About the program

The DPI Fishcare program is one of the most successful volunteer programs in NSW and is central to the success of many of our recreational fishing education programs. If you have a passion for fish and fishing and you'd like to help protect our aquatic habitat, why not think about becoming a Fishcare Volunteer.

Volunteers talk to anglers about fishing rules, responsible fishing and help in a range of activities, such as fishing workshops, surveys, school incursions and community fishing events. Funded by the recreational fishing licence, the NSW Fishcare Volunteer Program continues to expand boasting volunteers in many inland and coastal areas around the State.

Who can become a Fishcare Volunteer?

If you're 18 years or over and have a keen interest in fish, fishing and the conservation of our fish resources and habitat, you can apply to become a Fishcare Volunteer. You don't need any formal qualifications but some knowledge of angling and the aquatic environment is useful.

Our volunteers range in age from students to retirees, and come from a great range of backgrounds and are expected to give approximately one day per month to assist the program. You'll be involved in helping create better awareness among anglers and the wider community about fishing issues, but you won't have enforcement powers.  All Volunteers are issued with clear identification as well as a distinctive hat, shirt and backpack containing the necessary documentation.

Boat advisory work

Volunteer undertaking biology training, Cronulla

Experienced volunteers also partake in on water advisory, assisting DPI Education Officers with distribution of PR material, catch and release kits and information in relation to responsible fishing and food safety issues. To undertake on water advisory work, all volunteers must pass additional training requirements, such as Elements of Shipboard Safety and Safe Work training. A rolling 12 week roster is produced for each region whereby volunteers are committed to working at least 3 shifts within the roster period.

Want to apply?

Download the form in word document format and send it to:

Distributing regulation material on Sydney Harbour

State Coordinator
Community Programs
NSW DPI
PO Box 21
Cronulla NSW 2230
dee.mcelligott@industry.nsw.gov.au

Want to know more?

• Volunteer code of conduct
• Training for volunteers
• Fishcare Volunteer Activities
• What volunteers and the community are saying about the program
• Fishcare Calendar of Events (Event commitments/trailer movements) - Sydney Region, August to November 2010 20Kb
• Fishcare Update Spring 2011 Edition 5.8 Mb

Contact

If you'd like more information about the program, contact an Education Officer (EO):

Sydney Harbour volunteers pack up after a day on the water.

For information in relation to state wide initiatives and policy please contact;

State Coordinator - Community Programs

Dee McElligott
Cronulla
PO Box 21
Cronulla NSW 2230
Ph: 02 9527 8531
Fax: 02 9527 8536
M: 0408 437 547

dee.mcelligott@dpi.nsw.gov.au or fishcare@dpi.nsw.gov.au