Geraldton Fishability coordinator wins award for allowing people with disability to enjoy recreational fishing

Volunteers across WA helping to make a difference to people with disability were recognised this week, including a local who was instrumental in starting the Fishability fishing program for people with special needs in Geraldton. Fishability Geraldton has been running for four years, providing fishing activities to people with disability behind the Geraldton Museum. Fishability Geraldton coordinator Chris Wilson was one of 11 volunteers recognised at the awards night held on Tuesday at the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Mr Wilson was chosen to receive an unsung hero award for his dedication and ongoing support to get the program off the ground and helping people with disability enjoy the perks of fishing. Mr Wilson said he was overwhelmed to win the award and to be honoured for allowing people to give it a go. “I was pretty chuffed, you don’t do it for accolades,” he said. “I like to give people the opportunity to enjoy recreational fishing who might not otherwise have that opportunity. “It’s minimal effort for maximum impact, and to see someone catch a fish who might not ordinarily get to go fishing is a great reward.” Fisheries and Disability Services Minister Don Punch said the Fishability program allowed everyone to enjoy one of the most popular recreational activities in WA. “Everyone deserves to enjoy the excitement and reward that fishing provides,” he said. Fishability has been running for 22 years and receives $100,000 a year in funding to run programs for people with disability.