Benalla and District fishing clubs reel in funding with new grants program

By Simon Ruppert

Sep 7, 2023

Fishing grants open: Tatong Anglers Group is one of many in the region eligible for a Stronger Fishing Club Grant. Pictures is club member Noel O'Connor. Photo by Contributed

Grants up to $10,000 are now available for angling clubs and associations across northern Victoria.

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The grants aim to help strengthen and increase club membership and promote participation in recreational fishing.

State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the $1.2 million Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant program opened this week.

“We want to help our local fishing clubs grow because they support newcomers to the pastime and share generations of knowledge among members,” Ms Symes said.

Ms Symes said the program delivers on the state government’s election commitment to help fishing clubs attract new members, encouraging more families to take up fishing, and is part of the government’s record $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

Projects eligible for funding include events that provide:

Recreational fishing tuition for women,
Multicultural groups,
First Nations peoples and all abilities,
Open days,
Training and events, and
Guest speaker nights.

Projects involving IT upgrades, website development, clubroom improvements, and equipment that will benefit all members are also eligible for funding.

Applications for round one of the program close on December, 6.

To apply online or learn more, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/strongerfishingclubs/