A love of casting lines and creating connections has inspired one former 4017 resident to create a wonderful community initiative that has recently been honoured at the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards.
Growing up in Torres Strait, Taum Parker’s love for fishing began as a child and continued to flourish after moving to the Sandgate/Shorncliffe area in 1989.
“My passion is what led me to start Taum’s Fishing Day,” she said. “I wanted to create a safe space for people with disabilities, as well as their families and carers, to learn new skills and make new friendships through an enjoyable shared activity.”
Although Taum now lives a little closer to Brisbane city, she has never lost her love for fishing or her deep connection to the 4017 area and is happy to be able to host her bi-weekly event in various locations throughout Sandgate, Shorncliffe and the Redcliffe Peninsula.
As a peer leader for Parent to Parent, the Queensland Agency for Inclusion Australia, Taum has developed her leadership skills and uses Taum’s Fishing Day as a way to help empower others with disabilities to speak up.
“People really enjoy the ability to just be themselves,” she said. “It’s easy to chat about anything when you’re fishing.”
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Taum’s passion and dedication to her community have not gone unnoticed as she has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from event participants, as well as a spot as a finalist at the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards which recognises exceptional achievements in a range of settings across aged care, allied health, community services and disability services.
“Although we didn’t win, the nomination was a huge honour,” she said. “Attending the gala in Melbourne was an unforgettable experience that helped to spotlight our initiative and inspire even more community involvement.”
With the hope of inspiring similar events on the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, and Gladstone, Taum is excited to see what the future has in store.
“My long-term vision is to see these fishing days continue to grow and last for many years to come,” she said. “Seeing people laugh and feel included makes it all worthwhile.”
For more information on upcoming event dates, contact Tee Lovell at 0409 606 739, or visit facebook.com/p2pqld.
Taum’s Fishing Day – March Event Dates
- 13 and 27 March, 11am-2pm
- Baxter’s Jetty
- 68 Allpass Parade, Shorncliffe.
- Events include a free sausage sizzle and fishing gear for those who need it
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Spellbound
- The Best Days of Their Lives
- Say Cheese
- Reaching the Pinnacle
- Closing the gender gap in STEM
- Teens Rock the Green at School’s Out Event
- Laurie’s Beach Walk
- SANDBAG Counsellors Boost Empowerment for Marginalised Communities in India
- Win A $200 City Cave Voucher
- Securing your accounts with multi-factor authentication
- Bracken Ridge Toastmasters
- Boondall School’s Big Bash
- Trying New Things
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Organic Gardening in March
- How Volunteering Can Enrich the Lives Of Others And Bring You Joy
