PRESENTATION NIGHT 2024
The Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club (RPIAC) held their Seniors Presentation Night for the 2023/2024 angling competition season at the Phillip Island Bowls Club on Saturday the 18th of May. The event was well-attended and treated anglers and supporters to a night of celebration and entertainment.
Guests were entertained by the musical talents of local artists, Travis Thompson and Steve Gijsbers, singing along to classic tunes and dancing to the energy of the vocals, guitar and drums. Their energy was sustained throughout the evening, thanks to the delicious feast prepared by Frank Velardi, Andrew Ingliss and their catering team. Importantly, everyone remained hydrated by the refreshing beverages served by the welcoming staff at the bowls club.
The great community spirit of RPIAC continues to engage visitors and locals on Phillip Island, particularly on Friday evenings and the scheduled weekend fishing competitions held from spring, summer, and autumn each year. Many of the club’s members have volunteered throughout the year and each angling competition has been well attended. Participation has increased and new records and milestones have been reached. RPIAC’s commitment, presence, and willingness to welcome newcomers has created a great community and family environment. With so many contributions throughout the year, RPIAC’s President, Albert Abram, spoke of the enthusiasm and outstanding service to the club that has been provided by all members who attend, support, and represent the club to members and visitors. He presented Russell Gallagher, the RPIAC Secretary, with the “President’s Award” for his tireless efforts and dedicated support throughout the year. The attendee’s applause affirmed the recognition of his outstanding service to the Rhyll-Phillip Island Angling Club.
Every year, RPIAC entices members to engage in the season’s angling competitions, offering weekend and annual and prizes. Throughout the season, participants are entered into the 365-Competition, Reverse Draw, and Club Championship.
The 365-Competition acknowledges the efforts of the anglers who caught the biggest catches of each eligible species throughout the year. 365-award plaques were presented to: Len Bates for a cuttlefish (3980 grams – New Club Record), and a leatherjacket (800 grams), James Nicolaci for a pike (3345 grams), a salmon (2780 grams), and a tailor (1075 grams – New Club Record), Mark Griffin for a garfish (180 grams), a tuna (18500 grams), and a squid (2140 grams – New Club Record), Tim Fahnle for a kingfish (1520 grams – New Club Record), Chris Leonardos for a snapper (8985 grams), David Soler for a King George whiting (895 grams), Paul Goodwin for a gummy shark (12200 grams), Kate Jinnette for a Flathead (1275 grams), Sam Linklater for a stranger whiting (355 grams – equal biggest), Duncan Firth for a mullet (505 grams), and stranger whiting (355 grams – equal biggest), Albert Abram for a mackerel (675 grams), and a trevally (1290 grams), and Andy Chihotski for a couta (880 grams). A special 365- award was also presented for Trevor Gleeson’s Blue Warehou (810 grams).
Each Senior angler, who participated in the RPIAC’s weekend angling competitions, was entered into the Reverse Draw when they weighed-in an eligible species during a competition weekend. The last 20 entries were drawn on the night and hopes for the prize faded as members heard their names drawn. Everyone hoped that the last name called was theirs, but the last name pulled from the draw was Trevor Thompson, to win the 2023/2024 season Reverse Draw prize of $1000.
Of course, the formalities of the night would not be in order unless the recipient RPIAC Merle Award, the award that nobody wants, was announced. The Merle Award recognises angler-related incidents such as mishaps, errors of judgement or remarkable feats in the year leading up to presentation night. There were a few strong contenders and ultimately, the 2024 Merle Award recipient was Lea Bowen. The Haymes Paint Shop’s Cordless Drill Package door prize was won by Nadia Chihotski and the evening’s presentations concluded with the announcement of the top-3 Female and Male Club Champions.
The 2024 Female Club Champions were: Anne-Marie Richards, in 3rd place with a total of 14500.5 units, Debra Orr, in 2nd place with a total of 19213 units, and Kate Jinnette finished the season in 1st place with 20708 units, winning the title for a second time in 2 seasons. The 2024 Male Club Champions were: Chris Leonardos, in 3rd place with a total of 27660 units, Duncan Firth, in 2nd place with a total of 30107 units, and James Nicolaci finished in 1st place with a total of 32602.5 units. All winners were congratulated at the event and will retain bragging rights as “Club Champions” for the next year.
The next angling competition season is scheduled to commence in Spring 2023. RPIAC’s clubroom is located adjacent to the Rhyll boat ramp and is open to members and visitors on Friday evenings (from 5 pm) and competition weekends coinciding with weigh-in through spring, summer, and autumn each year. The club promotes responsible and sustainable fishing practices and supports and assists in developing an interest in fishing for youngsters, families, and locals. For further information about the club, events, competitions, and rules, please visit the website: www.rpiac.com
