Our Mission Statement
Shaping the sustainable future of recreational fishing in Victoria through education, hands-on experiences, communication and community participation.
FORMS & POLICIESOur Story
Fishcare has been operating in Victoria since 1995 and has since grown to cover 5 regions across the state. We are a community operated not-for-profit with the motto ‘We Fish, We Care’. Our work promotes responsible fishing practices and increased stewardship of Victoria’s aquatic environments and is funded through the Recreational Fishing Licence trust fund.
Fishcare is operated by enthusiastic volunteers with regional groups across Victoria, from Warrnambool in the west, to Ballarat and as far east as Mallacoota. Fishing is one of the most popular recreational pursuits in the country. Our aim is to promote responsible approaches to fishing and to share in the care and management of our precious aquatic environments.
Your Fishing License Fees at Work
Every year the Victorian Government, through the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account, disburses revenue derived from the sale of Recreational Fishing Licences to projects that will improve recreational fishing in Victoria. Since its inception in 2001, the Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP) has funded over 600 projects, worth more than $21 million throughout Victoria.
LEARN MORETake a look at our organisation documents
STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-20252021-2022 ANNUAL REPORTFISHCARE VICTORIA INC. RULESADMIN & POLICIESOur Regional Groups
Our Objectives
ENCOURAGE
Encourage recreational fishers to adopt sustainable behaviours and attitudes that conserve and protect fish stocks and increase community stewardship
INFORM
Inform the community about threats affecting the sustainability of Victorians fish stocks, integrity of fish habitats and aquatic ecosystem
PARTICIPATE
Participate in activities that support sustainable recreational fishing practices and opportunities, improved environmental outcomes and collection of research data;
PROMOTE
Promote sustainable recreational fishing as a socially beneficial and inclusive activity;
COLLABORATE
Collaborate with partner organisations that support Fishcare Victoria’s mission and objectives;
NOT FOR PROFIT
Operate as a not for profit organisation and to provide volunteering opportunities for its members; and
CHARITY / PUBLIC FUND
Maintain a public fund to be called Fishcare Victoria Public Fund for the specific purpose of supporting the environmental objectives/purposes of Fishcare Victoria.
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The Fishcare Community
We work closely with the VIctorian Fisheries Authority and other organisations such as Department of Sustainability and Environment, Catchment Management Authorities, Landcare, Coastcare, local government, VR Fish and associated angling clubs, as well as many schools and disability support services.
Fishcare partners with local communities to conduct family-friendly educational experiences and activities. These are just some of the fun and educational activities Fishcare groups are involved in:
Learn-to-fish clinics and festivals
School holiday programs
Primary school programs
‘Catch-a-Carp’ events
Catch and release competitions
Community forums and workshops
Volunteer training and field trips
Work with other ‘care’ groups on local environmental projects
Our Committee
The Fishcare Victoria Steering Committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to help guide the organisation. Their contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the passion and commitment they bring to ensuring the success of Fishcare Victoria’s programs and initiatives. Without their tireless efforts, we would not be able to achieve the positive impact we have on recreational fishing and environmental stewardship across Victoria.
Kerry Hellsten
President
Kerry, Fishcare Victoria’s President, brings a wealth of skills in committee governance and administration, ensuring the organisation runs smoothly and effectively. An avid fisher and boater, Kerry’s passion for the outdoors is matched by her talent as an artist, bringing creativity and dedication to all that she does. As an amazing advocate for Fishcare Victoria, Kerry is deeply invested in supporting the organisation’s growth and continued success, working tirelessly to promote our mission and engage others in sustainable recreational fishing.
Roger Seddon
Vice President
Roger Seddon, Fishcare Victoria’s Vice President and former President, has been a steady leader, guiding the organisation through challenging times with dedication and resilience. His hands-on involvement in delivering clinics reflects his deep passion for the Fishcare program and its mission. Roger is also committed to keeping our trailer fleet well-maintained and fit for purpose, ensuring our operations run smoothly. Known for his approachable nature, he’s always ready for a chat, offering valuable input and practical solutions. His experience and enthusiasm make him an invaluable asset to the Fishcare Victoria team.
Terry Ludeman
Treasurer
Terry, Fishcare Victoria’s President is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in audit, assurance, and professional services, including serving as a Client Service Partner at Deloitte.
He has worked across geographically diverse and complex operating environments, providing services to not-for-profit, private, and public organisations across a wide range of industries.
Terry is a keen fisherman who enjoys the outdoors and staying connected with local communities. He is proud to join the organisation and support its mission to promote sustainable fishing practices and make a positive impact.
Our Staff Team
CONTACT USWe have a small team of dedicated staff who work across the state to support our regional groups and coordinate operations. Our staff team work closely with our volunteers to deliver our current programs and with our Committee of Management to explore new funding and project opportunities and to continually improve our services and program delivery.
