Fishing is for everyone!
It’s no secret that fishing is an amazing way to connect with our environment, facilitate social interaction and a sense of belonging and bring adventure to anglers’ lives. Access to and participation in recreational fishing should be available to all Victorians. This program is delivered by Fishcare Victoria and funded through the revenue generate from the sales of recreational fishing licenses in Victoria. The program advocates and promotes inclusive participation for one of Australia’s most popular recreational activities.
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UP-COMING EVENTS
ABOUT FISHCARE VICTORIA
We are a community operated not-for-profit charity with the motto ‘We Fish, We Care’. Our work promotes responsible fishing practices and increased stewardship of Victoria’s aquatic environments and is funded through the Recreational Fishing Licence trust fund.
Fishcare is operated by enthusiastic volunteers with regional groups across Victoria, from Warrnambool in the west, to Ballarat and as far east as Mallacoota.
Our aim is to promote responsible approaches to fishing and to share in the care and management of our precious aquatic environments.
BECOME A PARTNER
Being a not-for-profit, charity registered organisation Fishcare Victoria is continually looking for investment, and corporate volunteering groups to partner with us to deliver fishing clinics across the state.
We have received some seed funding to establish this worthwhile program but we are seeking ongoing sponsorship to ensure the longevity of this program and ensure that fishing really is accessbile to everyone.
Our program provides a sense of community to those who may be socially isolated because of their disability as well as provides the equipment and support to get outdoors and give recreational fishing a go.
If you or your or organisation are interested in become a FishAbility program partner, please contact us to schedule a meeting with our Executive Officer.
About
Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in Australia. While so many fishers take for granted the opportunity of heading to the water and casting a line, it is evident that there are barriers hindering people with disabilities from being able to do the same. Fishcare Victoria has conducted informal and ad hoc all ability fishing clinics since 2010 which has been an unfunded volunteer run and coordinated program. With an increasing appetite for all ability clinics which can be linked to improved facilities and access to our aquatic environments Fishcare sees a great opportunity to commit to and lead the development of a well resourced and sustainable all ability fishing program.
This program partners with disability providers, agencies and local councils to improve opportunities and access to get outdoors and enjoy the excitement and reward of fishing. Regular all ability fishing clinics offer opportunities for Victorians who face significant life challenges and find it difficult to engage with our fisheries, to enjoy the magic of fishing. It’s no secret that fishing is an amazing way to connect with our environment, facilitate social interaction and a sense of belonging and bring adventure to anglers’ lives.
Program Objectives
Participation
Increase the active involvement of people with disabilities into recreational fishing through coordinated and regular fishing events
Partnerships
Partner with government, agencies, local councils and organisations and develop strategic cooperative arrangements
Promote
Promote responsible fishing practices as well as rules and regulations to participants and care givers
Advocate
Be advocates in promoting inclusive participation in recreational fishing
Become a volunteer!
We are always welcoming new volunteers to our Fishcare Victoria team. If you are interested in becoming a FishAbility volunteer and assisting in the delivery of fishing clinics and supporting people with disabilities to engage and have fun fishing, please register your interest today!
REGISTER TODAY!
Want to contribute to this exciting & inclusive program? Donate now!
Your contribution will assist in the ongoing delivery of regular all ability fishing clinics across Victoria and make it easier for those with disabilities to engage and participate in the magic of fishing. As Fishcare Victoria Inc. is a registered Charity, all donations over $2 are tax deductible!
We work closely with these partners to deliver the program
And we are looking to build more partnerships
Interested in becoming a partner? Contact us!
Event Photos
Our dedicated staff team
Sarah Van Stokrom
Executive Officer
Sarah has a Bachelor in Park Management and an Hons. in Environmental Science. Sarah brings over 15 years experience in environmental management and community engagement and has held previous positions with Parks Victoria, Bass Coast Shire, City of Casey and Landcare. Sarah has a diverse skill set including business management, leadership, sustainability and well developed communication, grant writing, governance and project management skills.
Elysia Gustafson
FishAbility & Port Phillip Facilitator
Elysia is a Marine Biologist with a Master’s in teaching who began her career in the Aquaculture Industry in Port Fairy before moving to Port Douglas to work on the Great Barrier Reef where she conducted surveys in association with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Mitch McMaster
Geelong & Bellarine Facilitator
Mitch has a background in Environmental Science majoring in Marine Biology, which he studied at Deakin University in Warrnambool. This degree allowed him to foster and focus his passion for promoting and improving sustainable fishing practices while aiming to maintain and develop freshwater and estuarine management plans.
Jenny Allitt
East Gippsland Facilitator
Jenny enjoys assisting children and parents gain the required knowledge and skills needed to fish with a sustainable mindset learned through the Fishcare Program. Jenny brings extensive knowledge of native and pest aquatic species and is passionate about people taking ownership for the different aquatic environments in which we share.
Contact us
If you would like to know more or have an enquiry about our program, please feel to contact us with your enquiry.
FishAbility by Fishcare Victoria
Executive Officer – Sarah Van Stokrom
0437 672 242
svanstokrom@fishcare.org.au
Program Contact – Elysia Gustafson
0423 588 345
fishability@fishcare.org.au