Volunteer Fish Hatchery Plays Key Role In Regional Fishing Future

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has highlighted the important work of the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association, praising the organisation’s role in supporting local waterways, education and recreational fishing across the region.

Ms Camm said the volunteer-run group plays a vital but often unseen role in maintaining fish stocks and supporting community events such as the upcoming sooty grunter competition.

She acknowledged the organisation’s strong community contribution, particularly through education and volunteer involvement.

“They certainly play an important role right across the community,” she said.

Ms Camm said the association’s work supports both environmental outcomes and recreational fishing opportunities, with fish stocking helping to maintain healthy populations in local dams and waterways.

“Because of the recreational nature in which people love to get out and go fishing… when it’s too windy out there on the water, you want to be able to go fishing on the dam,” she said.

She also emphasised the reliance on volunteers and community support to continue operations.

“Organisations like this are run completely by volunteers,” she said.

“Through their fundraising efforts, through their corporate donations and the sponsorships they receive, they’re able to produce stock that fill our dams across our community and our region.”

The Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association continues its volunteer hatchery work, breeding sooty grunter and barramundi to support local fishing and upcoming competitions.

Volunteer Stephen Gibbs said the group is currently operating with a small team, but remains committed to maintaining fish stocks for the region.

“We are a purely volunteer group that is dedicated to improving the fish stocks around the five, particularly in the dams, for the fishermen,” he said.

He says daily work at the hatchery involves feeding, cleaning and maintaining fish until they are ready for release.

“Basically, there’s been three of us who have been running with the hatchery for the last few months.”

Mr Gibbs said the organisation is always seeking additional volunteers to support its work. The association also works with local schools, including St Patrick’s College and Holy Spirit College, to educate students about aquaculture and fish production.

The INDT21st World Sooty Championships will be hosted by the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Assoc Inc. at Eungella Dam via Mackay during the May Day weekend from 2nd May to 3rd May 2026.

“It’s always very popular,” he said.

The association continues to play a key role in supporting recreational fishing across the Mackay region, with volunteers helping ensure healthy fish stocks for both current and future generations.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm visited the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Inc to highlight the important role of volunteers in supporting local fish stocks, waterways and recreational fishing across the region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara