Fishing clinic helps people with special needs

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is running a fishing clinic in Narrandera to cater for people with special needs.

Twenty-five people from The Cyprus Centre at Narrandera will take part.

The clinic will be held on Saturday 18 September at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Buckingbong Road, off the Sturt Highway, from 10.30 am to 3 pm.

"The clinic is a valuable opportunity for people with special needs to take part in the nation's favourite pastime, whilst at the same time learning recreational fishing skills," said NSW DPI, Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway.

"The Narrandera Fisheries Centre which includes a hatchery and grow out ponds, The John Lake Centre for visitor education and aquariums, and a research centre is the ideal place for community groups to learn more about fishing.

"Participants will be able to practice knot tying, casting and other fishing skills with help from NSW DPI staff and Narrandera Lions Club who will be supplying volunteers and catering for the day. They will also be able to fish in a pond specially stocked to improve their chances of a good catch."

Cyprus Centre manager Margaret Stewart was delighted that NSW DPI had offered to run the clinic.

"Very few of our people get an opportunity to fish, even though Narrandera has some great fishing spots," Mrs Stewart said.

"The fishing clinic is an integration program that will make it easier for people with special needs to get out and about in the community while at the same time helping them realise that fishing is something they can do in their own leisure time."

MEDIA CONTACTS: Sarah Chester on 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669