Runaway Bay Fishing and Friends

The sun was shining as clients and staff from Afford’s Southport Community Centre in Queensland headed to Runaway Bay for a picnic, fishing and fun with friends.

Afford community centres support individuals to access their local community and develop social connections and friendships. A recent trip to Shearwater Park provided all this and more for Afford clients, Josh, Naomi, Emma and Natasha.

The beautiful day called for lots of walks along the sand and water’s edge. The sounds of the water lapping against the sand and the call of birds in the trees proved very relaxing.

Picnic baskets filled with healthy snacks and lunch were opened out onto picnic rugs for a lovely meal under the shade of the large trees around the grounds.

“It was a great day out that really helped our clients strengthen their friendships,” said Justine, Team Leader at Southport Community Centre.

“Our clients enjoy going out as a group and doing activities together. They develop their social skills and really get to know each other on a deeper level. They talk about similar interests they may have or the things they like to do.”

The activity that proved most popular, was fishing! With support from lifestyle assistants, everyone had the chance to learn some basic fishing skills.

After having no luck in catching a fish at Runaway Bay, Josh, Naomi and Emma decided they wanted to find out just what gets the perfect catch.

Customer Care Manager, Tamara, connected Southport Community Centre staff with the local fishing club. Four of the club’s volunteers took Southport clients and staff out to a good fishing spot, to learn more about the art of fishing.

After catching rocks, trees, seaweed and leaves, the team finally cast their fishing lines into the water and caught three fish! The fish were small in size, so they were freed back into the water. Not before everyone had a good close look at these magnificent aquatic creatures, of course.

At Afford, caring for the health and wellbeing of every individual is a focus, particularly following the events of this year.

Community access is a way for individuals to unwind and take a break from regular routines to see and try something new for overall wellbeing.

Find out more about Afford community centres across Queensland and Australia.