The WA Government has increased funding for Fishability – a charity that supports people with disability who love to go fishing – to $100,000 per annum.
At last night’s Fishability Annual Celebration and Awards event at Royal Perth Yacht Club, Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly made the funding announcement while thanking the dedicated volunteers of the charity.
In the past year, more than 90 Fishability volunteers have helped run about 220 activities for more than 2,800 participants in Perth, Mandurah, Albany, Busselton and Geraldton.
The charity, which is now in its 17th year of operation, grew out of a then Department of Fisheries’ Volunteer Fisheries Liaison program and the efforts of the late Neville Thomas, who identified fishing opportunities for people with disability.
Last night, volunteers Dee Castillo and John Staples won the annual Nev Thomas Award which is awarded to a volunteer who embodies the organisation’s values and has made a significant contribution throughout the year.
Dee Castillo and John Staples shared the honour. Dee has helped set up and develop the Peel region’s Fishability program and John’s role as boat co-ordinator has involved upgrading and refurbishing work and managing bookings.
The inaugural Patrons Award went to J.K. Backhouse for establishing a partnership with Albany’s Princess Royal Sailing Club and the new Chairman’s Award was shared by Top Gun Charters and WA Bait Supply for their support of Fishability over many years.