END OF AN ERA – The Last Gippsland Lakes Fishermen, the book described as a photographic and oral history of the last 10 commercial fishermen of the Gippsland Lakes, was official launched at the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally last Friday.
A strong crowd of interested locals and visitors, gathered at the Paynesville Library to get a copy of the book and view the spectacular photography display which was a feature of the rally.
The book was compiled by Lynda Mitchelson-Twigg, who has strong ties to the local fishing industry. She spoke at the launch alongside current East Gippsland Shire Councillor, Arthur Allen, who features prominently in the book having been one of the final 10 licence holders.
END OF AN ERA – The Last Gippsland Lakes Fishermen captures the final weeks of small scale commercial fishing in the Gippsland Lakes in the lead up to the fishery’s closure in April 2020. It tells the stories of the last licence holders and their families, offering rare insight into the day to day life and history of the Gippsland Lakes commercial fishing industry.
IMAGE: Lynda Mitchelson-Twigg (inset left) and East Gippsland Shire Councillor, Arthur Allen (inset right), who was one of the last 10 Gippsland Lakes commercial fishing licence holders, spoke at the launch of Lynda’s book, END OF AN ERA – The Last Gippsland Lakes Fishermen, held last Friday at the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally. The book launch coincided with a photography exhibition displayed at the rally across the weekend.
