Fishing clubs hook new funding opportunities
03 July 2026
Victorian angling clubs will have the opportunity to hook funding support to upgrade facilities, grow membership and expand community programs thanks to the third round of the Victorian Government’s Stronger Fishing Clubs Grants program.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said 100 clubs and associations had shared in $900,000 through the first two rounds of grants, and applications were now open for more clubs to share in $300,000 as part of the third and final round.
Up to $10,000 per club is on offer to undertake improvements that will create a supportive environment for newcomers to fishing, host learn-to-fish events, and continue to be significant parts of their communities for years to come.
The Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program is funded by recreational fishing licence fees through the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan.
Grants can be used in a variety of ways, from clubroom upgrades to delivering fishing tuition, open days, club marketing improvements, and staging guest speaker nights to sharpen skills and attract new members.
Previous grant recipients include the Warrnambool Offshore & Light Game Fishing Club, which received $10,000 to replace the clubhouse’s external cladding, gutters, downpipe, and roller door.
Waverley & District Anglers is using its $6,890 grant to buy a defibrillator, undertake defibrillator and VHF radio training, and purchase club assets such as brochures and member uniforms.
In central Victoria, the Kyneton Angling Club will put $10,000 towards a Special Needs Day community event, and defibrillator and first aid training, while the Greensborough & District Angling Club is using its grant to upgrade audiovisual equipment, run club open nights with guest speakers and stage their 100-year anniversary celebrations.
Applications for round three of the grants program are open until midnight Sunday 16 August 2026.
To learn more and to apply, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/strongerfishingclubs