The Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Cooperative celebrates 50 years since its inception this month.

The co-operative was opened by the then Victorian Premier, Sir Henry Bolte, on October 23, 1968.

Sir Henry had initially offered a loan to the fishermen to build the co-operative but when the Premier arrived in Lakes Entrance to open the building he was so impressed with what they had done, he turned the loan into a grant.

With its conveyor belt system, the unloading facilities were considered state-of-the-art at the time and are still an efficient system today for removing crates of fish from the boats.

The co-operative was established by a group of fishermen so they could unload their fish in the one spot and have a more coordinated approach in sending their product to market.

General manager of the co-operative, Brad Duncan, says prior to its establishment, fishermen would be unloading all along the foreshore and because there was no mobile phone coverage, the truck transporting the fish to market would often leave Lakes Entrance just as another boat arrived with its catch.

The co-operative provided a more streamlined and professional business front for the fishermen and more importantly, it meant the truck would wait until all the fishing trawlers had unloaded their fish.

Today, the co-operative unloads about four million kilograms of fish on average each year.

More than 40 commercial fishing boats trawl the Gippsland Lakes and Bass Strait to provide fresh fish for market.

Mr Duncan says the fishing industry is “a major employer in the town”.

“There wouldn’t be anyone in town who hasn’t worked here or had a relative who’s been associated with the fishing industry or co-operative in those 50 years,” Mr Duncan said.

“I hope it goes for another 150 years. East Gippsland and Lakes Entrance should be proud of all our fishermen.”

“The ongoing benefits of the co-operative keeps Lakes and the greater region going.”

Mr Duncan said the quality of fish coming from Bass Strait is “far superior to what we’re importing from overseas”.

He encourages anyone who hasn’t been down to the co-operative to buy fresh fish to make it a priority.

Mr Duncan said while much of what arrives at the co-operative is sent to two major fish wholesalers in Melbourne for distribution to Queen Victoria Market and city restaurants, product also travels throughout Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia through PFD – a Melbourne based company.

“Through PFD, we’ve been able to get our brand out to the marketplace which is helping to put Lakes Entrance back on the map,” Mr Duncan said.

For those who want to learn more about the Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Co-operative and the fishermen who provide locally caught fish, visit its website.

Mr Duncan said there are “some great recipes” on the website as well.

PICTURED: Tyson Pollard unloads octopus from the Panama II at the Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Co-operative on Tuesday morning. The Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Co-operative celebrates 50 years since its inception later this month.