Calling everyone with a passion for fishing who wants to positively influence WA’s fisheries management – applications for Recfishwest’s Next Wave Young Future Leaders Program are open!
Recfishwest is inviting the next wave of WA’s future fishing leaders to apply for the program’s 2021 intake.
If you love fishing, have a passion for making a difference in your community, want to positively influence the State’s fisheries management and believe WA is home to world-class fishing – Recfishwest wants to hear from you!
Complete the Next Wave Young Future Leaders Program application form here!
Recfishwest believes WA offers the best fishing experiences found anywhere in the world.
The Next Wave Future Leaders program, supported by the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, is for driven individuals who are willing to commit to ensuring this vision is maintained and surpassed.
“We are looking for highly passionate people who are committed to making fishing better in WA,” Recfishwest Operations Officer Aaron Moses, who completed the course in 2018, said.
“Being a member of the Next Wave team is challenging, exciting and sometimes will take you right of your comfort zone – but ultimately it is an extremely rewarding experience.”
Making fishing better
Recfishwest Research Officer Sam Bock was also among the 14 participants to complete the program in 2018 and encouraged passionate fishers, aged between 18 and 35 years old, to apply.
“I really enjoyed being part of the Next Wave Young Future Leaders Program – it was a rewarding and once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Sam said.
“Aside from being great fun and working alongside some amazing people, I learned a lot about myself and how I can work more effectively with others within a fisheries context.
“The experience is invaluable for anyone who sees recreational fishing as more than just a hobby.”
Interested applicants should:
- Love fishing;
- Have a clear vision for the future of fishing in WA;
- Be aged between 18 and 35;
- Be available to volunteer with projects and events that are aimed at achieving this vision;
- Work well in a team environment; and,
- Be able to commit to a two-year term as part of the Next Wave team.
“The course gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of the sector, as well as the confidence and skills to further develop as a leader on a personal level,” 2018 participant Laura Orme said. “Not only that, the networks and friendships I made along the way were invaluable.”
The Next Wave Young Future Leaders Program will:
- Provide an environment for you to help make fishing better in WA, including:
- Entry level training in fisheries management, advocacy, community engagement and leadership skills;
- Personal and professional development opportunities;
- Opportunities to contribute to fisheries decision making; and,
- Building knowledge through exposure to fisheries management and leadership experts.
Aaron said many of the program’s previous participants were now forging fisheries-related careers and achieving great results in fisheries management.
“Future opportunities exist for the right people who are committed to driving positive change that helps makes recreational fishing better in WA,” he said.
The first residential course is set to take place from 20 February to 22 February.
However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the dates could be rescheduled if travel restrictions are enforced because two of the program’s key facilitators are based interstate.
For more information on the Next Wave Young Future Leaders Program, or to discuss the application process, call Aaron at Recfishwest on 9246 3366 or email aaron@recfishwest.org.au – applications close 5 February 2021.
