Inclusive Clubs Program
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is committed to supporting strong and sustainable fishing and boating clubs across Victoria. That’s why we’re delivering the Inclusive Clubs Program.
Angling and boating clubs are central to Victoria’s fishing and boating community, playing a powerful role in ensuring participants continue to enjoy fishing and boating.
One of the biggest challenges clubs share with us is their ability to attract new members, including women and young people. Welcoming new and more diverse members is important to ensure that clubs grow and remain strong into the future.
What is the Inclusive Clubs Program?
The program involves 5 workshops delivered by an expert facilitator. Each session will provide participating clubs with practical tools and strategies to create a more inclusive environment, attract new members and strengthen club participation.
Any angling or boating club can nominate 2-3 members to join the program, with sessions running between February and June 2027. An optional follow up session will be delivered 3-6 months after program completion, giving clubs the opportunity to assess their progress and seek further advice.
Every club that completes the program will receive a digital certificate, badge and social media tile to promote their participation in the inclusive Clubs Program, alongside recognition on the VFA website and socials.
Expressions of interest to join the program will open in late October 2026.
This initiative is being delivered by the VFA, in partnership with the Women in Fishing and Boating Network, and with support from the Better Boating Fund.
Further information on the program is available here.
Help shape the program
We're seeking feedback from Victorian anglers and boaters to help shape the content of the Inclusive Clubs Program.
We want to better understand the challenges clubs face when attracting, retaining and supporting members from diverse backgrounds. Your feedback will directly inform the development of the program and help ensure the program is relevant to the experiences of Victorians across the fishing and boating community.
Please complete the short survey via this link.
The survey will be open until midnight 30th September 2026.