Women’s industry group catches on
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A dedicated group of women from the fishing industry are doing it for themselves and helping others along the way.
Professional development,mentoring and access to information and advice on seafood industry issues are just some of the services being offered to members of the Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community (WINSC), a national organisation representing women working in and around the commercial fishing industry.
The organisation started as the South Australian Women’s Industry Network (SA WIN) 12 years ago when a group of women involved in the seafood industry recognised the need to develop their skills. Today the organisation is accessible to all women in the Australian seafood industry and, although its purpose is broader, its skill-building drive remains. WINSC national president Anne Whalley says increasing the skills and knowledge of women working in the industry contributes positively to the whole industry. She says members draw on the diverse experiences of CEOs, business owners, teachers and deckhands.
“This kind of support and encouragement can help build confidence, which can be the catalyst for women doing research, and being visibly active participants in the seafood industry,” she says.
WINSC is the only organisation in Australia that represents the women of the seafood industry. Its membership stands at about 50, though Anne Whalley is confident numbers will grow to more than 100 on the back of the activities of the past 18 months and raised awareness. “We continue to drive membership, so we can deliver even more support services and benefits to the industry,” she says.
The organisation’s membership base covers the spectrum of women associated with the seafood industry – researchers and scientists working for government departments and tertiary institutions, fishers, aquaculturalists, service providers, importers and exporters or those who have married into family businesses, like Anne herself.
Anne Whalley’s involvement in the seafood industry began 38 years ago. Like many members who are fishers, she has her own job – as a theatre administrator at a local hospital – but still plays an active role in the family business.
“Our business struggles with rising fuel prices and imports, so we’ve shifted our focus to in-shore fishing, fishing daily around estuaries and the bay,” she says. “People who work outside our industry don’t understand the pressures, so it’s helpful to have a close network of associates spanning Australia to discuss the hardships experienced by coastal communities and family-run businesses.”
Anne Whalley says WINSC is constantly striving to alter the perception of the seafood industry, with its members championing grassroots programs such as seafood festivals, which promote local product through food sampling and cooking demonstrations.
“There is an enormous misconception about the fishers. As women, we have greater access to the general public and perhaps we represent the compassionate face of the industry.”
WINSC helped to introduce The Story of Seafood in Australia book to a number of states by donating the publication to schools, talking to children about the fishing industry and coordinating excursions to fishing operations. The book and its complementary teacher’s resource kit educates children about the fishing industry and addresses environmental management issues often at the heart of contentious debate.
A recent WINSC event was its AGM and conference. Held in Brisbane in August it brought members together to network and listen to speakers on topics such as environmental management systems and marketing strategies.
“WINSC also provides insight into the societal and family aspects of the seafood business,” Anne Whalley says. “Inspirational speakers spoke about the need to be resilient in challenging market conditions, and a GP working in regional Australia addressed the conference on health issues and how families can be adversely affected by government and community actions.”
more in forma tion: Anne Whalley,
07 4152 5732, www.winsc.org.au.
Fish December 2008