What is Veterans for Fishing?
Ex-service people can face many issues when returning to the community, such as finding a sense of social support and wellbeing and navigating complex mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sadly, more than half of all ex-serving ADF personnel experience anxiety or some form of mental health disorder after leaving the services. Veterans for Fishing‘s mission is to empower veterans by taking them outdoors, surrounding them with the serenity of the Australian countryside, and engaging them in the therapeutic activity of fishing.
Our group uses angling to provide veterans with a supportive community that enhances their mental health, while also building lasting connections and creating meaningful experiences. Our goal is to foster mental well-being, camaraderie, and healing.
At the same time, Veterans for Fishing regularly hosts family fun days that aim not only to bring veterans together, but also their partners and families, knowing that the support base at home is critically important. By bringing together people who are going through similar experiences, we can help them understand they are not alone.
Veterans for Fishing also organises veteran fishing teams to compete in semi-professional fishing competitions across the state, giving veterans the opportunity to participate in competitive activities, work toward a common goal, and enjoy a relaxed environment. These events also foster camaraderie with other competitors through shared advice and tips.
Our group is entirely manned by volunteers, all of whom are ex-service people, so any donations we receive go directly toward funding activities that help veterans.
We encourage all veterans or those wanting to volunteer to visit our Facebook page, or send us an enquiry.
Our Mission
Empowering veterans through the therapeutic art of fishing, our mission at ‘Veterans for Fishing’ is to provide a supportive community and meaningful experiences in angling, fostering mental well-being, mateship, and healing. Through the serenity of fishing, we aim to honour and enhance the mental health of our veterans while building lasting connections in a tranquil and supportive environment.
Our Vision
To create a future where every veteran finds solace, healing, and a sense of community through the peaceful and therapeutic pursuit of fishing, enhancing their mental well-being and fostering lasting connections.