The first of its kind, the program is part of the Shoalhaven Local Area Command’s Aboriginal Action Plan.

The program was open to Aboriginal children aged 12 to 16 years with a genuine interest in recreational fishing, the potential to be young leaders in the local community and at least an 80 per cent attendance rate at school.

In the spirit of reconciliation, several non-Indigenous children were also took part in the program.

The program started at the Nowra Youth Centre on Saturday when local elder Willy Dickson, shared his story and talked about how fishing was important to the Aboriginal way of life.

The children also had talks on leadership and respect.

The next few hours involved a fishing clinic with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, and sessions on fishing tackle, working in the recreational fishing industry, fish biology and a fishing master class delivered by local anglers.

On Sunday Nowra police, youth workers and staff from the NSW Fishcare Volunteer Program donated their time to take the children fishing for the day aboard Escape Fishing Charters.

Program co-ordinator Inspector Steve Johnson said the children got a lot out of the weekend.

“The children caught more than 120 fish during the fishing trip, with some being released and others kept and cooked,” Inspector Johnson said.

“One of the kids actually said the fishing trip was the best day of his life. The rest of the feedback we got from them was very positive.

“Programs that focus on getting kids involved in outdoor recreational activities have the real potential to divert them away from risk-taking behaviour.

“It also encourages them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

“Fishing is also an activity that improves children’s connections to family, friends and their community.

“We’re going to do a camp next year,” Inspector Johnson said.