Australian Trout Foundation
OUR BOARD
PAUL STOLZ
PRESIDENT
Prior to retiring, Paul was a post-doctoral research consultant with Swinburne University and has a phd in social sciences. He worked in the education and not-for-profit sectors for twenty years, specializing in bush-based therapeutic practice for at-risk young people. Paul has fished for most of his life, beginning with saltwater fishing in Queensland estuaries and off the beach with homemade bamboo rods and bakelite Alvey side-cast reels. He has been a fly-fisher for the past 18 years. Paul has been a passionate conservationist for most of his life and is keen to see the restoration of streams and rivers for better water quality and fish habitat.
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RAY FERGUSON
TREASURER
Ray’s early fishing adventures were around the streams of Euroa and Strathbogie, where catching the odd trout and lots of black fish was the norm.
Later, he moved to the Riverina, fishing for cod, redfin, and catfish, but his love for trout remained.
Ray studied Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney and, after working in Numurkah and Cranbourne, he settled into veterinary practice in East Oakleigh.
He enjoys all forms of fishing, but fly fishing is his main passion. Ray enjoys the outdoors, he is an enthusiastic camper and loves wading up streams chasing trout.
Ray is very keen on conserving our bush and waterways and ensuring our fishery is sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.
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TOM WHITE
SECRETARY
He has been a keen angler since he was a youngster, and since the late 1990’s, has been hooked on fly-fishing. He has fished in most states of Australia, as well as on several trips to New Zealand.
Tom has been on the executive committee of the Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) since 2010, and is also a member of the Yarra Valley Fly Fishers, Victorian Fly Fishers Association, and Native Fish Australia.
He is passionate about having a healthy recreational inland fishery which he firmly believes starts with having healthy waterways.
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TERRY GEORGE
EMERITUS
As of 2024, Terry has spent the last 10 years as ATF president, transforming it into what is now recognised as the premier representative body for trout fishers in Victoria. A remarkable effort!
Terry will continue advising and guiding Paul (his successor) and all the committee members for the next year or two, passing on some of his skills, knowledge and contacts built up over his time.
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS (2025/26 year)
- Bryan King (North East)
- Chris Lightfoot (North East)
- Brian Eddy (North East/Gippsland)
- Phil Jones (East Gippsland)
- Ivo Kavelj (Melbourne)
- Peter Murray (Gippsland)
- Ray Throup (West Gippsland)
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Working Together with Fishing & Water Managers and Trout Fishers
In order to achieve our Mission: To protect and enhance the health of fisheries and waterways, the ATF has formed working relationships, and some partnerships, with the Victorian Fisheries Authority , Dept. of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Catchment Management Authorities, Land-care Groups, and most importantly, Angling Clubs and Trout Fishers.
The ATF is recognised as the premier representative body for trout fishers in Victoria and ATF continually advocates for fishers and the fishery to all relevant Government Departments and regions in Victoria.