Source: ANGFA Vic News, December 1996, page 2. Author: Ken Smales, President/Chairman ANGFA Victoria.  View original scan (PDF)

The 1996 Melbourne Convention is now part of history. From a Committee point of view it was very successful. The same comments have been flowing back to us from many people who were in attendance with only a couple of minor complaints being heard. ANGFA Conventions have been praised from many corners of the globe for the professional way in which they are conducted. This one was no exception. All of our overseas presenters stated that they would only be too happy to make themselves available for future conventions. To these people we are very grateful for their efforts.

Four days before the convention was due to start we were thrown into panic mode when we found out that one of our main “stars” Heiko Bleher was unable to make it. It became even worse when another of our “stars” Neil Armstrong, lost his voice and was ordered to bed by his doctor two days before the Convention. Thankfully we were able to call upon Eddie Tootell and Rick Datodi to fill the gaps. Thanks go to both!

There were many highlights in an information/entertainment packed weekend. One had to be that of Corporate Comedian Graeme Bowman (son of Ron) who took the “mickey” out of several presenters. Graeme conducted his presentation as visiting palaeontologist Heinrich Bauer during the Saturday Night Dinner. It took almost 5 minutes for many to realize what was happening. Once they were aware of proceedings they also were able to join in the laughter.

The Fish Widows tours again proved to be a big hit with local, interstate and overseas visitors getting to have a Cooks Tour of Melbourne in just a few short days. A vote of thanks to all organizers of this event.

Melbourne Zoo as well as the Healesville Sanctuary were well patronised with all members being given the opportunity to have behind the scenes tours not available to the general public. Who could ever forget the feeding of the lions?

ANGFA is grateful to both Noel Harcourt and Ian Smith as well as the management and staff of both institutions for allowing us the privilege.

Those who ventured up to Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery were well entertained by Alex Caughey and crew. Another vote of thanks goes to those involved.

To those who unfortunately missed the 1996 convention you will now have to wait another four years before it returns to Victoria. For those who can’t wait that long there’s always Sydney in 1997 or 1998 you can venture to Brisbane.

A great deal of very hard work was thrown upon the committees shoulders to help make it the success that it was. My grateful thanks go to all of the committee for carrying out their duties in a very professional manner. Thanks go also to those members who made themselves available for various duties over the weekend.

To all our presenters, to all sponsors and supporters, to all the people who helped put this together … you did yourselves proud!

Ken Smales, President/Chairman ANGFA Victoria