Whether it be fishing clubs or local businesses – community groups across WA can single-handedly improve fishing across the state when they are backed in with adequate support and resources.
That is why over the last 14 years, Recfishwest has supported funding for 307 community-driven fishing projects including fishing clinics, events and competitions, equipment upgrades, safety training, habitat restoration, education, research and much more.
The Recfishwest Community Grant Program is supported through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund and helps fishing clubs and other groups achieve their goals in making fishing better in their area for the benefit of fishers in their community.
For 2026, $99,455 in community grants has been awarded to 23 organisations, and this year the safety grants program has seen a further $35,000 allocated for seven organisations, making a net total of $134,455 provided in funding towards valuable community projects throughout WA.
Check out the 23 different organisations below that have received funding through Round 16 of the Recfishwest Community Grants Program!
2026 Community Grants recipients
Australian Underwater Federation – Sponsorship of Inter-Pacific Spearfishing Competition 2026
Clontarf Foundation – Education, wellbeing and connection fishing program
Communicare – Communicare Academy Fishing Program
Denmark Boating and Angling Club Inc. – Rainbow Coast Fishing Competition
Exmouth Game Fishing Club – GAMEX Community Engagement Package
Fremantle Amateur Angling Club – The Swan River Chase
Freshwater Anglers of WA – Reprinting freshwater guides
Fremantle Sailing Club – Support for various club fishing events and kids fishing clinic
Jurien Bay Anglers – Pelagic Challenge 2026, WA Open 2026
Kalbarri Offshore & Angling Club – 2026 Kalbarri Kids Whiting Competition
Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation – Lines in the Water, Strength in Community (Stronger Mens Program)
Lancelin Angling and Aquatic Club Inc. – John Bray Junior Fishing Classic
Mandalay Holiday Resort – 17th Annual Mandalay Holiday Resort Family Fishing Competition
Mary Island Fishing Club – Derby Family Fishing Day 2026
Naturaliste Game and Sportfishing Club – Inshore classic 2026
Perth Game Fishing Club – Support for various club fishing events
Southern Forrest Freshwater Angling Club – Laptop and printer
West Australian Coarse Angling Club – Children’s Come & Try Fishing Day & Golden Ponds Maintenance / Disabled Access
Western Australian Game Fishing Association – Blue marlin satellite tagging
Youth Futures – At-risk kids fishing program
Esperance Land Based Fishing Club – Event gazebo
APEX Kununurra – Barra Bash 2026
WA Seabird Rescue – Entanglement education
Safety grants
In addition to the community grants above, additional grants have been provided through the statewide safe fishing program for the following projects to help keep fishers safe, including:
Albany Senior High School – Marine & Maritime Fishing Club re-fit and safety education
Australian Underwater Federation – Inter-Pacific Spearfishing Championships 2026 – safety management program
Western Australia UnderSea Club – 2026 Inter-Pacific Spearfishing Championship safety support
Bluewater Freedivers of WA – Inter-Pacific Spearfishing Championship safety support
Mary Island Fishing Club – Women’s fishing day and safety education
Perth Game Fishing Club – Offshore safety workshop
