GippSport recently partnered with Newhaven Yacht Squadron to deliver the annual All Abilities Fishing Day, providing a unique and inclusive experience for participants from across the region.
Held on 11 March at the Newhaven Marina, the event welcomed 27 participants from four local organisations including Connecting2Australia, Interchange, Scope and Interchange Gippsland. The day was made possible through the support of 22 volunteer members from the Newhaven Yacht Squadron who generously offered their time, boats and expertise to ensure participants had a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Participants were able to head out on boats with experienced drivers and fish in the waters surrounding the marina. With two sessions offered throughout the day, places quickly filled as participants were eager to take part in the experience.
Accessibility was a key focus of the event. For participants who used wheelchairs, the squadron created an accessible fishing opportunity within the marina, allowing everyone to take part while enjoying the activity and watching boats arrive and depart.
A highlight of the day was that every participant managed to catch a fish, leading to plenty of excitement and positive stories shared once everyone returned to shore. Some participants even had the opportunity to briefly take the wheel and help steer the boats, under the supervision of the drivers.
In between the morning and afternoon sessions, Newhaven Yacht Squadron hosted a shared lunch for all participants and volunteers. This provided a valuable opportunity for everyone to connect, share their experiences and socialise with others attending the program.
The All-Abilities Fishing Day continues to be a great example of how community partnerships and dedicated volunteers can create welcoming and inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities.
Want to get involved?
If your organisation is interested in delivering inclusive programs or partnering with GippSport, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team to explore how we can support your club, group or community to create more inclusive opportunities across Gippsland.
