Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I would like to speak with you about a fantastic initiative called Fishability QLD. It was founded by Emma Dyson. As a former support worker, it was Emma's love of fishing and working with the vulnerable that inspired her to start Fishability QLD three years ago. This great not-for-profit organisation does so much to support people in the community who are disadvantaged physically, financially, mentally and culturally. Fishability QLD provides a range of socially inclusive fishing opportunities for people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and at risk of social isolation.

Without support and assistance, social isolation can impact on people's ability to participate in the community. It can contribute to or exacerbate depression, anxiety and loneliness and further impact people's lives, leading to homelessness, suicidal ideation and substance abuse. Fishability QLD aims to offer a broad range of fishing related activities that will build the confidence and skills of participants, offer opportunities, develop lasting friendships and broader social groups, and be fun.

Fishability QLD is partnered with Robyn Tomkins of Bribie Island Boat Charters, who provides one full week of free boat hire so that Fishability QLD and their participants can take the boats out into the Pumicestone Passage once every six weeks to fish in their year-long fishing competition. It's so important to create a connected and cohesive community, so I am pleased to support this great initiative.