ABOUT US & OUR IMPACT
Better Fishing.
Stronger Connections.
More people who care.
We help Victorians discover fishing, connect with each other and care for our waterways. Through practical education and the generosity of our volunteers, a day by the water can become the start of something lasting.
COMMUNITY POWERED SINCE 1995
A welcoming way into recreational fishing.
A lasting connection to our waterways.
Fishcare Victoria is a community-based not-for-profit and registered charity. Our purpose is to shape a sustainable future for recreational fishing through education, hands-on experiences and community participation.
We bring together volunteers, educators, schools, angling clubs and community partners to make fishing more approachable. Learning how to cast is part of the experience. So is understanding the fish we catch, the places they live and the care they need.
Learn
Skills for a lifetime
Practical guidance on tackle, casting, fish identification, fishing rules and responsible handling helps people take their next steps with confidence.
Connect
A place to belong
Welcoming fishing experiences give people a shared activity, time outdoors and opportunities to connect across ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Care
Health fishing futures
We connect everyday fishing choices with fish welfare, healthy habitats and stewardship of the waterways we all enjoy.
OUR REACH – 2025-2026
Local Experiences.
Statewide contribution.
Every workshop creates an opportunity to learn. Every volunteer hour adds local knowledge, encouragement and care.
355
workshops delivered
5,155
participants
1,985
volunteer hours contributed
What does investment in Fishcare make possible?
Investment supports the coordination, equipment, education and volunteer support that turn local enthusiasm into organised community experiences. In 2025–26, volunteers contributed an average of 5.6 hours for every workshop delivered.
THE REWARDS YOU CANNOT PUT ON A BRAG MAT
Sometimes the best thing you take home isn’t a fish.
It might be a conversation, a moment of calm, the confidence to try again or the feeling that you belong.
Recreational fishing offers time in nature, a practical activity to focus on and space to be alongside other people. Research identifies relaxation, social connection and enjoyment of the outdoors as potential pathways to wellbeing, while recognising that experiences and benefits vary.
Fishcare creates supported opportunities to experience these everyday rewards. We aim to make joining in feel easier, especially when someone is new to fishing or unsure where to start.
For participants
A shared interest can make introductions easier. Learning together offers opportunities for encouragement, small achievements and confidence to try something new.
For volunteers
Sharing a skill can bring purpose and connection. Volunteering offers a way to meet people, contribute locally and enjoy being part of a team.
For communities
Fishing can bring generations and organisations together around a local place, creating opportunities for shared learning, friendship and care for the environment.
FOR GOVERNMENT, FUNDERS & PARTNERS
Turning shared priorities into opportunities by the water.
Investment in fishing access and healthy waterways is more valuable when people have the skills, confidence and support to take part responsibly. Fishcare helps make that connection.
Our education and community participation model aligns with the following Victorian policy directions.
Where Fishcare’s work connects with Victorian priorities
Policy direction
Fishcare’s practical contribution
Education on responsible fishing, support for new participants and local volunteer involvement align with improving recreational fishing opportunities for Victorians.
Supported outdoor activities and meaningful volunteer roles provide opportunities for connection, inclusion, participation in natural spaces and a sense of purpose.
Community partnerships and welcoming recreation provide practical settings for participation and opportunities to support wellbeing.
Our model connects with the framework’s themes of social connectedness, learning opportunities and health-sustaining environments.
A LITTLE TIME. A REAL CONTRIBUTION.
You don’t need to be a fishing expert to make someone’s day.
A warm welcome, a patient explanation or an extra pair of hands can make all the difference.
Our volunteers bring different skills, experiences and reasons for joining. You might enjoy teaching, caring for the environment, helping with equipment or simply making people feel included.
In return, there is the opportunity to learn, meet people and contribute to something close to home – with a shared love of being outdoors.
Tell us about your interests, availability and any support you need. We’ll talk through local opportunities, induction and training so you can find a role that suits.
Bring your curiosity. Share your skills. Find your crew.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND FISHCARE
Local Passion. Shared purpose.
Our volunteer committee, staff and regional groups each play a part in keeping Fishcare connected to the communities we serve.
Our committee leadership
Our committee provides governance and strategic oversight, with the Executive Officer and staff supporting day-to-day operations and program delivery.
PRESIDENT
Kerry Hellsten
Kerry Hellsten is Fishcare Victoria’s President, bringing experience in committee governance and administration alongside a love of fishing, boating and the outdoors. A passionate advocate for Fishcare, Kerry supports our volunteers and helps guide the organisation’s work to connect communities and promote responsible recreational fishing.
VICE PRESIDENT
Justin Harzmeyer
Justin Harzmeyer is Fishcare Victoria’s Vice President, a former President and Life Member. A passionate Fishcare volunteer, Justin brings longstanding commitment and experience to supporting our volunteers, connecting communities and promoting responsible recreational fishing.
TREASURER
Terry Ludeman
Terry Ludeman is Fishcare Victoria’s Treasurer and a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience, including at Deloitte. A keen fisher, Terry brings financial expertise and a community focus to supporting Fishcare’s mission and responsible use of funds.
Our staff team
A small staff team coordinates activities, supports volunteers and works with local partners to deliver practical fishing education.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sarah van Stokrom
Sarah brings experience in environmental management and community engagement, supporting Fishcare’s operations, partnerships and direction.
PORT PHILLIP
Dan Webster
Dan combines outdoor recreation experience and practical fishing knowledge to help participants and volunteers build confidence.
GEELONG & BALLARAT
Eli Craig
Eli brings a background in zoology and wildlife conservation, connecting fishing education with curiosity about aquatic environments.
EAST GIPPSLAND
Matt Stehpenson
Matt brings environmental education and community project experience, supporting local volunteers and responsible fishing in East Gippsland.
Meet the team and find regional contact details on our Contact Page
TRUST, TRANSPARENCY & CARE
Community spirit.
Responsible oversight.
Fishcare Victoria Inc. is a registered charity. We recognise the responsibility that comes with public funding, volunteer time and the trust of our communities.
Clear responsibilities
Our committee provides organisational oversight. Our staff coordinate delivery and support the volunteers who bring programs to life locally.
Respectful participation
Our Volunteer Code of Conduct sets expectations for safe, welcoming and respectful involvement. Explore our forms and resources.
Listening & learning
Our activity feedback form invites participants, families, teachers and community groups to tell us about their experience and help improve future sessions.
Reports & organisational documents
These documents help our community and supporters to undersatnd our direction, performance & governance.
For current reports or information about supporting Fishcare, contact our team