Fishability Program Launches in Geraldton

Fishability (formerly Fishers with Disabilities Association Inc.) is a Western Australian charity which provides regular recreational fishing opportunities for children and adults living with disabilities. Over the years, the Association has grown and expanded its reach to include any members in the community requiring support to go fishing. Disability Service Providers, Aged care facilities; Education Support Centres; participants with mental health issues and socially isolated members of our community all benefit from the recreational fishing activities.

Under the leadership and guidance of a skill based Executive Management Board, and as a result of supply and demand, Fishability has expanded its programs in to Geraldton and secured local residents Peter Stratford and Chris Wilson who has volunteered to oversee the regular ongoing program.

Peter has years of recreational fishing experience having performed his role as Volunteer Fishing Liaison Officer with the Department of Fisheries for many years in Geraldton. Chris, an Iluka employee with a passionate civic mind to serve within the community identified with Fishability and also put his hand up to support the organisation to get the program up and running.

The introduction of Fishability will ensure a sustainable and regular program of activities in Geraldton, catering to children and adults in the community requiring support to experience the joy of fishing. The ongoing activities are supported by Fishability volunteers and are delivered at no cost to the participant.

The Fishability program officially commences in Geraldton on Thursday 28th July at the Batavia Museum Boardwalk and will continue on a monthly basis. http://fishability.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Geraldton-Calendar-Jul-to-Sep-2016.pdf

With the ongoing support from Department of Fisheries and Recfishwest, peak body for recreational fishing and through the Recreational Fishing Initiative Fund, Fishability has been able to design and manufacture a purpose built trailer and equip it with the fishing and safety gear required to deliver an effective, safe and welcoming program to the Geraldton community.

Fishability Executive Officer, Di Bruce said: “With a strong presence of members in the Perth metropolitan and Albany, Busselton and Mandurah areas, the Executive Management Board felt it timely to expand the operations of the organisation and provide our programs to children and adults living with disabilities in Geraldton. With emphasis on participation and ability rather than disability, the Geraldton Fishability team will ensure everybody has the opportunity to experience fishing with the support from volunteers, family and friends. With the modified equipment Fishability can offer our participants, it means that every person can enjoy the right to fish, regardless of age, disability or experience.