Premier Colin Barnett and Fisheries Minister Joe Francis have welcomed the latest initiative from not-for-profit association Fishability, to set up its program in Geraldton.
Formerly known as Fishers with Disabilities, Fishability is a volunteer group which provides jetty and vessel-based fishing activities to children and adults living with disability.
Attending the launch of the new Geraldton program at the Batavia Museum boardwalk today, Mr Barnett said the initiative could not have happened without members of the community who had volunteered or supported the association's establishment in the Mid-West.
"The recent effort to expand the Fishability program in regional areas is another great achievement among many that have seen the organisation continue to grow over 16 years," Mr Barnett said.
"I congratulate all of the association's volunteers and supporters throughout the State, who dedicate themselves to providing regular recreational fishing opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of participants."
Fisheries Minister Joe Francis said Fishability received an annual grant of $75,000 from the Department of Fisheries as well as financial support from the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF).
"RFIF receives 25 per cent of all recreational fishing licence fees which it allocates to worthy projects and initiatives such as Fishability," Mr Francis said.
"That funding has allowed the organisation to conduct activities such as its annual Fishability Day and to develop a map which shows locations that are accessible to people with disabilities.
"By expanding its program to Geraldton, Fishability is now helping to empower fishers with disabilities in the Mid-West to enjoy greater participation in recreational fishing."
Fact File
There are an estimated 740,000 recreational fishers in Western Australia
Fishability has programs in Perth, Mandurah, Busselton, Albany and now Geraldton
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Fisheries Minister's office - 6552 6500
