Recfishwest is happy to announce that round 16 of our Community Grants program is now accepting applications to support community-driven projects that enhance recreational fishing experiences across WA.
With applications closing at midnight on 14 September, now is the time to apply for a financial boost for funding to support your local project. Whether it’s a fishing clinic, clean up event, competition support, equipment upgrades, safety training, habitat restoration, education or research initiatives – the Recfishwest Community Grant Program can provide the funds to turn your idea into reality!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY GRANT
Over the last 14 years, Recfishwest’s Community Grants Program, funded through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF), has supported 284 community-driven projects with over $870,000 in grants to assist fishing clubs and other groups in making fishing better in their area.
“The Recfishwest Community Grant Program demonstrates how a modest investment can be leveraged through the passion and commitment of local communities to deliver meaningful, long-lasting benefits for recreational fishing across Western Australia,” said Recfishwest Operations Manager Leyland Campbell.
Improving WA fishing one project at a time
Check out some of the great fishing projects below that benefitted from a community grant in 2024!
1) Perth Game Fishing Club – fishing competitions and FADs deployments
The club utilised the grant to enhance its billfish competitions such as the Blue Marlin Classic and Billfish Shootout and deploy at least six FADs.
These were aimed at reducing fishing pressures on vulnerable demersal species and helped diversify fishing opportunities.
2) Derby Volunteer Marine Rescue – engaging youth in emergency services
This community grant helped deliver marine safety and ecosystem management training to young people in our Kimberley region, along with developing local skills and understanding of sustainable marine use.
You can catch the highlights of this on the GWN7 news video below!
3) The record-breaking 2024 Apex Kununurra Barra Bash
This grant helped support the delivery of the Apex Club of Kununurra’s annual Barra Bash, which saw the 2024 event become the highest ever attended fishing competition in WA history with 1,412 competitors.
This is a key community event that reinvests proceeds into local projects to help strengthen community ties in the area, all from showcasing the magnificent fishing on offer in the East Kimberley.
4) Kalbarri Kids Whiting Competition
Recfishwest has proudly supported this great event for many years by assisting with the promotion and running costs while reinforcing safe and sustainable fishing practices.
Recfishwest attends this event each year to support hundreds of kids in this family-friendly recreational fishing event and pass on our knowledge of catch-and-release practices.
5) Southern Forests Freshwater Angling Club
As leaders in the Western Australian freshwater fishing frame, Recfishwest provided a community grant to the Southern Forests Freshwater Angling Club (SFFAC) to help them build their website and purchase a marquee to improve community engagement at club events.
As a result, this increased the club’s capacity to support freshwater fishers, promote sustainable practices and provide better shelter for their team at popular community events such as the Pemberton Trout Festival and Waroona Trout Festival.
Want to see more examples of how a community grant can benefit your project? Check out our previous web news items below on community grant recipients and the projects that received support!
