The Allan Labor Government is giving local fishing clubs and associations the chance to reel in funding grants to help improve their facilities and attract new members.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced applications will open on Wednesday, 8 October for the 2025/26 round of the Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program - encouraging clubs to apply for their share in up to $600,000.
The funding can be used in a variety of ways, from clubroom and facility improvements to providing fishing tuition for multicultural groups, women and First Nations people, as well as open days, training, events and running guest speaker nights to share skills and attract new members.
In the most recent round, 32 clubs and associations netted grants of up to $10,000, made possible through the $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria plan.
Previous recipients include the Nathalia Angling Club, which scored a grant of $10,000 to lay down a new floor at their clubrooms and make the facility more accessible by installing a ramp.
At Port Albert, the local fishing club upgraded its kitchen facilities to cater to new and existing members at special events.
In south-west Victoria, the Lake Purrumbete Angling Club put $10,000 toward a new air conditioner and barbecue facilities to make the rooms more comfortable and accessible over the warmer months.
Wonthaggi Angling Club made use of a grant to renovate the external walls of its clubrooms to modernise the facility, and the Geelong and District Angling Club was able to install a new roof.
This grant program is just one of the ways the Labor Government provides a supportive environment for newcomers to fish and embrace it as a hobby.
Applications for the grants are open until Sunday, 30 November.
To learn more and to apply, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/strongerfishingclubs
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"Fishing gets people outdoors and helps build stronger connections in the community. We want to encourage more Victorians to fish more often"
"We encourage fishing clubs to consider applying for a grant, to help attract new members and share the many memorable experiences fishing can offer within their communities."
