Empowering women to lead, connect,

and create change in recreational fishing.

March 14–15, 2026 · Newcastle, NSW

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.

This project is supported with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts

Building Leaders.
Inspiring Communities.
Shaping Fishing’s Future.

Empowering women across NSW to lead, connect, and inspire change in recreational fishing.

The FiSHEr Leadership Forum is a two-day, fully immersive leadership development experience designed to empower women across New South Wales to step into influential roles throughout the recreational fishing sector.

Taking place on 14-15 March 2026, this event brings together 50 emerging female leaders for practical training, connection, and inspiration — laying the foundations for stronger, more inclusive fishing communities statewide.

registration OPEN NOW

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

Whether you’ve just discovered the wonders of fishing, or are already on your way to leadership (you may even already be an educator, club member, tackle shop worker, fisheries officer, marine scientist, content creator, or local fishing legend), this forum is for YOU.

What Will You Learn?

Across two immersive days, participants will dive into sessions that blend practical skill-building with leadership growth:

• Leadership & communication skills

• Event planning & coordination essentials (for clinics, tournaments, education sessions, and more)

• Digital presence, media, and personal brand building

• Sponsorship and stakeholder engagement

• Social license and the future of recreational fishing

• Responsible fishing & fish handling best practices

• Habitat stewardship and sustainability messaging

• Creating inclusive, welcoming environments for women and girls

• Practical coaching on confidence, assertiveness and influence

You’ll leave the forum not just inspired — but equipped to take action.

Key Dates:

Forum: 14-15 March 2026

Registrations close: Friday 16 January 2026

Successful applicants notified: Friday 15 January 2026

Spaces are limited — apply early to secure your place.

How to apply:

Fill out the Registration form below.
We want to hear your story, your goals, and your ideas for making a difference.

This should take around 10 minutes. There are no right or wrong answers — just your unique perspective.

Every great movement starts with someone willing to lead.

We can’t wait to see where you’ll take yours.