Children from Bundaleer Housing Estate at Warrawong, on the NSW South Coast, will get the chance to wet a line at a special NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) fishing workshop run in partnership with NSW Police. 

Dee McElligott, NSW DPI State Coordinator Communication Programs for recreational fishing said the department and police from the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command will conduct the fishing workshop on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra on Thursday 19 January 2012 for children aged 8 to 14 years from the Estate.  

“This fishing workshop is being funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust as a community engagement workshop and as such there is no cost for the kids to get involved in this fun day of activities,” Ms McElligott said.  

“NSW Police will be providing a morning tea and a sausage sizzle for lunch.  Local businesses are also getting involved supplying some prizes for the participants.   

“During the workshop the kids will be able to engage with Fishcare Volunteers and NSW 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. 

”At the end of the day, a quiz session will be held and each child will receive a certificate of achievement, plus a prize to take home. 

“Fishing is a great past time for children of all backgrounds to enjoy. 

“This dedicated fishing workshop for children from the Bundaleer Housing Estate 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.”   

Date:                Thursday 19 January 2012 

Time:               10am - 2pm 

Venue:             Foreshore of Lake Illawarra - opposite the Bundaleer Housing Estate           

Bookings:       Contact Jennifer Newton at the Barnados Bundaleer Community Development Program, Ph: 02 42752011

Media contact: Sarah Wright 6391 3686