Freshwater Trust Allocation:

2007-08 $31,000

Saltwater Trust Allocation:

2007-08 $59,000

Aim

Fishing Workshops are designed teach responsible fishing practices to children providing an educational experience that is enjoyable. The major goal is to teach the basics of fishing to a newcomer and to encourage them to continue in the sport.

Participants will develop knowledge and understanding about:

• Fishing rules and regulations
• Fishing safety
• Fish anatomy
• General Workshops – Saltwater and Freshwater

The department runs general fishing workshops in both saltwater and freshwater locations. The location sites vary over time but generally are located in either departmental owned facilities or safe coastal locations which have been risk assessed by agency staff.

Freshwater workshops are run at the Gaden (Jindabyne), Dutton (Ebor), Narrandera and Grafton fish hatcheries.

Saltwater workshops are run at places such as, Coffs Harbour, Urunga, The Entrance, Lake Macquarie, Potonga, Narrabeen, Cronulla, Lake Illawarra, Narooma and Batemans Bay.

Workshops are for children aged between 8 and 14 years. Workshops generally last no more than 5 hours and the number of maximum participants is 30.

What is included in Fishing Workshops

Thank you letter

A charge of $40 applies per child to all Fishing Workshops, except the Community Engagement and Special Needs Fishing Workshops which will be conducted free of charge. This subsidises the cost of gear used/given to the child at the completion of the days activities. The activities include a guided fishing session and;

Talks on:

• rules and regulations
• fishing safety
• conservation of fish habitats
• Activities
• knot tying
• line rigging and baiting
• casting techniques and retrieval of fish

Each child is receives a rod, reel, tackle box, shirt, cap, water bottle and sample bag to take home with them. A lunch and or morning/afternoon tea is also provided. At the end of the day, a quiz session, provides each child with a prize to take home, plus a certificate of achievement.

Recreational Trust Education Officers run the workshops, in conjunction with other DPI staff. Fishcare volunteers and local angling club members also provide invaluable assistance and experience on the day.

• See the Cronulla South Primary School blog
  

Your child’s safety on the day

NSW DPI complies with the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, by ensuring all staff and volunteers undergo working with children checks and following the practices as outlined by the agency.

Sites used by the agency to undertake the workshops are risked assessed by DPI staff and risks and hazards identified and minimised.

All parents are encouraged to ensure there child is appropriately dressed for the days activity and sunscreen is applied beforehand.

Children with allergies and or health conditions are catered for provided information has been given prior by correctly filling out the requested paperwork and returning it to the appropriate Education Officer.

How are Fishing Licence Fees being used to support this program?

The NSW Recreational Fishing Trust provides funding to ensure the workshop program continues around the state. With these funds we are better placed to ensure consistent messages, effectiveness and equity in our workshop program. Quality take home materials such as rods and reels ensures the education experience last longer.

How do I get involved in these Fishing Workshops

Individuals

General fishing workshops are advertised in local papers and at agency offices, each advert has contact details attached and you are encouraged to call this number to lodge your interest with the agency. You will be sent out a set of forms for completion and return. Workshop payment is via credit card only and must be paid prior to the event.

Contact your local Fisheries Education Officer (table below) for more information.

Groups/organisation

A number of special needs, community engagement and NESB fishing workshops are undertaken each year. These are free to each participant however, it is the responsibility of the group/organisation to provide transport to and from the location and qualified carers where necessary.

Limited numbers of workshops are available each year so unfortunately not all requests can be met. For more information contact the Recreational Fishing Trust, State Coordinator, Community Programs on 02 9527 8531

When are the next Workshops at NSW DPI?

Freshwater Workshop Timetable

Saltwater workshop timetable

Workshop feedback

The kids have fun and learn a lot at our workshops, and we really enjoy teaching and interacting with keen young minds. But it's great to get positive feedback from the parents as well! Here is an excerpt from a letter received from a happy parent:

"Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of taking my son to the Fishing Workshop at the Gaden Trout Hatchery.

Would you please pass on my thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Hatchery who held the Workshop. It was obvious from the exited chatter in the car on the way home that my son had a fantastic day, capped off by catching a trout for dinner!

The team at the hatchery were professional and friendly. Even at the end of what I'm sure was a long day for them, they kept there cool and focus on the kids.

Well done to all."

Who else runs Fishing Workshops in NSW?

The Department also supports the 'Hooked on Fishing' programs run by the Department of Sport & Recreation during school holiday periods at centres such as Broken Bay and Myuna Bay. For more information contact the Department of Sport and Recreation on 13 13 02 or visit www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/holidays/h_kidscamps.asp

Fishing education programs are also run by some fishing clubs, councils and community education centres. To find the groups in your area, contact your local council and request a list of the local community organisations.

For more information about the Department's fishing workshops, contact Dee McElligott, Recreational Trust - State Coordinator, Community Programs, on (02) 95278531 or 0408437547.