Koori kids learn to catch and cook in Botany Bay

A grant of $5000 has been awarded to Koori Communications to fund the popular ‘Catch N Cook’ fishing program at La Perouse.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Recreational Fisheries Manager, John Diplock said this year the indigenous fishing program would include after school fishing workshops for primary aged students and a weekend fishing camp for high school students.

“The after school program will begin in October, while the fishing camp will take place in November.

“Both will be run by Koori Communications which successfully applied for a Recreational Fishing Trust grant from the NSW State Government.

“The two groups will learn how to safely use, store and maintain fishing equipment and be taught bag and size limits and sustainable fishing practices,” Mr Diplock said.

Project leader and mentor will be Peter Cooley, an Aboriginal workplace Trainer and Assessor.

Mr Diplock said this was the third time the Trust had funded the Catch N Cook program which has been very successful at targeting youth at risk.

“It gives them a positive and enjoyable hands-on experience of fishing as well as learning how to work in small groups. Any fish caught can be barbecued at the end of the day.”

The project is also supported by the South Sydney Amateur Fishing Association who sends volunteers along to teach the kids.

Mr Diplock said the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust was committed to teaching children responsible fishing practices through workshops and DPI conducted programs for both indigenous and non indigenous students throughout NSW.

Funds raised from the recreational fishing fee are placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and one for freshwater, and can only be spent on projects to improve recreational fishing.

For more details on the Recreational Fishing Trust: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

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