Organisers of Saturday’s inaugural All Abilities Fishing Day in Warrnambool are hoping the idea will catch on.
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The day was so successful that plans are already under way to stage the event again next year.
Western District Employment Access trainer Liz Donnell said there were about 70 people with a disability, as well as their families, who attended the event.
“A lot of the kids had never had a rod in their hand, never had the opportunity before. To see their faces light up was brilliant,” she said.
Students from WDEA Training Certificate 4 in Disability helped run the day in conjunction with Fishcare Victoria volunteers.
People came from as far as Hamilton for the event, which was held near Proudfoots Boathouse on the Hopkins River, and included those who were visually impaired, in wheelchairs or had autism.
The morning’s events were aimed at children and the afternoon catered for adults.