Media Statement
'Addicted to Fishing not Drugs' program launched in Western Australia

22 August 2006

The Federal Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation Senator Eric Abetz today launched a new program to assist recreational fishing.

The program is called "Addicted to Fishing not Drugs" and will result in thousands of young Western Australians being taught the right ways to fish and to believe in themselves and their abilities.

Senator Abetz said "Last year the Australian government made a commitment of $15 million over three years to assist the development of recreational fishing through the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme. Recfishwest was successful in gaining a grant of $65,000 to run a new fishing clinics program which will be taken throughout Western Australia."

"The Recfishwest Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs project was one of the first ones we funded and it is exactly the sort of project that we hoped to attract. It encourages a healthy lifestyle and encourages kids to get out and fish with their families and friends." The Minister said.

Recfishwest represents the interests of the 643 000 recreational fishers in Western Australia. Recfishwest will be using the funds provided through the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme. Starting with a clinic in Geraldton on 24th August and finishing on 18th September in Derby, more than 1,000 children will get the opportunity to try their hand at fishing on this tour alone. A successful southern tour was run in April 2006 with 543 young Western Australians participating.

"The 'Addicted to Fishing not Drugs' program simply encourages kids and their families to go fishing where they can enjoy a healthy outdoor activity and talk about things that are going on at school or with their friends. In this way, issues such as drug use, bullying and self image issues can be detected earlier to the benefit of the student and the family. The program also teaches kids that they can be good at some aspect of fishing which reinforces self belief." Executive Director of Recfishwest Frank Prokop said.

A similar program has been successful in the United States. International identity Steve Starling has written a booklet which will be distributed to participants.

"Recfishwest is very grateful to Minister Abetz for making funds available for such an important activity. It complements the already successful SunSmart fishing clinics and other initiatives which have been supported by the State government." Mr Prokop said.

ENDS

Media Contact
Frank Prokop, Executive Director - Recfishwest ph. 9246 3366 or 0419 949 118



Recfishwest is supported by the Australian Government Community Recreational Fishing Grants Program, Healthway and the WA Government. Recfishwest encourages responsible, SunSmart behaviour at all times.

















This page last updated on 23 August 2006.