The NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers (NSWCFA), established in 1958, is the principal representative organisation for freshwater recreational fishing in NSW and ACT
NSWCFA works to protect and improve freshwater fisheries, promote responsible angling, support habitat conservation, and advocate for recreational fishing access and participation across NSW and the ACT.
NSWCFA welcomes adult members, junior members, affiliates, corporate members, and supporting members who share an interest in the future of freshwater recreational fishing in NSW. Go to our membership application page here.
The NSWCFA is an independent, incorporated, not-for-profit organisation run by unpaid volunteers. It is funded by membership fees paid by organisations and individuals. Meetings of the Executive Committee are held monthly and general meetings of all members and interested anglers and guests are held quarterly. The NSWCFA is not part of the NSW Government and its operations are not funded by the Government. It publishes full and detailed notices, agendas, minutes and reports of all meetings and holds democratic annual elections for an executive committee. A copy of our constitution can be downloaded here.
Become a free Supporting Member of NSWCFA and receive our free newsletter.
If you would like to make a (one-time, Australia dollar) donation to NSWCFA separate from becoming a member click here – note that this is NOT tax deductible.
Executive committee and officers 2026-27
President—Gary Bickford
Immediate Past President—Peter Gibson
Senior Vice President—Phil Burton
Honorary Secretary—Bill Blair
Honorary Treasurer—Don Salter
Public Officer— Don Salter
Non- Executive Officers:
Environmental Officer/ Scientific Officer —Craig Dunningham
Promotions Officer—
Assistant Secretary—Vacant
Minute Secretary—Bill Blair
Publications Editor—Peter Gibson
Website Manager —Peter Gibson
Honorary Solicitor—Kayleb O’Connor
Delegate to the RFA NSW—Peter Gibson
Delegate to Gaden Trout Hatchery Mgt Committee—Peter Gibson
Observer to DPI NSW Trout Allocation Committee—Peter Gibson
Delegate to the RFA NSW—Peter Gibson
Membership Officer—Charles Atkin
Additional—Harry Melkonian
Junior Member Representative—Vacant
Affiliate Members (Clubs and Associations)
Our current Affiliate Members are:
Sydney Fly Rodders’ Club; Monaro Acclimatisation Society; Council of Southern Districts Angling Clubs; NSW Rod Fishers’ Society; ACT Fly Fishers; Illawarra Fly Fishers Club; The Barrington Club; Central Coast Fly Rodders; Canberra Anglers Association; Lakeside Fly Fishing Club; Orange Trout Acclimatisation Society; Hunter Native Fish; Central Acclimatisation Society
Prior to the implementation of individual membership, NSWCFA had ‘Foundation Members’ who generously donated funds to support the operation of NSWCFA. The Foundation Members were: Ian Andrews, Australian Trout Foundation, Damian Balfour, The Barrington Club, Don Barton, Bill Blair, Ken Chapman, David Connon, David Copperthwaite, Richard Cottam, Geoff Davis, Radge Diakiw, Fred Dunford, Dan Frogan, Stefan Fuchs, Peter Gibson, William Hall, John Harris, Max Harris, Kevin Kai, James Mackie, Rob Marich, Peter Mason, Neil McAully, Sean McSharry, Mark Newton, NSW Rod Fishers’ Society, David Pinsent, Wayne Power, Greg Prowse, Ian Roache, Don Salter, Paul Sanders, Joe Searl, David Sheers, Bob Stevenson, Mike Timbrell, David Tinworth, Steve Tizard, Don Wood.