You should’ve seen the smiles on their faces!

20 local kids and people with disabilities converged on Ballina’s Kingsford Smith Lake as part of a Fishability program, funded by the Australian Government Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme.

Organiser Shelley Keenan says seeing the smiles on their faces when they’re catching fish serves as a constant reminder of why she does what she does. “I just love it,” she said.

The Fishability program was launched in Ballina Oct 06 – this is now the 10th time the event has been held – and what a resounding success! People have traveled up to 3hrs to attend these events as similar programs were previously unavailable and relatively unheard of in Northern NSW.

“We kicked off at 12pm and the program included flexible one on one tutorials,” says Shelley. “We cover knot tying, baiting the hook, casting and retrieving and cleaning and preparing the fish for cooking.”

“Those participating take a lot of knowledge from the workshops – they learn things like correct fish handling techniques, as well as the importance of rules and regulations. They also learn about conservation of the marine environment,” adds Shelley.

A Trash Trawl is now included in the program to assist in clearing litter from and adjacent to recreational fishing areas with prizes awarded to all participants, while  a casting competition was held during the lunch break for those wishing to try their luck.

Fishability Inc, a local not for profit organization formed in 2006, was established to promote the enjoyment of recreational fishing for people with disabilities and the wider community.

“We set up the organization to highlight ‘ability’ rather than ‘disability’ – to increase the confidence of local kids and people with disabilities by teaching them how to have fun fishing,” says Shelley.

The group develops and delivers programs and activities which are entertaining, interactive and easy to understand, making it easier for people with disabilities to become actively involved.

The program has expanded across the region to Brunswick Heads and Yamba, with the next workshop event planned for Brunswick Heads on the 21^st September.

For more info about Fishability Inc, email fishabilitynsw@yahoo.com.au or give Shelley a buzz on 0428 620 184.

Posted: Wednesday August 27, 2008