Building Leaders.
Inspiring Communities.
Shaping Fishing’s Future.
Recreational fishing is one of the very few truly gender-neutral sports in the world.
There’s nothing a woman can’t do with a rod and reel — but the sector doesn’t yet reflect that equality.
Women make up just one-third of participants, despite representing more than half the population.
We’re here to change that.
The FiSHEr Leadership Forum is the first step in building a strong, skilled network of women leaders — ready to coordinate events, drive education, lead sustainability conversations, and represent the future of fishing in every part of the state.
Together, we’ll grow participation, protect the sport we love, and build the visibility, credibility, and influence women need to thrive in recreational fishing.
Empowering women across NSW
to lead, connect, and create change in recreational fishing.
snapshot
Key Dates:
Forum: 14-15 March 2026
Venue: Mercure Newcastle
Open to: Women in NSW with a passion for fishing
Registrations close: Friday 16 January 2026
Successful applicants notified: 20 January 2026
Spaces are limited — apply early to secure your place.
Applications close in...
What Is the Forum?
The FiSHEr Leadership Forum is a two-day immersive leadership experience designed to equip, connect, and elevate 50 emerging female leaders from across New South Wales.
Held in March 2026, the Forum brings together women with a passion for fishing — whether they're weekend fishos, local legends, tournament competitors, or just starting out — and gives them the tools to lead confidently in their communities.
Participants receive practical training in:
Event coordination & tournament planning
Inclusive community leadership
Responsible fishing & sustainability
Public speaking, media, and digital presence
Mentoring, confidence-building, and influence
What You’ll Learn
... A CONDENSED OVERVIEW
Leadership & communication skills
Event planning & tournament readiness
Personal brand & public presence
Stakeholder engagement
Inclusive coaching & community-building
Sustainability & responsible fishing
CHECK OUT JUST SOME OF THE TALENT
Featured Speakers
EMMA HARVEY
KEYNOTE
JO STARLING
MC
CASS PRICE
WORKSHOP
From outliers to equals — Emma shares the Northern Territory’s journey to gender parity in fishing.
A story of guts, growth, and game-changing unity.
Jo brings heart, humour, and vision to the mic — guiding us through two transformational days of leadership, learning, and the spirit of fishing.
Jo brings heart, humour, and vision to the mic — guiding us through two transformational days of leadership, learning, and the spirit of fishing.
EMMA HARVEY
KEYNOTE
From outliers to equals — Emma shares the Northern Territory’s journey to gender parity in fishing.
A story of guts, growth, and game-changing unity.
JO STARLING
MC
Jo brings heart, humour, and vision to the mic — guiding us through two transformational days of leadership, learning, and the spirit of fishing.
A story of guts, growth, and game-changing unity.
CASS PRICE
WORKSHOP
From outliers to equals — Emma shares the Northern Territory’s journey to gender parity in fishing.
A story of guts, growth, and game-changing unity.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We’re looking for women who:
Are passionate about fishing — from casual fishers to seasoned competitors
Want to champion change in their community or corner of the fishing world
Are ready to lead in education, event coordination, science, communication, policy, business or tournament spaces
Are committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and better representation for women in fishing
Have a desire to inspire, influence and empower others
Who’s Behind the Forum?
This is a The FiSHEr Leadership Forum is an initiative of the Women’s Recreational Fishing League (WRFL), supported by funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust. It’s also backed by partners including OzFish Unlimited, regional clubs, and respected leaders in the recreational fishing sector.
WRFL was founded in 2021 to break down the barriers women face in fishing — and to create a future where every woman, girl, and gender-diverse person feels confident to lead, cast, compete, and belong.
