ABORIGINAL children from the Shoalhaven area on the NSW South Coast will get the chance to wet a line at a special Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fishing workshop, run in partnership with the Shoalhaven Local Area Command (LAC) and PCYC.
Inspector Steve Johnson, Aboriginal Issues Officer for the Shoalhaven LAC, said the DPI, police and the Shoalhaven PCYC will conduct the fishing workshop on the foreshore of Greenwell Point on Friday 19 April 2013 for Aboriginal children aged 8 to 14 years from the Nowra and Jerringa communities. Kids from the Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group holiday program will also be taking part in the program.
“Funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust is being contributed to run this fishing workshop and as such there is no cost for the kids to get involved in this fun day of activities,” Inspector Johnson said. “The program is also proudly supported by Fishing World Magazine, McGlashan Media, Nowra Marine and Wilson Fishing.
“These workshops not only offer Aboriginal children fishing skills, they also teach them social interaction skills and provide a great opportunity for the parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles to share their knowledge.
“During the workshop the kids will be able to engage with Fishcare Volunteers and DPI staff to learn about NSW fishing rules, fishing safety, conservation of fish and their habitats, knot tying, line rigging, baiting and casting techniques and retrieval of fish.
“Police Officers and Volunteers in Policing will also be providing valuable assistance and experience on the day. Each child will receive a rod, reel, tackle box, hat, and sample bag to take home with them.
“Fishing is a great past time for children of all backgrounds to enjoy.
“This dedicated fishing workshop for Aboriginal children is a fantastic opportunity for them to enjoy a day of organised activities, learn a few new skills, take away a greater understanding of fishing and the management of our fisheries resources – and most of all have fun.” Inspector Johnson said.
Date: Friday 19 April 2013
Time: 9.30am to 2pm
Where: Greenwell Point Foreshore (boat ramp) Adelaide St, Greenwell Point
Bookings: Ben Wellington, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Shoalhaven LAC
Ph: 02 44219620
Contact: Inspector Steve Johnson Shoalhaven LAC Ph: 02 44219640
Kids can learn more about recreational fishing by going to the NSW DPI’s website at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational
