2026 Key Note Guest Speakers for Bendigo.

Who’s April Vokey.

April Vokey is a fly-fishing writer, fly-tyer, and speaker. After ten years guiding in British Columbia, she now divides her time between northern BC and Australia. She is an FFF-certified casting instructor, forager, bowhunter, and mother.

My path through the fly-fishing world has been shaped by passion, commitment, and a deep love for the sport. From an early age, I felt closely connected to nature and the pull of the river. In 2007, at 24, I founded Fly Gal Ventures to share that passion as a guide.

Since then, my love of fly fishing and the outdoors has taken me to remote corners of the world in search of the next adventure.

Over the years, I’ve been inspired by talented anglers and a generous community, which led me to create Anchored Outdoors, an online membership and my most fulfilling venture so far. What began as the Anchored Podcast has grown into something more inclusive. I hope you’ll join me here on my personal website and at Anchored Outdoors, where we work together to become better anglers, better people, and better fishing buddies.

Former Australian Fast-Bowler | Host of Merv Hughes Fishing Show | Keynote Speaker | Brand Ambassador.

Aside from being one of Australia's most recognisable and loved cricket identities, Merv also has an enormous passion for fishing. It’s this passion that saw Merv release his first book in 2006, ‘Caught in the Deep’. By his own admission, Merv is a long way short of being an expert angler, but as Merv explains with his mixture of humour, anecdotes and a little input from some of Merv's more experienced fisho mates, you don't have to be a pro to enjoy fishing. All you need is a sense of adventure, a love of the outdoors and a willingness to learn from those who know!

Is a Fisheries Manager with the Victorian Fisheries Authority. who is responsible for the sustainable use of Victoria’s fisheries resources and improvement of recreational fishing. 

He has a Ph.D. in fisheries management and science, focused on the evaluation and improvement of fish stocking. Previously, spending six years working as a Fisheries Scientist conducting research on freshwater recreational fisheries.

Rod Mackenzie is regarded as one of Australia’s foremost authorities on catching Giant Murray Cod.

Rod has made guest appearances on several fishing programs that include Rex Hunt’s Fishing Adventures and Rob Paxevanous’ Fishing Australia. He is a member of the Penn Pro Fishing Team, does product testing for several lure companies and delivers catch and release talks at tackle stores as well as the Yamaha Cod Classic.

Rod is well respected amongst his journalist peers for his knowledge of the big Murray Cod and where to find them.