Hinchinbrook Fisher Takes Helm Of Queensland Seafood Industry

By Victoria Velton

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Local fisher Bradley Perkins has been appointed the new President of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) at the association’s annual general meeting in Bundaberg this week.

A third-generation inshore fisher from the Hinchinbrook region, Mr Perkins steps into the role following the departure of fellow North Queenslander Allan Bobbermen, who has served on the QSIA Board for 10 years, including five years as President.

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Mr Perkins acknowledged Mr Bobbermen’s passionate and dedicated leadership, recognising the significant contribution he had made to representing Queensland’s commercial fishing industry through a period of considerable regulatory change.

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He said Mr Bobbermen had been a strong advocate for commercial fishers, their families and the broader industry, helping ensure their voices and experience were represented in decisions affecting their livelihoods.

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“I am honoured to take on the role and, on behalf of the Board and our members, I thank Allan for his service and the strong foundation he leaves behind,” Mr Perkins said.

Hinchinbrook will continue to have a strong presence on the association’s board, with local seafood business owner and industry advocate Rebecca Zaghini also appointed as a director for the coming year.

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Ms Zaghini, who operates Wild Local in Ingham, joins Mr Perkins as a fellow Hinchinbrook representative, bringing her own experience and advocacy for the local seafood industry to the peak body.

The appointments provide the region with two local voices at the boardroom table, at a time when the commercial fishing sector continues to navigate regulatory pressures and the challenges of maintaining a profitable and sustainable industry.

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The QSIA represents commercial fishing businesses from the New South Wales border to the Northern Territory border, covering line, pot, net and trawl fisheries, as well as businesses supporting the industry.

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The Queensland commercial fishing industry contributed more than $250 million to the State’s gross value of production in 2021–22, supporting more than 900 businesses and around 3,000 jobs.

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