RecFish SA Board
Asher Dezsery
Executive Officer / Secretary
Asher has a keen interest in all things fishing related, coming from a diverse background of recreational and professional fishing, diving, lobster research and aquaculture.
After spending a large portion of time at sea working within the WA pearl farming sector and SA professional lobster fleet, Asher turned his interests towards native fish breeding, stocking and aquaculture; enjoying commercial barramundi grow out and cod husbandry specifically.
Having experience in the conservation industry, Asher diversified his keen environmental interests to managing land care projects within South Australia on a large scale, specialising in managing important ecosystems and degraded landscapes within an NGO.
Writing occasionally for fishing magazines in the past, involvement within the wholesale tackle space and contributing within various state boat shows, Asher has a keen knowledge base he is always prepared to enthusiastically pass on to assist others in achieving the most with their time in and around the water.
Recreationally, SCUBA diving for lobster, mulloway fishing and top water cod fishing takes up much of his interest, with a large portion of time spent within the SE of the state.
Now operating as the Recfish SA Executive Officer, Asher looks forward to assisting with promoting and leading a range of important state fishing projects and commitments, in order to best represent the recreational fishing space through supporting Recfish SA operations.
Andrew Harris
Chairperson
Andrew Harris is a very keen and passionate recreational salt and fresh-water fisherman.
Andrew has grown up around recreational fishing and boating from a very young age with his father and grandfather, fishing the lakes of Jindabyne with a fly rod, to the offshore depths of South Australia and beyond.
As a boat owner for many years (a few of them!), fishing with friends and family is what he loves doing – seeing them catch fish, particularly challenging fish for the first time is better than dong it yourself!
Working within the industry and having spent time with the wider fishing community, Andrew is very well connected and respected within the fishing tackle and boating sector. He has a strong understanding of the industry and the impacts of both commercial and recreational fishing.
Recognising a need for improved representation, communication, and subsequent change in line with other leading states across Australia, Andrew believes the preservation of sustainable fishing through SA is crucial, as are improvements to infrastructure like boat ramps and facilities.Andrew is keen to represent the recreational fishing community to support improved practices and infrastructure.
To him this means giving a voice to the thoughts, problems, and ideas heard at the ramp, on the deck and around the BBQ.
The time for change is now!
Barry Brown
Deputy Chairperson
Barry started fishing many years ago with a trip to Waitpinga. He caught a large salmon there on a very small rod with a rusty lure, and was hooked on fishing! Barry has a broad knowledge of surf fishing all over South Australia, having spent considerable time fishing the Coorong beach, the Southeast, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Fowlers Bay and beyond. He also has considerable experience with boat fishing for whiting, snapper and tuna in various locations.
A passion for fishing and the importance of the recreational sector has led to Barry being involved in a number of recreational fishing bodies. He was chairman of the Fleurieu Peninsula Rec. Fishing Committee (FPRFC), a board member of SA Rec Fishing Advisory Council and the rec fishing member of the Southern Zone Rock Lobster Committee. As chair of FPRFC, he played a significant role in the approval for a new fishing jetty at Rapid Bay.
Currently, Barry is a volunteer for Fishcare , is a member of Victor Harbor Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron, and is looking forward to working with the other board members of RecFish SA to improve recreational fishing outcomes in SA. He believes RecFish SA is the peak body for recreational fishing in SA and can assist all SA fishers to ensure equitable access to fishing stocks and have confidence that our sector is being protected and enhanced
Andris Banders
Treasurer
I wish to lend my support to recreational fishing in SA by seeking an Individual Member position on the RecFishSA board in the 2021 call.
I have fished since my earliest memories in the Snowy Mountains and then from a very early age in SA. My efforts include fresh and sea water fishing, both land and boat. As a teenager I had a stint on professional boats running out of Streaky Bay. My fishing exploits are not adorned with any gold medals but with a lot of enjoyment and benefits to body and spirit.
I have served on Boards and high-level government, private and NGO committees in peak bodies and have an extensive understanding and working knowledge of the advocacy and grind needed to keep such peak bodies in their rightful place as effective advocates for the good of South Australia.
Now as a grandfather bringing my grandchildren to the joys of fishing, I wish to extend my involvement and add to the wider needs and challenges facing recreational fishing in South Australia.
David Ciaravolo
Director
As a current CEO of a recreational fishing NGO in the Northern Territory and former Executive Director at RecFish SA, David has significant experience in leadership, representation and management in the recreational fishing sector. Prior to working in the non government sector he had decade of experience in the South Australian fishing tackle retail industry while studying politics and international studies.
