Fishability launches new chapter as purpose-built vessel hits the water

Fishing is a treasured part of the WA lifestyle and everyone should be able to have access to it — that includes fishers with disabilities.

“As we all know and experience for ourselves, fishing provides enormous mental health, wellbeing and social benefits, as well as contributing $2.4 billion to the State’s economy,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.

Fishability’s new vessel is set to help fishers catch plenty of great rec species in the Peel-Harvey. Pictures: Zach Relph / Recfishwest

“Today, we attended the official naming and launching of the MV Fishability in Mandurah – a specially adapted boat to accommodate fishers in wheelchairs.

“This boat is Fishability’s – Recfishwest’s partner organisation – and will start an exciting new chapter for Fishability and the organisation’s Mandurah program, opening up the opportunity for fishers with disabilities to fish the Peel-Harvey Estuary for fun-to-catch species.”

Fishing: fun and inclusive

With room for nine fishers and their carers, the 8.5m twin pontoon boat was built by Mandurah-based boat builders Bouvard Marine.

Whether its whiting, herring, tailor or blue swimmer crabs, we can’t wait to see what’s caught from this impressive fishing boat.

Maiden voyage! Fishability Board Member Sascha Brand-Gardner, Friend of Fishability Martin Duff and Fishability volunteer Gabi Gaal enjoying the sights aboard MV Fishability.

Fishability Chairperson Mike Donnelly summarised it perfectly when he said:

“This boat will help give even more people in the Peel region the opportunity to safely get out on the water, wet a line and enjoy what fishing has to offer.

“It’s not just about the fishing, though, it’s also about breaking down the isolation and bringing people undertaking these activities together.”

Fishability volunteer Gabi Gaal, a mad-keen fisher herself, and has been involved in the Mandurah program since it began, added: “The clients and their carers absolutely love the opportunity to have a fish.

“It gives them the chance to get out and have a chat, but most importantly they want the chance to catch a fish.

“They’re just so happy when they get fishing, it’s fantastic to see – you can see the huge value they get from it.”

A big shout-out to Simon Dummett and the Bouvard Marine team for their influential role in helping make MV Fishability a reality.

Launching a new chapter

In addition to Bouvard Marine owner Simon Dummett’s in-kind assistance, the MV Fishability has been backed by a wave of support including recreational fishing licence fees through the State Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF).

The Commonwealth Stronger Communities Program, PEACH (Personnel Employed at ALCOA Charitable Help), AWA Alliance Bank, City of Mandurah and the State Government’s Small Election Commitments Program for Mandurah have also backed the boat build.

“This boat will allow Fishability to continue to do great work and ensure fishing will remain truly inclusive,” Dr Rowland concluded.

It’s safe to say there was plenty of excitement among fishers at the launch of MV Fishability today.

Continue Reading

May 02, 2025

New Fisheries Minister announces year-round FADs for Dampier, Point Samson and Broome!

FADs fishing fanatics in Dampier, Point Samson and Broome are soon to be able to target pelagic powerhouse fishlike billfish and dolphin all year round! Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the new Fisheries…

Read More

May 01, 2025

Recfishwest partners with Wildtrak Leisure Australia to give you 10% off their gear for the great Aussie outdoors!

Refishwest has teamed up with the good folks at Wildtrak Leisure Australia to offer all our members, followers and supporters 10 per cent off ALL of Wildtrak’s extensive range of quality camping, 4WD and outdoors…

Read More

May 01, 2025

Recfishwest backs in Get Reel Two Rocks fishing competition with fantastic fishing prizes for nearshore species!

Recfishwest is excited to be backing the Get Reel Two Rocks fishing comp on 10th of May — a fantastic celebration of community, family fun and, of course, fishing in the northern suburbs! We’ll be on the ground…

Read More

April 29, 2025

King of the Reef 2025 promises fantastic fishing and prizes!

After a deluxe display of species diversity last year, the King of the Reef competition is returning from 1 May – 31 August to allow fishers to contribute to science – and have a crack at some fantastic…

Read More

April 29, 2025

300 kids catch fish and healthy living tips with Recfishwest’s Mid-West Kids Fishing Clinic Tour!

Our Fishing Clinics Coordinator Sedin Hasanovic recently hit the road with fishing instructor Brody Laroux to deliver fun-packed and educational kids fishing clinics over the school holidays in the Mid-West. This…

Read More

April 10, 2025

Recfishwest’s latest TV and radio commercials encourage fishers to stick to the beaches when chasing salmon this Easter

As thousands of fishers are heading to WA’s Southern and South-West coasts this Easter to chase massive schools of migrating salmon, Recfishwest is urging fishers to “keep the sand between their toes” by fishing…

Read More