Lakes Entrance Fisherman’s Co-op (LEFCOL) has had one of its busiest years in recent times and it’s not just the catch numbers that are impressive, with plenty happening on dry land too.
It was all hands on deck in late-January at the LEFCOL processing facility, when it recorded its biggest haul in the past decade – 54 tonne of seafood unloaded in a day.
But the Bullock Island seafood precinct is now much more than just a wharf and cool room, it is now home to a streamlined processing facility, a new viewing platform where observers can watch the daily catch be unloaded, Off the Wharf seafood shop selling fresh daily catch straight from the trawlers, the head office plus just down the road the gear store representing LEFCOL in the Lakes Entrance town centre.
One of the biggest developments to date is the new picturesque Off The Wharf seafood cafe, hovering over the Cunningham Arm waterway right at the mouth of the entrance. And they are not stopping here, with plans to further diversify revenue streams and innovation.
“We are expanding, we are innovating, we’ve got fantastic staff and are so blessed to work where we can see the boats rolling in and out every day – it’s very exciting to be part of LEFCOL in 2025,” LEFCOL general manager Anthony Woodland said.
Established in 1968, LEFCOL is a renowned commercial enterprise in the Lakes Entrance community, conceived, founded and run by local fishermen and passionate Lakes Entrance locals.
The Co-Op is serviced by 57 fishing vessels and boasts the largest diverse range of fish caught in Victoria with more than 85 species.
While continuing to upgrade and improve facilities, the team is working towards fully sustainable processing practices to become a waste free operation.
A current initiative already in place is donating all of the fish filleting waste for the creation of liquid fertiliser.
With industry sustainability top of mind, LEFCOL is looking forward to playing a big part in Hooked on Lakes seafood and fishing festival this Labour Day long weekend, showcasing where East Gippsland’s fresh seafood comes from with free tours of the LEFCOL facility, including a behind-the-scenes look at the processing facility, the Off The Wharf fish shop, the new viewing platform and historical story telling at the new cafe.
Co-op tours will feature samples, filleting demonstrations and the chance to buy fresh seafood direct from the Bullock Island facility. You can book yourself a free tour, which includes a shuttle bus from the Lakes Entrance Foreshore Reserve.
Off The Wharf Cafe is kicking off the much-loved festival on Saturday, March 8, with its first seafood extravaganza – an evening of delicious food, music and celebration to showcase the best Victorian seafood the Gippsland region offers. Tickets can be purchased via their website.
“LEFCOL was started by a community, for the wider Gippsland community. We want to remain an organisation that are invested in the community and that the community are proud of,” Mr Woodland said.
Hooked On Lakes is taking place at the Lakes Entrance Foreshore Reserve Sunday, March 9. The free event will run from 10am until 4pm, with live music, food and drinks continuing through until 8pm.