As a participant and then mentor in the FRDC Future Leaders Program David is committed to capacity building in the recreational fishing sector in SA, as well as nationally. David is passionate about RecFish SA being a modern, communicative and open organisation. At RecFish SA he has brought focus to communications & governance. David has recently completed a diploma in not-for-profit business governance through the ICDA.
David is a keen fisher in both salt and freshwater and enjoys fishing in metropolitan Adelaide and in the Mt. Lofty ranges. Now residing in Darwin, David enjoys fishing for Tuna, Queenfish and Barramundi. First elected to the Executive/Board in November 2013, David participates in Board meetings via phone/video links.
Alex Williams
Director
Alex began fishing with his father from a very young age on the yearly family holiday to Kangaroo Island. Landing his first Bream on Kangaroo Island at the age of 4, his passion for fishing only grew stronger with time. In his spare time Alex takes great pride in volunteering as Coordinator for the Warren Reservoir Recreational Fishing Committee as well as current Member and former President of the OzFish Unlimited Barossa Valley Chapter, and has enjoyed leading projects in maintaining and upgrading the Warren fishery, as well as hosting the successful, yearly Gone Fishing Day event at the Warren Reservoir. Alex has also had significant involvement in stocking in South Australia; stocking native species at Aroona, Beetaloo and Bundaleer Reservoirs, as well as along the River Murray.
Alex is also the co founder and Director of the Bream Master SA tournament series, which hosts a number of kayak bream fishing tournaments across the state each year. He is also a regular contributor to a South Australian fishing magazine.
Alex still travels to his favourite spot, Kangaroo Island each year with his his kayak and boat, chasing big bream, tuna and salmon among other species, but loves to fish all over South Australia and beyond, carrying a spare rod at all times. Alex has a strong passion for social media and community engagement.
Shane Hodgens
Director
Shane Hodgens has been a keen fisherman from a young age where every weekend was fishing the Jetties at Adelaide. Shane has an extensive knowledge of saltwater fishing in South Australia having fished for many years in Adelaide, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula where he now resides.
Shane has a passion for sustainable fishing practices, fish and environment restoration and plastic reduction from our water ways. Shane hopes that someday soon better management practices come into force so South Australia’s iconic fish species are in good numbers for all to enjoy to catch into the future.
This passion has seen Shane open his own Fishing Tackle shop where he greatly enjoys mixing with other fishers from around the state and also around country and talking all this fishing and how to fix our fishing problems.
When not working Shane can be found fishing the beaches of the West Coast or around some of the pristine offshore Islands of the West Coast.
Alan Hall
Director
Now a retired Mechanical Engineering lecturer from Tafe SA started fishing at a very young age and has maintained an interest in fishing for over 60 years.
A foundation member of the Whyalla Sportfishing and ‘Steelcity Sportfishing clubs both still active in Whyalla Today. Foundation member of the Whyalla Sea Rescue Squadron.
Past President of The Australian National Sportfishing Association (South Australia Division) A position held for 13 years. Still sit on the committee.
Sat on the Marine Sport Association at Whyalla for many years and achieved a marina and boat ramp for Whyalla
Represented Whyalla during the Marine Parks process and successfully maintained landbased fishing in a not take zone within a marine park
Has represented Upper Spencer Gulf at RecFish SA for many years working with Crown Lands Department to maintain access to fishing locations south of Cowell and at Point Lowly near Whyalla
Worked with Whyalla Council to obtain a recreational fishing grant for the installation of lighting along the break walls at The Point Lowly Marina
Campaigned for 5 years eventually gaining no charge boat launching at the Whyalla Boat ramp
Made representation to RecFish SA who in turn made representation to the SA government obtaining a grant towards construction of Whyalla’ s now famous jetty
During his spare time worked as a charter boat skipper for K&R Charters for 15 years and did a short stint as a commercial fisherman relieving an acquaintance who became ill
Alan comes onto the board of RecFish SA hoping to achieve a united voice for recreational fishers of South Australia.
Peter Dunnicliff
Director
Peter has fished S.E. waters from Pt. McDonnell to Murray mouth for 40 years, land based and boating. He owned a fishing tackle shop at Beachport for six years coming in contact with many fishers, which kept Peter informed of catches of the region .With many years of experience on committees, Peter knows what is required to be effective for positive results. Recreational fishers deserve a strong voice in Government policies, and a united body is the most effective way forward.