Fishing volunteers net $10,000

Perth community group Fishers with Disabilities Association (FWD) has netted $10,000 in the 2006 NAB Volunteer Awards for the best practice management of its volunteer work force.

Every year 600,000 Western Australians bait-up and cast a line as they enjoy one of Australia's favourite recreational pastimes - fishing. Since 2003 FWD has provided the same opportunity for more than 1500 people living with disabilities.

The group has now taken out top spot in the Awards as national and state winner in the Community Service and Development Category.

FWD offers disabled fishers the opportunity to pursue a pastime that until recently has been beyond their scope, by providing services and purpose-built equipment. The group relies on its 35 volunteers to manage fishing workshops, maintain specialised fishing equipment and liaise with donors to generate funding.

FWD Chairman Peter Illidge said FWD focuses heavily on the training and recognition of its volunteers, which engages them with their work.

"Certificates of appreciation, social functions and public awards show how valuable our volunteers are to us.

“This Award shows potential volunteers that FWD is a top-quality, professional organisation that meets the highest standards of best practice volunteering," he said.

"If this Award encourages just one other group to realise the value of taking care of their volunteers, then it's worthwhile. I like to think that FWD is a beacon to other groups by showing them how much we value our volunteers."

visit www.fisherswithdisabilities.com.au.