Celebrating Success and Planning for the Future: Fishcare Victoria Conference in Ballarat

Fishcare Victoria recently held a conference for volunteers and staff at the BellTower Inn in Alfredton, Ballarat, on 18-19 May 2024. This event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate our achievements and plan for the future of Fishcare Victoria.

The opening session highlighted the successes of Fishcare Victoria over the past seven years, focusing on operational outputs, participant feedback, volunteer engagement, and partnerships with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and state government programs such as Vic Fish Kids, Women in Recreational Fishing, and Boating and All Ability programs.

A workshop dedicated to the future of Fishcare Victoria facilitated discussions on the organisation’s main goals, growth and expansion priorities, program delivery improvements, typical Fishcare clinic structures, and the balance between recruiting more volunteers and increasing program offerings. This session explored various models to assist in expanding delivery to more areas within the state while maintaining current operational outputs.

Participants enjoyed a guided tour of the Ballarat Fish Hatchery, offering an insightful look into the processes and efforts behind fish breeding and conservation. The conference also featured a presentation from VR Fish, the peak body for recreational fishing in Victoria, which highlighted their advocacy efforts on behalf of the recreational fishing community. Their work includes lobbying for sustainable fishing practices, improved access to fishing locations, and the conservation of aquatic environments.

Jenny Allitt from East Gippsland Fishcare delivered an insightful presentation about her schools program, which educates students about the aquatic habitats in the Gippsland Lakes region. Her program emphasises the importance of conservation and provides hands-on learning experiences to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local marine ecosystems.

The conference concluded with an engaging session led by fishing expert Brooke Davies, who shared her passion for lure fishing and her unique approach to crafting lures. Brooke repurposes offcuts from her father’s guitar making to create beautifully designed wooden lures for freshwater fishing. She guided the group through her inspiration, her appreciation for the natural tones and beauty of timber lures, and the thrill of catching fish with her handcrafted creations. This session was both educational and enjoyable, offering practical skills and insights, and was a highlight of the conference.

Fishcare Victoria was delighted to welcome all our dedicated volunteers and staff to this important event. Together, we celebrated our successes and charted a course for a bright and impactful future for Fishcare Victoria.