Fishability Mandurah has launched a new vessel that has been specially adapted to accommodate fishers in wheelchairs.
With room for nine fishers and their carers, the 8.5 metre twin pontoon boat was built by Mandurah-based boat builders Bouvard Marine.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said fishing is a treasured part of the WA lifestyle and everyone should be able to have access to it.
“As we all know and experience for ourselves, fishing provides enormous mental health, wellbeing and social benefits, as well as contributing $2.4 billion to the State’s economy,” Dr Andrew Rowland said.
“This boat is Fishability’s – Recfishwest’s partner organisation – and will start an exciting new chapter for Fishability and the organisation’s Mandurah program, opening up the opportunity for fishers with disabilities to fish the Peel-Harvey Estuary for fun-to-catch species.
"Whether its whiting, herring, tailor or blue swimmer crabs, we can’t wait to see what’s caught from this impressive fishing boat."
Fishability Board Member Sascha Brand-Gardner, Friend of Fishability Martin Duff and Fishability volunteer Gabi Gaal enjoying the sight aboard MV Fishability.
Fishability Chairperson Mike Donnelly said the boat, named MV Fishability, is a huge addition to the community.
“This boat will help give even more people in the Peel region the opportunity to safely get out on the water, wet a line and enjoy what fishing has to offer," Mr Donnelly said.
“It’s not just about the fishing, though, it’s also about breaking down the isolation and bringing people undertaking these activities together.”
The boat was funded by recreational fishing licence fees through the State Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF), the Commonwealth Stronger Communities Program, PEACH (Personnel Employed at ALCOA Charitable Help), AWA Alliance Bank, City of Mandurah and the State Government’s Small Election Commitments Program.
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