Western Australian Seafood Greats Named in National Hall of Fame

The late Michael Kailis was a pioneer for the Western Australian Seafood Industry and a well deserved inductee of the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame.

The late Michael Kailis was a pioneer for the Western Australian Seafood Industry and a well deserved inductee of the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame.

The late Michael Kailis and Leonie Noble have been inducted into the National Seafood Hall of Fame, celebrating their leadership, dedication and contributions to the Australian seafood industry.

The induction ceremony took place in front of a glittering crowd of 350 people made up of friends, family and industry at the gala dinner, part of the 2017 National Seafood Industry Awards, yesterday evening at the world-class International Convention Centre in Sydney.

An initiative developed by The Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC), the National Seafood Hall of Fame was established in 2001 to honour seafood industry greats whose passion, energy and keen entrepreneurial talents transformed Australia’s seafood industry into the dynamic and prosperous trade it is today.

Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council John Harrison congratulated both winners on their sheer dedication to improve the quality and sustainability of Australian seafood and the professionalism of the industry.

“This is the ninth year of The National Seafood Hall of Fame, and WAFIC is proud to be a part of the celebration to acknowledge the contributions and legacies of these two outstanding leaders.”

Mr Harrison said Ms Noble has demonstrated that she has made a substantial positive difference to the seafood industry over many years and has been a highly effective and respected seafood industry leader.

“Leonie Noble, a mother, business woman and leader, has shown an incredible passion for the seafood industry for the past 36 years and the community she lives in.”

“Strongly motivated by her desire to ensure that everyone has a voice, she has been involved in 30+ Committees and Boards at a local, regional, state, national and now international level advocating for the Western Australian Seafood Industry including to advance the growth and development of people in the industry.”

“She has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the industry through her core belief that consultation and effective communication provide the backbone to excellent seafood industry outcomes. This belief has allowed her to give industry a voice at all levels of decision making process”, Mr Harrison said.

The thought of entrepreneurship is terrifying for most, but for the late Michael Kailis it was merely a fleeting word for opportunity. His curiosity, drive and creativity lead him and his wife, Dr Patricia Kailis, to create The MG Kailis Group – one of the leading Marine Corporations specialising in seafood, pearl jewellery and marine engineering in Australia and throughout international markets. But before the empire, it was humble beginnings where the young man from Greece, with the world at his feet, started out in the rock lobster trade in Dongara before moving into harvesting prawns in Exmouth Gulf and then producing pearls in the Kimberly.

“When there was nothing in this State, the late Michael Kailis identified opportunities – he was a pioneer to the WA fishing industry,” Mr Harrison said.

Mr Harrison said that both Leonie and Michael had previously received state recognition as industry icons or ambassadors but this was the first that either had been inducted into the biennial National seafood ‘Hall of Fame.’

“This impressive achievement is the result of tireless work from outstanding individuals who have dedicated their careers to improving the Western Australian Fishing Industry.”

“I am delighted that they have been recognised on a National level for their highly commended successes. It is a true source of pride for the entire Western Australian community – one that we can all be proud of”, Mr Harrison concluded.

Congratulations to Leonie Noble who was last night recognised for her 36 years of dedication and commitment to the Australian Seafood Industry.

Congratulations to Leonie Noble who was last night recognised for her 36 years of dedication and commitment to the Australian Seafood Industry.

It was Michael's curiosity, drive and creativity that lead him and his wife, Dr Patricia Kailis, to create The MG Kailis Group – one of the leading Marine Corporations.

It was Michael’s curiosity, drive and creativity that lead him and his wife, Dr Patricia Kailis, to create The MG Kailis Group – one of the leading Marine Corporations.

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