Fishing and cultural workshops for Walgett Indigenous youth

[Member]

Fishing and cultural workshops for Walgett Indigenous youth
02 May 2012 - NSW Fisheries

Indigenous children from Walgett Community School will learn about fishing on the banks of the Namoi this week, in workshops run by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA), in partnership with local Indigenous and community groups.

NSW DPI Community Relations Manager, George Mannah, said the workshops will teach the next generation of Indigenous children about the importance of safe and sustainable fishing.

“These workshops cover everything the kids need to know to be able to get out there and drop in a line,” Mr Mannah said.

“Our expert staff will go through fishing safely, conservation, rules and regulations, rigging and gear, baiting and casting, fish identification and how to clean, gut and prepare a fish.

“Over the two days, about 50 kids will take part and receive a rod, reel, hat, tackle box, educational material and a Certificate of Achievement.

“The workshops also encourage social interaction as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are invited to attend and share their knowledge with the boys and girls.

“The kids will then get the opportunity to put their new fishing skills to the test in the Walgett Community Carp Muster on Saturday 5th May.”

Chairman of the Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council, Danny Chapman, said the workshops form part of a broader program for engaging with the Indigenous community, especially young people, in the Walgett area.

“NSW State and Local government, in partnership with community and Indigenous groups, develop these kinds of activities to keep kids busy and give them something positive to focus their energy on,” Mr Chapman said.

“Programs like these also build bridges between the Aboriginal community and NSW Government.”

The workshops will take place on 3rd and 4th May, 9:30am – 2:30pm at Walgett Community School and on the banks of the Namoi River, upstream from the township of Walgett.

The workshops are free for all participants, supported by funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust and run by NSW DPI and the Namoi CMA, in partnership with Dharriwaa Elders Group, Walgett Gamillaraay Aboriginal Community Working Party, Walgett Community School, Walgett Aboriginal Land Council, Walgett Shire Council, Walgett Aboriginal Medial Service and the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

For more information on the Walgett Community Carp Muster, please contact Milly Hobson on 0429 602 132