DPI fishing workshop helps people with special needs

A fishing workshop to be held on Saturday 10 September by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Narrandera Fisheries Centre will provide the opportunity for people with special needs to take part in the nation’s favourite pastime.

A group of 40 people with special needs from the Cypress Centre at Narrandera, ranging in age from 15 to 60, as well as 10 carers will take part in the workshop run by fisheries education officers with assistance from the Narrandera Lions Club.

The clinic will be held at the Fisheries Centre, Buckingbong Road, from 10.30 am to 3 pm.

The NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts provide funding for the workshop program, which dedicates more than $50 000 a year to ensure community engagement workshops continue across the State.

‘The workshop is a valuable opportunity for people with special needs to learn recreational fishing skills,’ NSW DPI Narrandera Fisheries Centre Site Manager Les Rava said.

‘The Narrandera Fisheries Centre which includes a hatchery and grow-out ponds, The John Lake Centre for visitor education and aquariums, and a centre of excellence for research 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.’

Cypress Centre manager Margaret Stewart said the group were ‘over the moon’ about the visit to the Fisheries Centre.

‘The fishing workshop 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 to realise that fishing is something they can do in their own leisure time,’ she said.

Media contact: Sarah Chester on 02 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669

Photo opportunities are available on the day of the clinic.