Board Members

Rob has provided long term representation of the Donald Angling Club as president and secretary, long term representation of two local angling associations as president and is a past member of the state Fisheries Co-Management Council. He has been on the Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee (FRAC), is a past Chairman and member of the Recreational Fishing Licence Working Group, the North Central Catchment Management Authority Community Leaders Group, Chair of the Northcentral CMA Gunbower, Lower Loddon Native Fish Recovery Plan. He is a current member of the DEECA Riparian Forum Advisory Group and Life Member of the Mid Northern and Wimmera Angling Associations and Donald Angling Club. Rob’s efforts have also earnt him the National Mal Ramsay Lifetime Achievement Award 2012. Rob has always been interested in water quality and has recently completed 28 years of voluntary water monitoring with the North Central CMA Waterwatch Program and is identified in the Victorian Waterwatch “Hall of Fame”.   

Rob has a very strong affinity in habitat protection and reinstatement, environmental and recreational water allocations, and as a past member of the National Fish Habitat Network continues to promote the values of fish habitat and projects that protect and restore habitat in Rivers, Creeks, Wetlands and Water Storage Reservoirs, especially woody habitat.

Rob joined the VRFish Board to promote the interests of all Victorian recreational fishers and to apply his knowledge regarding strategic business directives, financial management and skills associated with responding to government policy directives to promote the best possible long-term outcomes for all recreational fishers. 

A member of the Dunlop Bayswater Angling Club and Club President for the last 24 years, Steven has a strong commitment to ensure recreational angling continues to improve for all anglers Steven is the Former President of the Howqua Association Angling Clubs and has been a delegate of VRFish for the last 24 years. Steven is the current deputy chair of VRFish and chair of the finance and access committees. 

Steven believes fishers need a strong peak body who can advocate on their behalf and provide a voice back to the Victorian Fisheries Authority and government. 

As a VRFish representative he is able to give back to the sport he has enjoyed for many years.

Rita’s passion for recreational fishing, small business acumen and massive Cod smashing ability will serve recreational fishers well.

Within the recreational fishing community, she’s known as ‘Metre Rita’ after reeling in 2x metre barramundi on consecutive casts. As one of the of top ranked Murray cod lure fishers in Australia, Rita has more ‘metre cod’ under her belt than the VRFish Board and Executive combined.

Lee has been fishing since she was a child, and her love for the sport has only grown stronger over the years. She is passionate about sustainable fishing practices and protecting our waterways for future generations. Lee’s commitment to the environment and her extensive knowledge of fishing makes her a valuable addition to the VRFish Board.

Lee is currently the first female president of Albert Park Yachting & Angling Club, a member of the VFA RFL Advisory Committee, a member of the newly established VFA Recreational Fishers Leaders forum,  the Chair of the Port Phillip Shellfish Reef rebuild Coalition, and a WIRFAB ambassador.

From humble beginnings bait fishing for snapper and King George whiting, Lydia’s fishing passion developed into more specialised genres and is better known as an avid topwater / lure angler.  Lydia fishes across Victoria for Southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish and occasionally Murray cod.  Where possible, Lydia travels to a range of Australian and international destinations primarily in the pursuit of the mighty giant trevally. 

She brings to VRFish an understanding of the needs and concerns of recreational fishers, combined with industry knowledge as a brand ambassador, Tuna Champions ambassador and Women in Recreational Fishing mentor.

Passionate about infrastructure meeting the needs of fishers as well as a strong conservation and sustainable fishing mindset, Lydia’s business skills will ensure that recreational fishers needs will be strongly represented.

A lifelong fisho, Scott enjoys fishing in the Murray between Gunbower and Swan Hill, Lake Eppalock and Lake Eildon. Scott says, “Fishing has always been a family affair for me and I have fond memories of my grandparents and father taking me fishing and now enjoy fishing with my daughters”. More recently, his family have been chasing the elusive metre Murray cod in Yarrawonga.

He has over 20 years’ experience working in the IT industry including ten years as a business owner/partner and four years as founder/director where he has developed a high level of understanding of IT and cyber security, financial management, human resources and vendor management.

Scott is highly involved in his local community including more than seven years as School Council President where he worked with the education department, local council and politicians.  And, more than thirteen years in various roles, including Vice President and Secretary, at his local cricket club where he has played a key role in community consultation.

Scott has greatly enjoyed being a part of the Dunlop Bayswater Angling Club and is keen to contribute to VRFish through supporting the success of other fishing clubs.

Cody is passionate about giving back to recreational fishing and is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of marine ecosystems. As a board member of the Reef Reconstruction Coalition, Cody has been actively involved in efforts to restore declining local oyster beds and reef systems in Port Phillip Bay.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, Cody brings to the VRFish Board experience in financial analysis and business growth strategies, recently leading the expansion of an e-commerce platform into US and Australian markets. He also has experience with underwater drone reef mapping, securing funding and managing complex environmental projects.

A member of Albert Park Yachting and Angling Club (APYAC), Cody has been mentored by founding VRFish board member, Bob Pearce. Cody will bring a fresh energy and a young leaders perspective to the board.

Now retired, John was the President of Bellingham-Marine for Australasia and Middle East – the global leader in design, manufacture and construction of floating marinas and related floating facilities. He was also Vice-Chairman or member of the Maina Industries of Australia for around 25 years.

John is currently Senior Vice-President of the Victorian Fly Fishers Association (VFFA) and on the committee for Albert Park Yachting & Angling Club (APYAC). John was instrumental in changing the way APYAC measure fish for competitions to ensure they can be released back into the water. 

John brings to VRFish experience in management, dispute resolution, a passion for sustainability in fishing and a love of fishing both fresh and saltwater.