Hervey Bay fishing club snags a grant

The Hervey Bay Amateur Fishing Club will be sizzling this summer thanks to a Stronger Communities Programme grant from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the club which used the $5500 grant to build a BBQ trailer.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has been a boost for community groups and organisations that would otherwise struggle to generate this type of funding,” Mr Pitt said.

“The BBQ trailer will allow the Hervey Bay Amateur Fishing Club to run sausage sizzles to raise funds so it can host community fishing and educational clinics to promote best practice and techniques in fishing for all ages, from juniors to grandparents,” he said.

Club treasurer Les Marsh said the BBQ trailer would also be available for other community groups to use in their own fundraising activities.

“The club has had success in encouraging mature age people, as well as families with young children to get out, go fishing and enjoy an improved active, healthier lifestyle in the outdoors.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Hervey Bay businesses Trailers Now and Bobs Tyre Service for providing materials for the trailer. Their support is greatly appreciated by the club,” Mr Marsh said.

The Hervey Bay Amateur Fishing Club was incorporated in 1975 and currently has over 107 financial members.

The members have had up to 30 years’ experience in local fishing and actively promote recreational fishing with in the Fraser Coast area.

The club holds social events each Wednesday at the United Club, Tavistock at 5pm, monthly fishing competitions, junior tuition and fishing technique clinics, liaising with the Department of Fisheries, Membership of Fishing Alliance and interacting with other fishing clubs and organisations within the region.

The Stronger Communities Programme provides funding grants to eligible community groups of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.

Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP