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.
Join us! It will only take a minute
BECOME A VOLUNTEER!
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 Wells
Treasurer
Terry Wells, Treasurer of Fishcare Victoria, has been integral in overseeing the organisation’s accounts with his meticulous record-keeping and commitment to transparency. As a retired accountant, Terry ensures that our financial reports are clear, accurate, and easy to understand, providing valuable insights during meetings. An active committee member and avid fisher, Terry is also a hands-on volunteer, frequently delivering fishing clinics on the ground. His dedication to Fishcare Victoria’s mission and his expertise in both finance and fishing make him a vital part of the team.
Lucy O’Reilly
Secretary
Lucy, Fishcare Victoria’s new Secretary, brings a wealth of experience in committee governance and administration from her previous role as General Secretary of the Students’ Union at her university in London. Her skills in organising meetings, managing agendas, and creating accurate minutes will greatly support Fishcare Victoria’s operations. With a background in medicine and a passion for marine conservation, including volunteering for Blue Ventures in Madagascar, Lucy is committed to the organisation’s mission. Her enthusiasm for sailing and diving further aligns with Fishcare’s values, and she is excited to contribute to its growth and success.
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
(Mon, Tues, Fri)
Jenny Allitt
East Gippsland Facilitator
Jenny has been with Fishcare for over eight years and enjoys assisting children and parents gain the required knowledge and skills needed to fish with a sustainable mindset learned through the Fishcare Program. Jenny brings extensive knowledge of native and pest aquatic species and is passionate about people taking ownership for the different aquatic environments in which we share. Jenny enjoys sharing her knowledge with everyone, especially with the Fishcare East Gippsland Volunteers in all aspects of training and support and understands the importance of community engagement to strengthen partnerships to undertake and deliver NRM projects. Jenny enjoys all saltwater and freshwater environments, whether fishing, diving, paddling or surfing and is always looking out for any human impacts that may be affecting these aquatic systems.
jennifer.l.allitt@vfa.vic.gov.au
0400 008 081
(Mon, Tues, Wed)
Daniel Webster (Starting 6th November)
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.
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)
Zoe Armistead
Geelong & Bellarine Facilitator
Zoe is the Geelong and Bellarine Facilitator for Fishcare Victoria. With a deep-rooted connection to the ocean, Zoe grew up fishing and continues to enjoy it whenever she can. She holds a degree in zoology and animal science from Deakin University, where she focused on marine conservation and environmental education.
Zoe’s experience includes her role as a Coastal Conservation Officer with Bellarine Bayside, where she led habitat restoration projects, managed pest control efforts, and engaged with the community on biodiversity initiatives. Her practical skills in fieldwork, coupled with her ability to connect with people, make her an integral part of Fishcare Victoria.
Passionate about conservation, Zoe also uses her social media platform to educate and inspire others about marine life and sustainable practices. In her role with Fishcare Victoria, she is dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing and marine conservation across the Geelong and Bellarine regions. Zoe’s expertise and lifelong love for fishing contribute significantly to her work, making her a valuable asset to the team.
zoe@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0474 841 190
(Fridays)
Ashlee Munday
Central Highlands Facilitator
Ashlee Munday is the Ballarat & Central Highlands Facilitator for Fishcare Victoria, where she combines her extensive experience in the fishing industry with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Ashlee has a diverse background that spans roles as a fishing guide, manager, and leader in various customer-focused industries.
Before joining Fishcare Victoria, Ashlee managed operations at Barramundi Adventures Darwin, where she led fishing tours, managed staff, and engaged with diverse groups, including children and people with disabilities. Her expertise in fishing is complemented by her strong leadership skills, honed during her time as a Foreman at Michelle Payne Racing, where she coordinated teams and ensured high operational standards.
Ashlee is dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing practices and educating the community about the importance of protecting our waterways. Her technical skills, combined with her ability to connect with people, make her a valuable asset to Fishcare Victoria’s mission.
Passionate about making a positive impact, Ashlee works closely with volunteers and the local community to foster a love for fishing while ensuring the health and sustainability of Victoria’s aquatic environments.
ashlee@fishcarevictoria.org.au
0452 548 363
(Fridays)
