About Us
As an official ACNC Registered Charity, Mending Casts has been providing free retreats to people affected by cancer through licensed Reel Recovery and Casting For Recovery programs since January 2019. These unique retreats combine the health and well-being benefits of fly-fishing and connecting with nature, with relief from personal challenges, and an opportunity to share experiences with others in a supportive, non-clinical environment. In 2024, we commenced a new retreat program to support women with any cancer.
As a self-funded, volunteer-run charity, we rely entirely on donations obtained from fundraisers, supporter donations, sponsorships, government grants or corporate partnerships. Every dollar is invested back into our programs and supporting activities.
“ I had given up and wanted the cancer to take me. This
experience has been life-changing and I don’t want to be
isolated anymore. I have rediscovered myself through
fly-fishing and I want to keep going. Thank you for that gift”
…….retreat participant 2021
Our Mission
To enhance the lives of individuals managing cancer through the provision of fly-fishing retreats.
Vision
To be the most highly recognised and respected provider of fly-fishing retreats for people affected by cancer in Australia
Our Values
The heart to serve
Show tolerance, compassion and understanding
Give whenever you can
Behave with integrity, honesty and respect
Love what you do
Be passionate
Share your passion
Be inspired and be skilful
Be a team player
Always give your best
Accept individual strengths and limitations
Help others shine
Our Management Committee : 2024 - 2025
Executive
-
John Billing
President
• Reel Recovery Program Coordinator
• Webmaster & Media Officer
• Governance, Finance, Technical, Reel Recovery & Casting for Recovery
Sub-Committees
• Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor
• ACNC Representative
• Privacy Officer -
Stephen Barnes
Vice-President (Interim)
• Governance, Finance, Sub-Committees
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• Risk Management Officer
• ACNC Signatory
• Financial Advisor
•Business Strategy -
Jonathan Myers
Treasurer
• Financial, Governance, Marketing & Fund-Raising Sub-Committees
• Fly Fishers International member
• Business Strategy
• Legal / Financial support
• Event Volunteer -
Cherrie Ninness
Secretary
• Technical, Finance, Governance Fundraising, Marketing, Casting for Recovery & Reel Recovery Sub-Committees
• CfR Program Coordinator
• Membership & Participation Officer
• First Aid Officer
• Fundraising Co-Ordinator
• Food Safety Officer
• Former Paramedic
Committee Members
-
Eric Smith
Reel Recovery Facilitator
• Governance, Marketing, Reel Recovery Sub-Committees
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• Equipment Officer
• Qualified Nurse
• CFA Victoria member -
Fiona White
Assistant Secretary
• Procurement Officer
• Governance & Finance Sub-Committees
• Events Coordinator
• Grants Officer
• Social Worker -
Merril Wenlock
Event Support
• “On The Mend” Newsletter Editor
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• Food Handling Officer
• Catering Coordinator -
Shelley Olson
Well-Being Officer
• Marketing, Fund Raising, Reel Recovery & Casting for Recover Sub-Committees
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• Chief First Aid Officer
• Photographer
• Equipment Officer
• Paramedic, Registered Nurse & Counsellor -
Linda Cavanagh
Event Support
• Fund Raising Sub-Committee
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• Event volunteer
• Registered ER Nurse
• CFR Past Participant -
Chris Gray
Event Support
• Governance & Marketing Sub-Committees
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• Whistleblower Officer
• Business Owner -
Andrew Connell
Event Support
• Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor
• Retreat Assistant Casting Instructor
• Fly Fishing Guide
• Fund Raising Events/Activities
• CFA Member
• Professional Teacher/Educator -
Joanne Dobson
Event Support
• Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor
• Event Volunteer
• Fund Raising Activities/Events
• Business Owner
Other Members
-
Peter West
-
Jo Ellerton
-
Angus Ingram
-
Val Young
-
Our Credentials
Listed below are links to our official accreditations, registrations and related bona fides.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Registration:
A0105440X
Australian Business Registration (ABN):
53 801 034 308
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
Mending Casts Inc is a Registered Charity
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR): Mending Casts Incorporated is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) from 01 Aug 2019.
Victorian Commission for Gambling & Liquor Regulation
Status: Declared community or charitable organisation, effective 18/08/2021
Regsitered Donation Partner for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) since January 2024.
The CDS rewards Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle they return. You can choose to donate these funds to Mending Casts at CDS recycling centres.
