About Us

• Overview
• Committee
• History
• Members Stories

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The seafood industry is not just about “Blokes in Boats”

 It involves women from all facets of the seafood industry including:

•  WILDCATCH
•  AQUACULTURE
•  PROCESSING
•  RETAILING
•  NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS
•  GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
•  RESEARCH

OVERVIEW

There were many reasons why our Women’s Industry Network (WIN) was founded in South Australia, but the main two were :

1. Originally WIN only involved the wild harvest sector which had a very poor public image and was being severely impacted upon by political decisions. This was often based on lack of education and mis- information, past history and poor practices in fisheries overseas. This reputation which is not deserved was a reality. The industry needed to improve the public's perception of what they do for a living.
   
   
2. The social impacts on families, businesses and communities were not taken into account when politicians slashed fishing families’ livelihoods for a variety of reasons. It is pretty easy to take a fisherman’s livelihood away and throw him out on the street, but a little harder when his wife and children are in the same position. It gave these “blokes in boats” a more acceptable image.

WIN gives industry a human face, Women have been doing half the work anyway, all the onshore work, including most of the office work, marketing, radio work, spare parts pick up and delivery, public relations etc.

The politicians and bureaucrats needed to be aware of the consequences of their decisions and SAWIN, and eventually with a National Body WIN Seafood Community, raised the industry profile, and made sure that social as well as economic and environmental impacts were considered.

As the organisation grew and matured it was recognised that it needed a more inclusive membership was required and the net was cast out to anyone affiliated with the seafood industry. This included the decision makers, women in other sectors of the industry, support and training organisations and anyone with an interest in the industry. SAWIN even also happy to have men involved.

 

SA WIN Members workshop

 

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 EXECUTIVE CommitteE

                 

L-R President – Karen Holder,   Secretary –Tracy Hill
Treasurer – Charmain Wait                         

 

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History

• Women have always been an integral part of the SA Seafood Industry however traditionally there was little emphasis placed on the role and contribution women.
• Women have not played an active role in industry decision-making.
• In addition, the seafood industry was very regionalised and many women felt isolated.
• That was about to change, in 1996 a group of key women associated with the fishing industry in South Australia were brought togther to explore opportunities for involvement.
• As a result the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) was formed.
• In 1998 WIN conducted a State Conference that resulted in the preparation of a strategic plan. The main aim of WIN was: to tackle important issues to ensure a positive future.
• The organisation became active in the promotion of the industry, in addition to its members becoming more involved in policy and decision-making bodies.
• The Women’s Industry Network of South Australia through their initiative and determination provided a valuable model for women involved in the fishing and seafood industries through out Australia.
• It was their preparedness to become actively involved in both industry issues within their own state, as well as becoming informed of the potential to work at a national level, which resulted in a National Conference for Women in the Fishing and Seafood Industry.
• The purpose of the organisation was defined as: Network members influencing decision making to ensure a profitable, dynamic, secure, innovative and sustainable industry – an industry which is proactive and responsive to the needs of the industry and community.
• A grant was secured through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to hold a National Conference that reflected the diversity within the industry, with representation from fishers, importers and exporters, peak industry bodies, Government, processors, educators, researchers and environmentalist.
• The National organisation is known as the Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community (WINSC).
• WINSC has members in every state and territory of Australia. 
•  SA WIN will be continuing to work with government to ensure that much more consideration is given to the social impacts of decision and policy making.
• SA WIN has recognised the many skills and attributes of women in the industry and has encouraged their development. It has capitalised on these skills and attributes for many of the workshops and projects that have been undertaken over the past 12 years. 
• By recognising the potential of women in the industry, many have gone on to become active in key management and supporting roles.
• A core group of dedicated women form a variety of sectors of the South Australian Seafood Industry are continuing the original vision of 1996.  If you would like to be know more about SA WIN or would like to participate in some way please contact us
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Members Stories

 

Mona Visits Ethiopia

One of our members had the privilege of visiting her World Vision sponsor child in Ethiopia..... >> read her story

  
Mona visiting with her Sponsor child's family and the school in Ethiopia.

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