Board of Directors

Adele Farina has an extensive background in public affairs, including 20 years as a Member of the Legislative Council for the South-West region. Ms Farina will remain as CEO (Acting) of the Forest Industry Federation of WA (FIFWA) which has strongly represented regional businesses and communities impacted by the government’s closure of the native forest industry.

“I am committed to working with the WAFIC Board to ensure the fishing industry is best protected from a range of serious challenges, including marine park sanctuary areas, exclusion zones for offshore wind farms, desalination plants and a range of other impacts that are adversely impacting the viability of commercial fishing and the ability of consumers to buy fish sourced locally,” said Ms Farina.

Manue has been heavily involved in the commercial fishing industry for 13 years, mainly around Esperance, however her different roles within the industry have provided her an extensive knowledge across the State and other regions.

Manue is actively involved in the administration and land-based activities of the family’s wild catch fishing business and was the recipient of the Young Achiever of the Year at the recent WA Seafood Industry Awards.

A passionate advocate for the industry, Manue is currently Vice President of the Esperance Professional Fishermen’s Association Vice President; is a member of Women in Seafood Australia (WISA); and is the former vice chair of Southern Seafood Producers WA’s management committee.

Wayne is passionate about communities and the people who live and work in them. He has spent his career working for them, both individually and collectively, on both the east and west coasts, across all spheres of government, to improve their economies, environments and general wellbeing.

Experienced in policy development and advocacy, he knows government process at all levels and how to get a message across to the intended audience. More importantly though, he knows how to listen and make sure that important messages aren’t lost in the big noise that often accompanies passionate debate.

With a Degree in Business and postgraduate qualifications in Regional Development, his working life has seen him in a wide range of roles, from casual labourer to CEO and most things in between.

Matt Benson-Lidholm comes to the WAFIC Board as an experienced administrator and professional, having served as a Director with several Western Australian and national organisations over many years.

As a Member of the Western Australian Legislative Council, Matt previously represented the Southwest, Southern coastal and Mid-West regions. As a State MP he worked closely with commercial fishing interests anywhere from Kalbarri to Bremer Bay. In 2009 he was appointed Deputy President and Chair of Committees in the State’s Upper House.

Currently Matt Benson-Lidholm is Chair of Southern Seafood Producers (WA) Association. Apart from his direct involvement with both WAFIC and SSPWA, Matt also is a JP, regional development consultant, registered State Government lobbyist, Albany City Councillor and Board member (Treasurer) with RDA Great Southern.

Phil has a lifelong passion for seafood. It’s the only industry he has ever worked in, having started as a box packer in his teens.

Phil has worked in almost every aspect of seafood and food service, from sales, through wholesale and even the occasional bit of fishing, and this has provided him with a detailed understanding of what is important in the industry, and how to provide the highest level of service and the highest standard of products.

Phil’s goal is to see more focus on ‘Buy WA’, both within the state and within Australia, but also a platform to push more exports of high value products, to ensure there is value for all.

From humble beginnings in seafood retail to the open ocean, Nick’s career is a testament to his lifelong passion.

Starting as a skilled filleter, he gained invaluable experience on a shark boat before diving into the world of live seafood. Mastering the trade, Nick became a key player in shaping and growing the live seafood trade in Western Australia.

His ultimate goal is to showcase the unparalleled quality of WA’s seafood on a global stage, ensuring locals and international seafood enthusiasts alike can savour the very best our waters have to offer.

Paul has a long history with Western Australia’s fishing industry and boasts extensive experience in post-harvest processing, international markets, supermarket drivers and direct retail.

Kym has worked in the commercial seafood industry since 2002 and has experience with a diverse range of commercial fishing, pearling and aquaculture industries in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Alan Gray is an experienced director and industry leader with a proven background in resource management, sustainable fisheries, and reef management, alongside expertise in strategic planning, board governance, and stakeholder negotiation. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director at the Tasmanian Abalone Council Limited.