I look forward to the day every month; we have so much fun. I come from Brisbane and I am picked up and driven here by a bus on the day, so it is very easy for me to join in.

You can see people transform from the beginning of the day to the end. People come back from their adventures completely free of anxiety and angst! “Fish and Forget”

“My name is Carmel and I have been a member since Fishability Queensland began. I am 72 and am legally blind. Much of my life is ruled by anxiety and depression, a couple of phobias and the frustration my lack of independence brings. The program definitely alleviates these issues for me.
Fishability has offered me a way out of social isolation – it has given me opportunities to interact with a broad range of people of all ages and abilities – and through the program I have also formed friendships with numerous people.

Then there is the unadulterated FUN!!! Whether it be fishing off Council fishing platforms or the beach or the BBQ boats at Bribie – I wake up excited and happy knowing that I am going to have a great day. Lots of laughter, much groaning over the one that got away – sunshine, fresh air, the sounds of the water lapping – listening to the excitement of spotting a pod of dolphins and even catching an occasional fish!!!

At this point I would like to acknowledge Emma’s vision and unwavering commitment to getting this venture off the ground and working so hard at attract the funds needed to keep it going. What a woman!! She never wavers, takes great care to ensure everyone’s needs are met and that we are all having a enjoyable experience – as well as making sure we take personal responsibility for our own interactions and behaviours. Thank you so much Emma and thanks also to all the volunteers and the Board members for continuing to support the venture.

I urge anyone that is reading this and is in a financial position to offer assistance to please get behind this wonderful program.
Finally, I need to say that as a member of Fishability Queensland’s programs I feel respected and valued, supported and encouraged to support others, and l look forward to many fishing trips to come.”
Carmel and her whopper bream caught at Wynnum Jetty 43cm

“It’s so good to see Dad enjoying something again! He hasn’t had this much joy in his life since the stroke. Thank you Fishability QLD”

“My name is Denise and l am 64 years young. I have been a member of Fishability Queensland since it began. I suffer from PTSD and Anxiety as a result of being institutionalised as a child, so this keeps me isolated to a degree. I find fishing with the fishability group because the people that go are mindful and have similar disabilities and struggles. I have met lots of people and help out when l can as l am a great believer of giving back.

I really enjoy going to the fishing events and this gives me a chance to do something l like that gets me out doors into the sunshine, and going out on a boat is an opportunity that l would otherwise not have chance to do. I look forward to the days when fishing is on and l eager and arrive earlier so not to miss a seat on the bus as it is a very popular activity.

This activity is something l am confident with which l normally do not have and as much as its is sometimes a challenge to catch a fish, l am thrilled when l do. Emma is such an encouragement and has such excitement about the activity that It gives me confidence in my abilities, which l struggle with constantly.

I encourage other people to get involved and get behind this organization as it encourages and provides social inclusion to disadvantaged individuals that maybe otherwise be alone for whatever reason. We need this organization to continue to provide disadvantaged individuals the opportunity to access, life up and encourage them and give them a better life outside the otherwise gray and lonely home environment. As most of these people are socially isolated with little or no support and community contact.

Thank you for reading my testimonial and l hope that you can bring joy and socialization to a broad range of people. So, they can he just as supported and content as l am with Fishability Queensland.”