The Williamstown Newport Anglers’ Club and Fish Protection Society celebrated 80 years providing for the community. 95567 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
A CLUB that was started by 11 local residents in 1933 to provide angling opportunities for the community has celebrated its 80th birthday.
The Williamstown Newport Anglers’ Club and Fish Protection Society held a celebration on Sunday to mark the occasion.
Club president Peter O’Neill said the club was extremely proud to achieve a significant milestone in its history.“We believe that the club provides our community with angling opportunities for everyone regardless of their knowledge and experience,” Mr O’Neill said.
“The club aims to encourage and promote recreational fishing throughout the local community and provide facilities to achieve this.”
Mr O’Neill said the club’s greatest achievement has been to continuously provide more than 80 years of opportunity for anybody to participate.
“The great benefit is the exchange of information between all members that are continuously learning something from each other.
“Our members, both female and male are from all walks of life, ages and ethnic backgrounds with a common interest in fishing.”
The club currently has approximately 150 members with the majority from the Hobsons Bay community and members from country regions and interstate.
“We strive to ensure that club membership and participation remains affordable to our community.”
The celebrations were held in conjunction with the club’s president’s day luncheon with a focus on contributing to the community.
Originally the event donated freshly caught fish to the Williamstown Hospital and later to Urrumbirra House for people with special needs.
Today all fish caught are distributed to the club’s older members and supporters of the club.
Anyone interested in joining the club is welcome to attend a weekly meeting held every Wednesday at 8pm or visit www.wnfish.com.au.
