Supporting people with disabilities is a significant aspect of Bodycare Physiotherapy’s core
values. We are so fortunate to have the ability to work with this population and have sponsored
groups and events such as the Disabled Surfers Association Great Southern and the All
Abilities Ball here in Albany.
Another organisation that we have started to become involved with is Fishability, a Recfishwest-
sponsored group who organises fishing sessions, on and off a boat, for those with
disabilities. Since early January, Elano, one of our own physiotherapists, has joined the
Fishability team to also get involved with the community in a way that both aligns with his love
for fishing and his enjoyment of working with this population.
The City of Albany have provided Fishability a boat pen, free of charge, which houses the Nev
Thomas, Fishability’s fully accessible boat with wheelchair access on board too. Fishability is
completely free of charge, and all the equipment required to fish is provided at the session as
well, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Support workers are also required to be present
and are allowed to try their luck if they wish.
In recent times, fish like our Black Bream, Trumpeter, Trevally, Leatherjacket, and even the
occasional King George Whiting have been caught off the jetty! Fishability’s volunteers are all
equipped with a current Working With Children Check, and National Police Clearance. They
are also all happy to bait your hook and unhook your fish if you’ve had some luck!
Anyone with a disability is welcome to attend – jetty sessions are Friday mornings at Emu Point
Jetty, at the end where the shipwrights are. Times are 9:00am to 11:30am for jetty (land based)
sessions, and 9:15am to 11:30am for boat-based sessions, which require an online booking and
are subject to weather. Catch Elano on a Friday morning at the jetty and try your chances at
catching a fish too!
For more information:
Albany Jetty and Boat Program Coordinator
JK Backhouse
m: 0428 144 181