2023-24 President's Report

As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Swordfish and Tunny Club of Australia, it is with

great pride and excitement that I reflect on the achievements of the past year and our journey since our founding on Montague Island in 1934.

This milestone marks a significant moment in the Club’s long and storied history, and it is truly an honour to serve as your President during this celebratory time.

In recognition of this momentous occasion, all Club members will be receiving a special

memorabilia piece to commemorate our 90 years of dedication to game fishing. This is a

small token of our appreciation for the continued support and enthusiasm of our members

throughout the decades.

2024 has been an outstanding year for the Club, marked by both growth and success. We are pleased to welcome four new members to our ranks: Mr. Antony Osborne, Mr. Phil Marks, Mr. Sean King, and Mr. Scott Crutchfield. Both Sean and Phil have hit the ground runnning, joiningus during our Club game fishing day out of Sorrento. We look forward to their contributions toour community of anglers. Scott has decide to come on board after catching the fishing bug with good friend and current committee member Mr. David Ellis. Antony is another who has been excited about the history and grandeur that surrounds our Club.

I would also like to acknowledge the retirement of a former president and long-standing

member, Mr. John Skepper. John has been an engaged contributor of our Club for decades, and his leadership and contributions will always be remembered. We wish him all the best as he hangs up his fishing gear and enjoys well-deserved time off the water.

As always, our committee has been highly engaged, providing strong leadership to move the Club forward. I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of them for their continued dedication and tireless efforts in making 2024 a success.

Our Club has been well represented in numerous game fishing tournaments across Australia and overseas. In March, we fielded the largest contingent of members at the Alliance Tag & Release Tournament where we achieved great success. Furthermore, in June, a group of our peers travelled overseas to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club’s International Yellowtail Tournament in New Zealand, where they performed strongly and came away with victory. These events exemplify the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define our Club.

Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that our committee is in the process of incorporating the Club. This step represents an important move towards securing the long-term future and continued growth of the Swordfish and Tunny Club of Australia. We are also diligently planning the next five years and ensuring we provide a valued voice to the GFAV and GFAA.

As we close out the year, I want to wish all Club members a wonderful end to 2024. May you all find the time to wet a line and enjoy the thrill of the chase.

Scott Gowland

STC President Season 2023-24

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