Illawarra kids learn life-long fishing skills

The Lake Illawarra Police Community Youth Club has received a $5000 grant to encourage young people to fish.

This is just one of many worthwhile initiatives, as part $11.5 million worth of projects provided by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.

The grant will help young people in the Illawarra learn about recreational fishing and enjoy it as a safe and fun experience - they will also learn to respect the environment.

The grant will be used to help the club’s ‘Gone Fishing’ program, which will be run every second Monday. The program will provide each participant with a rod, reel and bait and they will be supervised by a volunteer fishing buddy.

This is a good opportunity for kids to learn valuable fishing and communication skills. It will also provide young people with a pastime and equip them with important skills which can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Local schools will also have the opportunity to refer youth participants to the program, as well as local police within the Illawarra command.

Anyone can apply to the Recreational Fishing Trusts for funding including fishing clubs and organisations, councils, community groups and individuals.

All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW.

For more information about the Recreational Fishing Trusts, or to apply for trust funds visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee