WA shines bright in national seafood industry awards
The best of the best of Western Australia’s seafood industry were on display at the national seafood industry awards on 12 September 2024.
The gala national awards ceremony, which was held in Hobart, is the final event of the Seafood Directions Conference, which attracted its largest event crowd, reflecting the growing importance and interest in Australia’s commercial seafood industry.
Category winners of each State’s Seafood Industry Awards are elevated for national selection and shortlisting, with nine WA winners named as national finalists.
The national awards saw three Western Australian seafood businesses take home trophies.
Albany’s Hooked on Middleton Beach was awarded one of the most popular categories when it was celebrated for providing Australia’s best takeaway fish and chips.
Brett McCallum received the trophy for Health and Safety recognising his 40 years of dedicated service shaping all facets of work health and safety for the seafood industry.
Sophie Sharland, manager and director of Endeavour Foods received the Young Achiever award for her commitment to driving positive change and empowering future leaders in the seafood industry.
A highlight of the presentations was the Hall of Fame inductions, which saw WA’s Angus Callander elevated into the Australian Seafood Industry Hall of Fame.
WA Fishing Industry Council Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Haslam said Western Australia’s commercial fishing industry should be proud of their national finalists and winners.
“This event highlights the best-of-the-best in Australia and WA has once again proven that we have an enormous capacity for innovation, sustainability and resource management.
“The nine WA finalists and three national category winners underline the State’s world-best practice and commitment to sustainability and the environment. Fishing is a renewable industry and is essential to WA’s food security, so we need to celebrate these people and businesses that are leading the way for Australia,” Melissa said.