Sharks, fish and kids fishing clinics all on show at DPI Open Day

21 Aug 2019

children viewing the Fish on Show display

Sharks, an award winning interactive fishing display and kids fishing clinics are on show at the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Wollongbar Institute 125 year anniversary Open Day this Saturday, 24 August.

DPI Director Aquatic Environment, Sarah Fairfull said a brand new, locally designed SharkSmart education trailer will be unveiled at the Open Day.

“This unique, eye catching trailer is about to undertake a tour educating coastal communities on the latest science and information on staying SharkSmart this Summer.”

DPI Fisheries staff will be on hand to explain the latest in shark research and trials being delivered here on the North Coast under the $16M Shark Management Strategy.

Ms Fairfull said these trials aim to increase protection for beachgoers from sharks, while minimising impacts on sharks and other marine life.

“Come and see the technology and gear being trialled, learn more about where sharks move in our waters and find out how to be SharkSmart this Summer.”

An interactive “Fish on Show” display will also be a huge attraction for kids and those who love to fish or eat seafood.

“The Fish on Show Stand won the Gold Award at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show and we are very excited to have it here on the North Coast for this Open Day for our local community to enjoy and experience.”

Three kids fishing clinics are also on offer. The free clinics are aimed at kids between the ages of 8 and 14 years to learn about the importance of size and bag limits, how to tie knots and the basics of casting. Places are filling fast, so please book online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kids-mini-fishing-workshop-tickets-68224371933

“These are just some of the many events and displays on offer at the Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute 125 year anniversary Open Day. Come along and experience the working farm, a kids animal farm, drone demonstrations, inspect a soil pit and learn about our local soils or tour our water and soils testing laboratories, historical display and rainforest regeneration site.”

Food, coffee, fun - there is something for everyone. There is plenty of parking and disabled access.

We hope to see you there between 10am-3pm as we showcase how Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute has been helping to grow our region for 125 years.

A full program of events is available at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/science-and-research/centres/wollongbar/125-years-growing-our-region

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686