A group of young women from the Shoalhaven area will join local police as part of the first all-girls Fishing for the Future Program taking place this weekend.
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Twelve local girls, aged 12 to 16 years, are taking part in the program on Saturday and Sunday.
This innovative program is designed to improve the relationship between police and local youth, particularly kids from the Aboriginal community, but also to build up the participants’ ability to be young leaders in the community.
More than 300 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas have already participated in the program, including fishing workshops, holiday fishing clinics and a two-day leadership and fishing program.
“We are always looking at ways to try and improve this program,” program coordinator, police chief inspector Steve Johnson said.
“We are excited about hosting our first all-girls program.
“The program is a unique opportunity for teenage girls from the Shoalhaven area to learn about leadership, a career in recreational fishing and safe, responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
“During the program, the participants will be briefed on the recreational fishing industry to encourage them considering a career in fishing, from working in a tackle shop, NSW Department of Primary Industries or fishing journalism.
“We have a number of female mentors from both the police and recreational fishing community to provide positive role models for the girls as part of the program.
“The participants will also receive master classes on fishing in the local area.
“Local anglers will be sharing their inside secrets and tips on landing the big one.”
Day one is a leadership workshop and fishing clinic being held from 9am to 4pm at the Nowra Youth Centre.
Day two is a guided fishing experience on board Escape Fishing Charters from Greenwell Point.
This initiative is funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust and is a partnership between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Shoalhaven Local Area Command, run with the assistance of the Nowra Youth Centre.
The Uncle Ray Smith Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the most outstanding angler on Day 2 of the program.
It is proudly supported by Fishing World Magazine, Shimano Australia Fishing, BCF South Nowra, Pro Lures Australia, Sax Scents, Totally Immersed Watersports and Bay and Basin Sportsfishing.