Supporting Inclusive Fishing Experiences in Lakes Entrance

For nearly 47 years, the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club Inc has been a cornerstone of the Lakes Entrance community. Built by members on land leased from the local Shire, the clubhouse reflects decades of community effort, constructed through fundraising, raffles, and extensive volunteer contribution.

That same community spirit continues through the club’s annual Kids and All Abilities Day. This flagship event provides children, young people, and individuals who may not otherwise have access to outdoor recreation with the opportunity to experience fishing in a safe and inclusive environment.

With more than 150 participants attending in previous years, the event has delivered strong community impact. However, it has historically relied entirely on volunteer funding and the generosity of local charter operators. Recognising both the limitations of this model and the opportunity to strengthen its future, the club partnered with GippSport to support the long-term sustainability of the event.

The Challenge: Sustaining a High-Impact Community Event

The Kids and All Abilities Day has consistently created meaningful participation opportunities. Through supervised, hands-on activities, participants learn casting techniques, equipment handling, species identification, and environmental awareness. Each participant also receives fishing equipment to take home, helping to remove financial barriers to continued participation.

Despite this success, the event has operated under significant financial pressure. Costs have been absorbed by a volunteer-run organisation already facing common regional challenges, including an ageing membership base and limited capacity to attract new volunteers.

A key vulnerability was the reliance on local charter boat operators, who have generously donated vessels and crew for many years. While central to the event’s success, this informal arrangement was not sustainable long term, with no funding available to support or recognise their contribution.

The club also lacked access to essential equipment needed to improve safety, professionalism, and accessibility, particularly for participants with additional needs. Without external support, the ability to maintain and grow the event was limited.

Turning Community Impact into Funded Support

GippSport worked closely with the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club to understand the history, strengths, and future potential of the Kids and All Abilities Day. Early discussions with committee members, including Secretary Trevor Pillinger, highlighted a well-established program with strong community outcomes, but limited experience navigating formal funding processes.

GippSport supported the club to develop and submit an application through the Victorian Government Sporting Club Grants Program 2025 to 2026 Round 1, identifying the most suitable funding categories and aligning the application with key priorities including inclusion, participation, and sustainability.

The application focused on two key areas. The first was securing equipment to improve safety, accessibility, and participant experience. The second was introducing funding to contribute toward charter operator costs, ensuring these long-standing community partners could be formally recognised and supported.

The process was collaborative throughout. Rather than completing the application independently, GippSport worked alongside the club to clearly articulate the event’s impact, positioning it as a structured participation opportunity with measurable outcomes and long-term community benefit.

The Impact: Securing Resources and Strengthening Sustainability

The application was successful, securing $2,536 through the Sporting Club Grants Program. This outcome represents both financial support and formal recognition of the club’s ability to deliver inclusive and impactful community programming.

The funding will directly support the delivery of the next Kids and All Abilities Day by providing essential equipment, including ten Surecatch Bigfield Spinning Rods and fifteen Neptune Hand Casters. This ensures all participants can actively engage, regardless of their personal resources.

Additional equipment, including branded polo shirts for volunteers and a compliant first aid kit, will improve safety, visibility, and overall event delivery. Resources such as sun protection, reusable water bottles, adaptive aids, and promotional materials will further enhance accessibility and participant experience.

Importantly, the funding also enables a formal contribution toward charter operator costs across two vessels. This marks a significant shift from reliance on goodwill to a more sustainable and equitable partnership model, strengthening relationships with key community partners.

“This funding takes the pressure off our members. With GippSport’s help, we were able to secure money that goes directly toward the day and helps cover the boat costs, things our members have always paid for out of their own pockets. Now we don’t have to worry as much about finding the money to make it happen.”

Trevor Pillinger, Secretary, Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club Inc

Beyond the immediate event, this funding supports the long-term sustainability of the club. It reduces financial pressure on volunteers, builds confidence in seeking future funding, and strengthens the club’s capacity to attract new participants, particularly young people and those with limited access to sport and recreation.

What We Learned

This project reinforced the importance of helping community organisations clearly articulate their impact. While the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club has delivered meaningful outcomes for many years, translating this into a format aligned with funding requirements was a key step in unlocking support.

It also highlighted the importance of recognising informal community contributions. While volunteer and partner support is a strength, formalising these contributions through funding improves sustainability and ensures long-term viability.

What’s Next

With funding secured, the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club is preparing to deliver its next Kids and All Abilities Day with improved resources, enhanced accessibility, and greater confidence in its delivery.

Looking ahead, the club aims to build on this success by continuing to grow participation and strengthen its role within the community. By introducing children and individuals with disability to a low-barrier, inclusive outdoor activity, the program supports ongoing engagement, skill development, and social connection.

With continued support, this initiative will remain a strong example of how community-led programs can evolve into sustainable, inclusive participation opportunities.

If your club or organisation is looking to secure funding or strengthen your programs, GippSport can support you through grant applications, planning, and program development. Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.

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GippSport acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, The Bunurong Peoples, Gunaikurnai Peoples and other traditional owner groups of the Gippsland/East Gippsland Region.  We recognise their ongoing connection to the land, waters and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

GippSport is committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and working in solidarity towards reconciliation.

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