Sarah van Stokrom
Executive Officer
With a background in environmental science and a passion for conservation, Sarah has been pivotal in driving Fishcare Victoria’s initiatives towards educating anglers about sustainable fishing, habitat protection and species conservation. Before joining Fishcare Victoria, Sarah garnered extensive experience in natural resource management and community engagement. She worked with various non-profits and governmental organisations, where she developed programs focused on conservation and environmental education. Her work often involved collaborating with local communities, schools, government and agencies to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Sarah’s commitment to the environment extends beyond her professional career. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast, often spending her free time camping and exploring Australia. Her personal connection to the natural world fuels her dedication to her work, making her a respected and effective leader in the field of envionrmental conservation. Sarah continues to be a vocal advocate for the health and wellbeing outcomes responsible recreational fishing can provide and is committed to shaping a future where fishing practices and conservation efforts go hand in hand.
sarah@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0437 672 242
Matt Stephenson
East Gippsland Facilitator
Matt has championed the health and sustainability of East Gippsland’s waterways for over 25 years, partnering with Landcare, schools, landholders and community groups on natural resource management and environmental education. He’s held leadership roles – including President of the Victorian Landcare Network and the Weed Society of Victoria – and has served on numerous other committees, working closely with government agencies and peak bodies. In 2010 he was selected as Australia’s Landcare Ambassador at the launch of Sri Lanka Landcare, where he coordinated volunteers on a post-tsunami aid project. More recently, Matt has led tourism-related initiatives on his 260-acre Glenaladale property and acted as project officer for the Emerald Link Project around Mallacoota, hosting public meetings and rallying local support. He even spent time as a Buchan Caves tour guide – so if you’re in the region, he’d love to show you around! With family roots here since the 1870s, Matt feels a deep connection to the Gippsland Lakes and prioritises improving riparian health in all his work. A lifelong Hawthorn supporter, he hopes his role at Fishcare will drive stronger volunteer engagement, richer educational programs, fresh funding opportunities and, above all, a more ecologically diverse Gippsland Lakes system for future generations.
matt@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0439 430 799
Daniel Webster
Port Phillip Facilitator
Daniel Webster, also known by his alias Captain Blackbeard, joins Fishcare Victoria as the new Port Phillip Facilitator, focusing on delivering fishing clinics across the Port Phillip Bay area from Mornington to Altona. With over 20 years of experience in outdoor recreational activities, Daniel brings a wealth of expertise in environmental stewardship and community engagement. His extensive background includes managing recreational programs as a Resort Recreation Manager in the Caribbean and curating custom fishing rods through his business. A passionate advocate for sustainable fishing, Daniel has been an ambassador for various reputable fishing and action brands, and a well known contributor for The Captain Magazine. Known for his personable approach and ability to connect with diverse audiences, Daniel boasts a strong social media presence, where he shares his fishing expertise and enthusiasm. His skills in volunteer recruitment, program management, and hands-on experience make him a valuable asset to the Fishcare team. Daniel is excited to bring his passion and expertise to inspire responsible fishing practices in the Port Phillip community.
daniel@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0434 396 442
(Tues, Wed, Thurs)
Gabriella (Gabby) Milonas
South West Facilitator
Gabby brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role as the South West Fishcare Facilitator. Currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Environmental Science, majoring in Marine Biology and minoring in Aboriginal Studies, Gabby has been actively engaged in community and environmental projects throughout her studies.
With a background in project coordination for Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Gabby has honed her skills in community engagement, volunteer coordination, and environmental stewardship. She has led numerous beach clean-ups and educational programs, fostering a strong connection between communities and marine environments. Her love for fishing, nurtured by fond memories with her grandfather, aligns perfectly with Fishcare’s mission to promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
Gabby’s enthusiasm for marine conservation and education, combined with her hands-on experience, makes her an excellent addition to the Fishcare Victoria team. She is eager to expand her knowledge and engage with diverse communities to share the joys and responsibilities of fishing in the South West region.
gabriella@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0449 574 484
(Fridays)
Eli Craig
Geelong & Ballarat Facilitator
A lifelong magnetism to all things wildlife led Eli to pursue two degrees in Zoology and Wildlife Conservation. Through their studies they became involved with the Australian Dingo Foundation, where they’ve volunteered in husbandry, education and fundraising for the last 5 years.
Eli also leads the education program ‘Dingo Whiskers’ and enjoys presenting to primary, secondary and tertiary students who are exploring biodiversity topics. Surrounded by a family who loves the water, Eli grew up boating, fishing and rowing, and was privileged to embark on a 12 month sailing adventure with their family.
The opportunity to experience the diverse cultures of the world strongly shaped Eli’s values of inclusivity, determination and mindfulness.
Through Fishcare Victoria, Eli is excited to spread knowledge of our valuable ecosystems and help everyone find their connection to our waterways.
eli@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0416 306 171
(Monday, Tuesday)
