a great success
FINSW was proud to organise the 2026 Open Port Days, with the support of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), OceanWatch Australia, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
More than 140 commercial fishers attended events held in Ballina, Maclean, Tuncurry, Newcastle, Brooklyn, Gerringong and Bermagui.
The Open Port Days provided an opportunity for fishers to meet one-on-one with participating organisations, discuss issues affecting the industry and their businesses, and catch up with fellow fishers over locally catered food and coffee.
The events also provided FINSW and participating organisations with valuable firsthand feedback about the challenges currently facing the NSW commercial fishing industry, opportunities to improve business viability, and the impacts of current policies.
Feedback from the events has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees keen to see Open Port Days become an annual event. FINSW is continuing to receive feedback and will collate the key issues and themes to help inform our ongoing advocacy and work to secure greater support for the NSW commercial fishing industry.
A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions, and to DPIRD, OceanWatch, FRDC and AMSA for their support in making the events possible.
We would also like to thank the many local organisations and businesses that provided catering and support across the seven locations, including Marine Rescue, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and local small businesses.
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