It’s amazing what can happen when different facets of the community band together. Fishability QLD Inc. now has a set of wheels to help with day-to-day operations and it’s all thanks to another Bribie Island based outlet - Busy Fingers.
For those who aren’t familiar with Fishability QLD Inc., they provide a range of socially inclusive fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities for people who experience disadvantage, isolation and marginalisation. For the past 10 years, they have been relying on the generosity of their volunteers using their own personal vehicles for logistics and service delivery. Now, it’s all changed!
“The group formed as a not-for-profit and charity officially in 2018, however we have been running unofficially since 2013,” chief executive officer Emma Dyson said. “Since then, we have been trying to fundraise and source grants to fund a suitable vehicle to allow us to continue independently. We were unsuccessful in the state government opportunities available, as COVID, flood and natural disaster relief has been the main focus of funding distributions.
“We have always found local support to be a viable and fabulous opportunity to source funds to support our vulnerable community members who are impacted by social isolation and loneliness. We approached Busy Fingers and they came back to us with an approved outcome.”
The van will be used to support individuals in the community who need assistance to attend medical appointments and other community based mainstream support services, as well as for Fishability Qld Inc. socially inclusive outdoor recreational events and other inclusive activities held in the local area and surrounds.
“It will mean that we can transport more individuals at risk and that Fishability QLD Inc. can be identifiable to the general public to make them more aware of who we are and why we are here,” Emma said. “Many people can rely on families and friends to help them in their time of need. There is a large number of people who do not have this support and rely on mainstream community groups to assist them with their health-related needs.”
For Emma and the team at Fishability QLD Inc. the van donation gave them a feeling of being overwhelmed with support and acknowledgment for what they do.
“Busy Fingers understand how social isolation is an ongoing issue and without support from the local communities, social isolation and loneliness can impact an entire community if it goes unaddressed,” Emma said. “It wasn’t long after we acquired the van that Bribie Island Signs and Merchandise generously stepped in to cover the artwork. Again, we were overwhelmed and enormously appreciative of the local assistance and encouragement.”
Fishability QLD Inc. see up to 300-plus people per month at their socially inclusive events and activities.
“We create boating and fishing opportunities to bring people out of the confines of social isolation and loneliness into a community where it feels easier to belong,” Emma said. “Our focus is to build skills, capacity and confidence. Fishability QLD Inc. envisions a community where all people are empowered to break through social isolation and diversity and repair health and wellbeing.”
They have some events coming up including:
Kalmakuta Drive Park Diversafish Program (Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) on Thursday July 20, 10am-1pm at Kalmakuta Drive Park, 1697-1711 Kalmakuta Drive, Sandstone Point. There is a free barbecue lunch sponsored by Holistic Horizons.
Wynnum Jetty Diversafish Program (Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) on Thursday August 17, 10am-1pm at Wynnum Jetty, 137 Wynnum Esplanade, Brisbane. A pizza lunch is provided with a $5 donation requested if you can.
Anyone who is interested in participating or volunteering as a community driver, please email info@fishabilityqld.org.au or phone 0435 778 510.
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