"We all have our line in the same water, what do we want to catch?β
About Australian Women in Fishing (AUSWIF)
Our mission is to support womenβby providing culturally informed, healing spaces where they can engage in fishing as both a recreational activity and a therapeutic tool. Through our Fishing for Therapy programs, we offer women the chance to participate in hands-on fishing experiences that promote mental health and emotional well-being. A core feature of our programs is the use of the fishing rod as a βsafety stick,β a tool that allows participants to take time out and deescalate emotional situations.
At the heart of AUSWIF is our Listener Program, which provides on-site mental health support during our five-day therapeutic retreats. Trained professionals offer counselling and emotional care (mental health professionals accredited in mental health first aid), giving participants the opportunity to heal in a supportive, culturally relevant environment. These retreats allow women to connect with nature and also with their heritage, as our programs emphasise the passing down of cultural fishing knowledge.
AUSWIF is committed to building a strong network of women within the fishing community. Through mentorship opportunities, networking events, and leadership workshops, we help women develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the fishing industry. We foster collaboration and create pathways for women to take on leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated field.
In addition to our focus on mental health and empowerment, AUSWIF is passionate about sustainability. Our educational workshops teach sustainable fishing practices that respect the environment, to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy Australiaβs rich fishing heritage.
Our Vision:
To empower and heal women through fishing, fostering community, mental health and well-being, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Our Mission:
We provide culturally informed fishing programs that promote mental health, pass down traditional knowledge, and build a supportive network of women in the fishing industry.
Whether youβre a seasoned angler or new to fishing, AUSWIF welcomes all women who seek to connect with nature, build confidence, and find support through the power of fishing. Together, we are creating a space where women can thrive, heal, and lead.
About us
Kylie Graham, a proud First Nations saltwater woman, has spent the last three and a half years traveling Australia with her partner Dale, researching and working to develop the best mental health support systems for women. Their journey has been driven by a deep commitment to understanding the unique challenges women face, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to support is limited.
Kylieβs mission is personalβshe is determined to create a safe space for women, a place she wished she had during her own struggles. Combining her heritage, love of fishing, and passion for mental health, Kylie founded Australian Women in Fishing (AUSWIF) to empower women through therapeutic fishing programs, mentorship, and community building.
At AUSWIF, we provide culturally informed programs that help women heal, connect, and grow. Weβre building a supportive community where women can find the safety, care, and empowerment they deserve, all through the healing power of fishing.
Fishing for Therapy
Recognising the therapeutic potential of fishing, AUSWIF has been a strong proponent of using the sport as a tool for mental health. The initiative, often referred to as "Fishing for Therapy," focuses on the calming, meditative aspects of fishing to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Itβs also about giving women and children an extra tool to use in times of crisis where they pick up a rod rather than making a tragic decision.. These programs are tailored specifically for women, providing a supportive space to learn or enhance their fishing skills while fostering mental well-being.
Fishing For Therapy
A unique feature of AUSWIF's initiatives is the inclusion of trained counsellors, referred to within the community as "listeners." These listeners are fully trained mental health professionals who are present at events, programs and workshops to provide support and guidance. They offer a listening ear and professional advice, ensuring that participants can discuss any emotional or psychological issues in a safe and understanding environment.
The listeners help bridge the gap between recreational activity and therapeutic intervention, making the programs about learning to fish and more importantly about managing mental health in a holistic way. This dual approach enhances the therapeutic benefits of the activities, providing participants with both physical and emotional support.
Through the revolutionary involvement of these counsellors through our listener programs , AUSWIF not only promotes mental well-being through the act of fishing but also provides direct access to mental health resources, making a significant impact on the lives of many women.