Got an idea that could make fishing better in your local community? Applications are now open for Round 17 of Recfishwest’s Community Grants program.
With applications closing at midnight on 16 September, community groups and fishing clubs across WA are encouraged to put forward projects that will deliver meaningful, long-lasting benefits for better fishing experiences in their local areas.
Whether it’s delivering a fishing clinic or clean-up event, supporting a competition, upgrading equipment, improving safety, restoring fish habitat or undertaking education and research initiatives, the Community Grants program can help.
Now in round 17, the Recfishwest Community Grants program has supported 308 community-driven projects with more than $970,000 in grant funding, assisting fishing clubs and groups across WA.
For more information and to apply for a Community Grant, click here.
This year will mark a major milestone for the program with more than $1 million in funding delivered to grassroots projects since the program began once this round of grants have been awarded.
Check out the fishing initiatives supported through the Community Grants program in the last financial year:
1) Clontarf Foundation- Connecting students through fishing
The Clontarf Foundation used the grant to purchase new fishing kits, including rods, reels, and tackle, for more than 600 of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across six academies in the North West and Gascoyne.
The new equipment supported fishing camps and activities which helped students strengthen their connection to Country while learning safe and sustainable fishing practices.
Find out more about Recfishwest engaging Clontarf Academy students with fishing clinics here.
Read more about the Clontarf Foundation here.
2) The Mary Islands Fishing Club – 2026 Derby Family Fishing Day
This grant helped the club deliver its Families Fish N Derby Day, bringing local families and kids together for a day of fishing and crabbing activities at Derby Jetty.
The event promoted safe and sustainable fishing through demonstrations and educational activities, providing new skills and fishing equipment, which encouraged more families to enjoy Derby Jetty as an accessible regional Jetty, for all land-based fishers.
Watch the highlights of the day by clicking on the video below!
3) Apex club of Kununurra– 2025 Apex Kununurra Barra Bash
This grant helped the Apex Club of Kununurra deliver the annual Barra Bash by supporting participation prizes that encourage anglers of all skill levels to get involved.
This family-friendly and inclusive event, the biggest fishing competition in Western Australia, attracted more than 1,600 anglers from across the State and beyond, acting as the highlight of the Kununurra calendar while raising funds for local community groups.
4) Western Australian Game Fishing Association– Blue marlin satellite tagging
The Western Australian Game Fishing Association (WAGFA) used their grant to support a blue marlin satellite-tagging project in partnership with game fishing clubs in Perth and Exmouth.
The satellite tags, attached to caught and released blue marlin, provide valuable tracking data contributing to WAGFA’s growing archive of tagged billfish and the broader understanding of these iconic game fishing species.
Find out more here.
5) Fremantle Amateur Angling Club– The Swan River Chase
The Fremantle Amateur Angling Club used their grant to support their second annual Swan River Chase, a fishing competition that encourages anglers of all ages and skill levels to go out and enjoy fishing on the Swan and Canning rivers within the metro community.
Find out more here.
