FISHING is a simple, peaceful, and mindful pastime that is not often available to everyone, but a South East Queensland charity is working to change that.
Fishability QLD was formed through a partnership between Bribie Island Boat Charters and several smaller community groups in 2013 giving people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to wet a line.
Co-founder and CEO Emma Dyson was working as a mental health support worker and case manager prior to forming Fishability, where she saw the benefits activities like fishing had on marginalised people.
“It’s a simple thing; going out and being with the elements of the sun, the healing powers of the water, and the social environment to break the impact of people sitting in the confines of four walls,” Ms Dyson said.
“Fishing is one of those things that maybe people have had a pleasant experience with their parents when they were younger.
“We know it works, we’ve seen it work, we’ve seen it rehabilitate people in its most cognitive form.”
Funded through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Fishability is sponsored to a level that enables it to host 20 boating events and 10 land-based events throughout 2024.
Ms Dyson said the event was open to anyone and everyone.
“We get together and we cast a line,” Ms Dyson said.
“It’s a great place for people to come and meet us and see if they want to get more involved.
“It’s a safe space, a respectful space, come and say g’day and have a fish.
“We have a whole diverse group of lovely people who come and enjoy our services.”
The qualified staff and dedicated volunteers also hold fish filleting workshops, so if you do reel in a catch, the team will guide you on how to fillet the fish to take home for dinner.
The events are free to participate, although attendees are asked to bring their own chair and a $5 donation if they would like to partake in a pizza lunch.
“You can imagine the amount of free volunteer work that has to go into the coordination to make those 30 events happen, which comes from a lot of love and altruism,” Ms Dyson said.
“With that funding from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, we can make it happen, and we hope to do that in 2025 with as much support from people as possible.”
Contact info@fishabilityqld.org.au or visit Fishability QLD on Facebook for more information.
