SHERYL THOMPSON

Sheryl’s love of fishing began at an early age, fishing with her family at Great Lake. She has continued that interest and has given a lifetime to fishing and fishing administration. Sheryl has served three full terms on the Inland Fisheries Advisory Council (IFAC). In May 2001 she presented a submission to the Council advocating on behalf of anglers for improved access to our rivers and lakes. For many years Sheryl paved the way for female participation into fishing. As the first female President of the North Western Fisheries Association (1997), she introduced an all-female fishing day for women and young girls. The event was a first in Tasmania and is now recognised state-wide. Sheryl served the angling fraternity being elected as Chair of the Angling Hall of Fame, Freshwater Anglers Council of Tasmania (FACT) representative, Anglers Alliance Delegate and many other positions within the angling fraternity. Preserving the history of angling has been a lifetime passion of Sheryl and as Historian of the North Western Fisheries Association she has been able to compile and document its history since 1928. This collection of data and memorabilia will pass down through generations. Sheryl’s position on the Inland Fisheries Advisory Council has been representing grass root anglers issues and continually taking their concerns to the table as their voice. The fisheries in Tasmania are recorded from 1864. Sheryl is a proud woman angler, and is the first female inductee into the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame. Her commitment and drive is an inspiration to us all.