
The WA Seafood Industry Awards, presented by the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC), stand as a prestigious celebration of excellence within Western Australia’s dynamic seafood sector, spanning 14 significant categories.
These Awards serve to showcase the remarkable accomplishments of the WA seafood industry, shedding light on its invaluable contributions to the local economy and communities. Furthermore, they recognize the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our fishermen and women, who provide some of the world s finest seafood to local, national, and international markets.
This event stands as the premier gathering in WA, singularly dedicated to promoting our thriving sustainable seafood industry. Held biennially, it emerges as the largest seafood industry event in the region, attracting up to 450 attendees to a grand gala. This event also receives substantial visibility, reaching out to a vast audience of up to 10,000 industry participants.
In 2024, this event will once again bring together a diverse array of stakeholders from the seafood and fishing sectors. This exclusive evening welcomes the leading figures in the industry, from commercial fishers and aquaculturists to retailers, processors, exporters, wholesalers, and restaurateurs. Additional, it fosters connections with essential government and environmental agencies, media channels, and connoisseurs of gastronomy.
A special highlight is that winners in 13 award categories gain automatic entry into the Australian Seafood Industry Awards, to be held in conjunction with the 2024 Seafood Directions Conference in Hobart. The WA-only Deckhand Award, created to recognize and reward the contributions and achievements of those working at the forefront of our industry, will also be continuing in 2024.
AWARD CATEGORIES
To showcase the WA Seafood industry, we are seeking outstanding candidates in the following 14 categories:
1. SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AWARD (Sponsored by Endeavour Foods)
Presented to a restaurant that has demonstrated excellence in consistently serving customers with quality seafood, providing them with an overall positive seafood dining experience, and has contributed substantially towards a positive public profile for the seafood industry.
2. TAKE-AWAY FISH AND CHIPS AWARD (Sponsored by Bendotti Exporters Pty Ltd)
Presented to a take-away food outlet that has demonstrated excellence in consistently providing customers with quality seafood, and has contributed substantially towards a positive public profile for the seafood industry
3. SEAFOOD INDUSTRY PRODUCER AWARD (Sponsored by Western Rock Lobster Council)
Presented to a seafood primary producer that has demonstrated excellence in the sustainable production of quality seafood through innovation in fishing or aquaculture practices, and that has contributed substantially towards a positive public profile for the seafood industry.
4. SEAFOOD BUSINESS (LARGE) AWARD (Sponsored by Baker Refrigeration)
Presented to a seafood business employing the equivalent of ten (10) or more full time staff involved in any segment of the supply chain that has demonstrated business growth; innovation; excellence in product, service and marketing; and has contributed substantially towards a positive public profile for the seafood industry.
5. SEAFOOD BUSINESS (SMALL) AWARD (Sponsored by Francis A Jones)
Presented to a seafood business employing less than the equivalent of ten (10) full time staff involved in any segment of the supply chain that has demonstrated business growth; innovation; excellence in product, service and marketing; and has contributed substantially towards a positive public profile for the seafood industry.
6. HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD (Sponsored by Sea Harvest)
Presented to an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking a workplace health and safety activity that has contributed substantially towards improving the health and safety record of the seafood industry.
7. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & EXTENSION AWARD [Sponsored by Fisheries Research and Development Corporation}
Presented to an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking research, development and extension activity that has contributed substantially towards a sustainable and profitable seafood industry.
8. ENVIRONMENT AWARD (Sponsored by Ward Packaging)
Presented to an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking an environmental activity that has contributed substantially towards protecting or rehabilitating aquatic environments, or reducing adverse seafood industry impacts on the environment.
9. PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD (Sponsored by Chevron Australia)
Presented to an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking a people development activity that has contributed substantially towards a higher performing and diverse workforce for the seafood industry.
10. SEAFOOD INDUSTRY PROMOTION AWARD [Sponsored by Aquarius Lawyers]
Presented to an individual or entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking a promotion activity that has contributed substantially towards improving the public profile of seafood and/or the seafood industry. Media organisations, or individual journalists, are also encouraged to apply.
11. SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE AWARD (Sponsored by Austral Fisheries)
Presented to an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking a positive, educative seafood experience activity with opportunities to consume Australian seafood, and has contributed substantially towards a positive public profile for the seafood industry. The experience may involve, but not limited to, seafood cooking, trails, tours and festivals.
12. YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARD (Sponsored by Woodside Energy)
Presented to a person, under 35 years of age, who has demonstrated that he/she has made a positive difference to the seafood industry, and has the potential to continue to develop as an effective and respected seafood industry leader. (This can be awarded only once to any one individual).
13. MICHAEL AND PATRICIA KAILIS LEADERSHIP AWARD (Sponsored by MG Kailis Group)
Presented to a person who has made a substantial positive difference to the seafood industry over at least twenty years often beyond the bounds of the person’s enterprise or employment. The person has been highly effective and is a respected seafood industry leader. (This can be awarded only once to any one individual).
14. DECKHAND AWARD (Sponsored by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)
(WA accredited award only)
Presented to those who have demonstrated ongoing passion, commitment and a willingness to take on challenges that make a positive contribution to the seafood industry. This person, through their enthusiasm and sustainability conscious work ethic on deck will be awarded for their efforts to develop as an effective and respected seafood industry member.
APPLY NOW
Please download the Application Package to obtain further information on judging criteria and guidelines for entry, and be sure to also download and complete the Entry Form to accompany your submission.
Submission must be received no later than 5pm Friday 1 March 2024 (electronic submissions preferred).
If you require further information or assistance in meeting any of these requirements, please contact:
Craig Sinclair
WA Fishing Industry Council
[email protected] or phone (08) 9432 7777.
THE EVENT
The 2024 event aspires to be bigger and better than ever before, offering a culinary extravaganza celebrating the ocean’s bounty with an array of food theatre displays and delectable creations. Featuring the finest Western Australian seafood, this gastronomic journey will be curated by highly esteemed seafood chefs as well as a selection of local producers. These culinary artists, armed with their expert knowledge and precision, will transform the region’s bountiful seafood offerings into a symphony of flavours and artistic presentations. With a deep appreciation for the ocean’s gifts, these chefs will craft dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also celebrate the rich maritime heritage of Western Australia, ensuring that attendees embark on a culinary journey like no other.
These culinary maestros include;
- Brad Adams, Rare Foods Australia – Producer Chef
- Liam Atkinson, Le Rebelle & Bar Rogue
- Damien Bell, Bellbuoy Seafoods – Producer Chef
- Scott Bridger, Bib & Tucker
- Steven Finch, Indigo Oscar
- Neil Forbes, Black Pearl Oyster Shucking
- Danny Matthews, The Seasonal Brewing Co
- Leigh Nash, Norfolk Hotel
- Leigh Power, Shui Subiaco
- Navarre Top, Double Rainbow Eating House
- Sam Vial, Wollaston Fish & Chips
- Chase Weber, Gorilla BBQ & Consultant to Kaarla Restaurant – Singapore
The WA Seafood Industry Awards 2024
Time: 6pm until late
Date: Friday, 3 May 2024
Venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, Cnr Marine Terrace & Essex Street, Fremantle
Cost: $120 per person (Early bird) or $140 per person (for tickets purchased after 1 March 2024), plus Eventbrite booking fees. Tickets include an array of seafood culinary delights as well as a four-hour beer, wine and soft drinks package.
Dress: (Men) Suit and tie (Women) Cocktail wear
Please visit the EVENTBRITE website to purchase tickets to the event.

SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship opportunities are available, please view our Sponsorship Prospectus or alternatively contact:
Susan Bell
Marketwise Marketing & Communications
E: [email protected]
T: 041 994 4088
SPONSORS/partners
PRODUCE Contributor Sponsors
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