- $1 million to Fishability to support Western Australians with a disability enjoy recreational fishing
- Fishability program to be expanded into the Pilbara
- Awards night celebrates Fishability staff and volunteers
- Cook Government committed to helping Western Australians enjoy our natural environment
The Cook Government has committed $1 million to Fishability over the next four years to continue to support Western Australians with a disability access recreational fishing opportunities.
Announced at last night's Fishability 2025 Volunteer Celebration and Awards, the Cook Government has increased funding for the volunteer organisation to $250,000 annually.
For more than 20 years, Fishability has been providing people with a disability with the opportunity to participate in recreational fishing activities in Western Australia.
The non-for-profit organisation operates at various locations including Perth, Mandurah, Waroona, Busselton, Bunbury and Albany, and the increase in funding will allow the Fishability program to be expanded into more regional areas including the Pilbara.
More than 3,900 people access the free programs annually, helping people with disabilities across the State to build friendships, develop life skills, boost self-confidence, and break down isolation.
Last night's Fishability 2025 Volunteer Celebration and Awards recognised the volunteers who make the programs possible.
The prestigious Nev Thomas Award recognises the long-term and significant contribution of an individual to the mission and values of Fishability through volunteering, support, or participation.
The recipient of the 2025 award was JK Backhouse, who has given 10 years of dedicated service to the Fishability program.
Mr Backhouse started out as the Albany program co-ordinator before moving into the role of Perth boat program co-ordinator helping to ensure people with disabilities have access to guided river, ocean, and estuary fishing trips. He also steps in when needed to support other activities including the jetty program.
For full list of award winners, more information on Fishability programs, and to view a map showing accessible fishing locations in the Perth metropolitan area, visit the website fishability.org.au
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Fishabiltiy is a wonderful organisation making the enjoyment of recreational fishing accessible to children and adults with disabilities in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
"The Cook Government is pleased to be able to increase its support for the non-for-profit organisation which will help expand Fishability programs into more regional areas.
"I was pleased to be able to attend the awards last night and celebrate the ongoing commitment of Fishability staff and the many hardworking volunteers providing activities like shore, jetty, and boat-based fishing to people with disabilities across the State.
