STRONGER FISHING CLUBS GRANT
In December 2023 the Club made application for funding through Fisheries Victoria, Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant for improvements at our Lodge/Club House and an upgrade of the Club’s Website. The improvements included Solar Equipment Replacement, a new Machinery & Mower Shed and an internal Water Supply Pump replacement as well as the Website Upgrade.
In April 2024 the Club was extremely pleased to receive notification that our application was successful for an amount of $9889 for works at our Lodge/Club House, on the Mitta River at Hinnomunjie Station, Omeo Victoria and for the Club’s website upgrade.
The Solar equipment replacement works was completed by our Contractor on June 14, 2024, assisted by 2 Club members, the Clubs contribution was $880. This included supply and installation of 2 Victron Solar Converters and a Victron Solar Inverter with cables & fittings and pole insulators to compliment the recent upgrade of the Solar Panels and 2 new 120AMP Lithium batteries.
The results of this work have exceeded our expectations. We are now able to provide an alternative low carbon power source to pump water for toilet/dishwashing etc during the day and nearly eliminate the use of our petrol Generator. The new system has a capacity to operate the Lodge during the day as well as at night where the operation of appliances such as phone chargers and importantly Sleep Apnoea (CPAP) machines can be operated without running the generator. This equipment has made the operation of the lodge easier for all members and guests.
The second part of our grant was a storage shed at the Lodge to house a Ride-on mower, Fire & Water Pumps, various Tools, and other equipment as well as Firewood. The Club obtained an ABSCO 3m x 3m shed double doors (which gave access to the ride-on mower). This was delivered to the site by our contractor who constructed the concrete slab floor and erected the shed with the assistance of 3 members. The Clubs contribution was $1600.
The last item of Lodge Equipment was a new Orange Pump. A replacement for a worn-out pump that delivers water from the storage tank' internally to bathroom/toilet & kitchen a great improvement on the old one.
The final part of the grant was for a major upgrade of the Clubs website bairnsdaleflyfishersclub.org.au which has been in operation for several years. This site has been very helpful in increasing our membership and it is important in providing information for members as well as giving members access for booking accommodation at the Club Lodge. Our developer Bairnsdale Web Design completed this work in October including the training of 2 members who have found the new system much easier to operate.
Stronger Fishing Club Grants are funded by recreational fishing licence fees through VR Fish. Without this grant our club would not have had the funds to complete these works.
