Fun, friendship and fish order of the day for Wilcannia workshop

Fun, friendship and fish will be the order of the day for more than one hundred children who will take part in a special fishing workshop at Wilcannia this Wednesday and Thursday (December 2 and 3).

Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) Community Relations Manager George Mannah said the Wilcannia Central School students and their parents and grandparents would have the chance to learn while they wet a line.

“Fishing plays a very important role in Aboriginal culture and this workshop is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about this aspect of their custom and way of life,” Mr Mannah said.

“Paarkantji elders will have the opportunity to share their knowledge of cultural heritage as well as practical fishing skills with the younger generation.

“In addition I&I NSW Aboriginal Policy Officers will attend in an effort to further contribute to their knowledge of local cultural fishing.

“These workshops are designed to ensure recreational fishing remains a sustainable and enjoyable pastime now and into the future.

The workshops will include practical elements including fishing lessons, fish ID, gilling, gutting, rigging, baiting and casting and a theoretical component with talks on rules, regulations, fishing safety and conservation.

Mr Mannah said each of the 103 children enrolled would receive a gift to encourage their continued interest in fishing.

“Each child will receive a rod and reel, fishing tackle and brochures and prizes from Industry & Investment NSW and the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

“Broken Hill Community Services, Mission Australia will provide food and refreshments for participants.”

The workshop is part of a state wide initiative and is funded by I&I NSW and the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

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