Reeling in connection

By Sheree Hoddinett

Hooked on more than just fishing, a fast-growing grassroots movement is transforming time on the water into a powerful force for mental health, connection and community across the Pumicestone Passage and beyond. 

Pumicestone Passage Pirates, founded in early 2024, has quickly grown from a small Facebook group into a thriving, volunteer-led movement focused on wellbeing, suicide prevention and environmental care across the Pumicestone Passage, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay areas. 

What began as a simple online space for local fishers has evolved into something much bigger. The group was created by community members who recognisedthe positive impact time spent on the water can have on mental health. 

At the helm is president, Fixo, who explains the group was built on the belief that fishing is more than a pastime — it is a form of aqua therapy that encourages connection, conversation and calm. 

“Fishing naturally creates space for people to slow down, connect and feel part of something,” Fixo said. “Sometimes just being out on the water together is what makes the difference.” 

An early turning point came when community member John Wadey organised a fishing competition, revealing a strong appetite for inclusive, wellbeing-focused events. Since then, the Pirates have developed into a structured organisation delivering regular competitions, awareness campaigns and mental health initiatives. 

Today, the group hosts inclusive fishing competitions in May and August, along with accessibility and inclusion events, as well as mental health-focused gatherings. These events are supported by Beyond Blue ambassadors, first aiders, welfare support and on-site counsellors, ensuring participants have access to support when needed. Fundraising activities such as sausage sizzles help raise money for suicide prevention and mental health improvement programs. 

“These events aren’t about who catches the biggest fish,” Fixo said. “They’re about people feeling welcome, supported and seen.” 

Environmental care is also a key focus, with the Pirates working alongside marine experts including Mr Ben Diggles to explore shellfish habitat restoration in the passage. The group also actively promotes organisations including Queensland Wildlife Rescue and Sunshine Coast Animal Rescue. 

Looking ahead, the Pirates are preparing to launch a new awareness campaign, Pirates off the Plank (#piratesofftheplank), on Friday May 1. The initiative encourages community members to share a black-and-white photo performing a pirate gesture while reflecting on invisible mental health struggles. 

“We all know someone who looks okay on the outside but isn’t,” Fixo said. “Pirates off the Plank is about letting people know they’re not alone.” 

The following day, Saturday May 2, will see the group host its flagship May Fishing Competition at Toorbul Boat Ramp. The event will feature more than $2000 in prizes, Beyond Blue representation and a fundraising sausage sizzle, with City of Moreton Bay Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige attending to assist with presentations and community engagement. 

The organisation is also building for the future, drawing on insights from the six-week Centred Man Program facilitated by Ricky Overton from OCORP. The program has helped shape plans for Pirate Circles, set to launch in 2027, which will combine structured wellbeing support with outdoor activities such as fishing, camping and four-wheel driving, just to name a few. Funding raised through the Pirates’ Scholarship and Capacity Building Gala and Auction in 2027 will support training fully qualified Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapy facilitators, with one based on the Sunshine Coast and one in Moreton Bay. 

“Our goal is to build long-term capacity within the community,” Fixo said. “We want to invest in people and programs that will continue supporting wellbeing for years to come.”  Since its formation, Pumicestone Passage Pirates has grown to nearly 16,000 Facebook members and raised close to $50,000 for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. The organisation is powered entirely by volunteers and supported by a passionate management committee. 

“This movement belongs to the community," Fixo said. “It’s about connection, care and protecting the passage we all love.”  For more information, visit pumicestonepassagepirates.com.au or Pumicestone Passage Pirates on Facebook.