Ron Dempster Award 2003
The Ron Dempster Award is given to an individual for outstanding contribution to the enhancement of recreational fishing in Queensland.
The guidelines are; The recipient is nominated by the State Executive
The recipient does not have to be an ANSA member
The award does not have to be bestowed annually
The award is announced during the Annual Conference
When we look at the former recipients Gerry Cook, Vic McCristal, Don McPherson, Bill Sawynok, Jack Erskine, the dual nomination of John Doohan and David Bateman, and then last year another dual nomination of husband and wife team John and Jennifer Mondora, its not hard to see, first the caliber of the recipients, but also the type of people we have in the recreational fishing arena.
This year the State Executive has nominated a very worthy recipient – Bruce Alvey
Bruce is the eldest son of the Jack Alvey who made the legendry Alvey side cast reel.
Jack developed the reel to be a relatively inexpensive and yet robust reel that could be used in surf conditions and not get jammed up when it came in contact with sand. As we all know sand can be the downfall of many a fisherman when you need to play a fish in poor conditions. He experimented with products like wood, bakelite, plastic, and fiberglass, all with a stainless steel backing. He never wanted to export the reels but it became a natural expansion when foreigners bought the reels in Australia and took them back home with them.
Since Jack passed away Bruce has become the Managing Director of the Alvey family business at Carol Park and joint managers the business with his brother Glen.
He has followed his father in his passion for fishing. He has also followed his father in his responsibilities in continuing the generous support of fishing throughout Australia and in particular his home state of Queensland.
He has gone further and become enthusiastically involved in Fisheries Management, Administration and all matters associated with the Fishing Industry.
Bruce is currently;
On the SUNFISH Management Committee
President of Australian Fishing Tackle Association
President and founder of the Queensland Industry of Recreational Fishing (Tackle suppliers and Manufacturers)
Member of the Ministers Policy Council (FIDC)
Member on QFS policy Committees
Patron of numerous Fishing groups in Australia and Queensland
He is also a keen fisherman who is well respected in fishing and Government circles and not afraid to speak out on fishing issues.
The Alvey business has continued to grow under his direction into other types of reels. You can now buy fly reels for instance. Most reels have now got a good drag system, essential for fighting fish greater than the line class being used.
Most of all he is not afraid to listen and learn.
I heard of a case where he came along to one of Steve Watson’s Angler Education camps and he asked if he could help out. Being the builder of the reels that were being used for the casting demonstration it was a natural direction to point him into. He took up the challenge and demonstrated the best practices for casting. Some time passed before the demonstration was over and over a cup of coffee he was asked how it went. He said it wasn’t to bad as he really enjoyed passing on his knowledge and expertise, particularly to juniors. He said the problem was you can’t cast the bloody things. He never realized how hard they were to cast constantly and accurately. He went home and developed the casting button. For those unfamiliar with what I’m talking about it’s a little round knob, for want of a better description, on the right hand side of the reel. By simply taking the line and holding it with index finger of the right hand you can now cast an Alvey reel consistently and accurately with one hand.
Most prominent current issue has been the tailor debate. Bruce has been up their in the front fighting for tailor to become a recreation only specie. He has taken to this challenge as he does with most issues he deals with – full on
This is the type of person we have chosen to be this years recipient of this most prestigious award and hopefully we can present it him before he hears about it from someone else.
It gives me great pleasure to present this award to Bruce Alvey |
