhads". I had a great time - appreciating the lovely local marine habitat, making new friends, renewing old acquaintances, marvelling at the friendliness of the locals, enjoying the stimulating educational program and wondering how many raffle tickets I'll have to buy next year to win even a third prize in any of the great raffles held between each part session. This convention had top atmosphere and for my money was one of the best yet !

- Bruce Hansen.