Young Achiever driving positive change across the seafood industry
Rising seafood star, Sophie Sharland, was last night recognised when she won the Young Achievers Award, sponsored by Woodside Energy at the 2024 Western Australian Seafood Industry Awards.
The Awards event, recognising excellence in the WA seafood industry, were held at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and opened by Minister for Fisheries Hon Don Punch MLA in front of an audience of industry participants and representatives of various stakeholder groups.
WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) CEO, Darryl Hockey said Ms Sharland, as a candidate under 35 years of age, demonstrated that she had made a positive difference to the seafood industry and has the potential to continue to develop as an effective and respected seafood industry leader.
Sophie Sharland’s journey in the seafood industry is nothing short of remarkable. With over a decade of experience spanning strategy, business development, marketing, and operations, she has proven herself as a dynamic and visionary leader. Currently completing her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW Business School, Sophie is deeply passionate about driving positive change and empowering future leaders in the industry.
As General Manager and Director at Endeavour Foods, Sophie has spearheaded the company through a period of unprecedented growth.
“I believe in driving customer-first outcomes and implementing growth-oriented strategies,” Ms Sharland said.
Under her leadership, Endeavour Foods has seen a remarkable increase in revenue, averaging at 19 per cent since she assumed the role of General Manager.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Sophie is committed to making a tangible difference in the community. As a Board Member and Events Coordinator at Project WOMN Inc., she tirelessly raises funds for local charities supporting women and children in need.
Through her efforts, over $60,000 has been raised for charitable causes, demonstrating Ms Sharland’s unwavering commitment to driving positive change both within and beyond the seafood industry.
Mr Hockey said it was encouraging to see young women making such a big impact in the industry and within the broader community.
“As an industry body, we recognise the importance of acknowledging those individuals and organisations who make a substantial contribution to benefiting our industry, and Ms Sharland is certainly incredibly worthy of this Award. In addition to her industry achievements, her other passions have seen her recognised as an advocate for a range of community issues,” Mr Hockey said.
About the Awards Event
The event is supported by a number of partners including;
- Wester Rock Lobster (Gold event partner), Taylor Marine (Gold event partner), Sunderland Marine (Silver event partner), Fins Seafood (Silver event partner), as well as partners for each of the individual awards, including Aquarius Lawyers, Austral Fisheries, Baker Refrigeration, Bendotti Exporters/WA Chip, Chevron Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Endeavour Foods, Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC), Francis A Jones, MG Kailis Group, Sea Harvest Australia, Ward Packaging, Woodside Energy and Western Rock Lobster.
- Award event attendees enjoyed an array of fresh, local and sustainably caught Western Australian seafood prepared by celebrity chefs and kindly donated by sponsors including; Albany Sardines, Archipelago Octopus, Austral Fisheries, Bellbuoy Seafoods, Bowithick, Brown Dog Fishing Co, Endeavour Foods, Esperance Seafoods, Fins Seafood, Fremantle Octopus, Fremantle Seaweed, Huon, Leeuwin Coast, Lobster Shack, Ocean Wild Tuna, Paspaley, Rare Foods Australia, Sabea Fishing Co, Seafresh, Sea Harvest Australia, Shark Bay Cockles, Two Rocks Tentacles, Bendotti Exporters/WA Chip, Westmore Seafoods & Wollaston Fish & Chips all served in compostable packaging provided by Ward Packaging.
- Highly regarded “celebrity”’ seafood chefs cooked at the event including; 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) and Chase Weber (Gorilla BBQ & Consultant to Kaarla Restaurant – Singapore) prepared an array of delicious food at the event.
- The event was held on Friday 3 May, 2024 at Fremantle’s Esplanade Hotel with Karl Langdon (Former West Coast Eagle and 6PR Radio presenter) who played the role of Master of Ceremonies.