The Beagle
Feb 28, 2018
DPI runs general fishing workshops in both freshwater and saltwater locations. The location sites vary over time but generally are located in either departmental owned facilities or safe locations which have been risk assessed by agency staff.
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?A charge of $40 applies per child to all fishing workshops, except the Community Engagement and Special Needs Fishing Workshops, which are conducted free of charge. The charge subsidises the cost of gear used/given to the child at the completion of the days activities.
Over the course of the day, children are taken through a series of activity or lesson sessions including:
rules and regulations
fishing safety and responsibly
conservation of fish habitats
knot tying
line rigging and baiting
casting techniques,
retrieval of fish and fish handling
At the completion of the day, each child is receives a rod, reel, tackle box, hooksafe, shirt, cap and goodie bag to take home with them. At some venues a BBQ 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.Your child's safety on the day
DPI complies with the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, by ensuring all staff and volunteers undergo working with children checks and follow the practices as outlined by the agency.Sites used by the agency to undertake the workshops are risked assessed by experienced DPI staff and risks and hazards identified and minimised.
All parents are encouraged to ensure there child is appropriately dressed for the days activity, including enclosed shoes, they bring a water bottle 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, three working days prior to the workshop.
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 lasts longer.
How do I get involved in these fishing workshops?
Individuals
General fishing workshops are advertised in local papers, on our website 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 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.
Contact your local Fisheries Education Officer for more information.
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